HHS Appropriations members heard from NC DHHS about the budget reductions DHHS proposed to the Governor to meet potential 3%, 5% and 7% cuts. A number of the proposals call for increased county cost sharing, some replacement of state funds with fees, Federal funds, or receipts, the elimination of some optional services for adults under Medicaid, and additional program cuts.

Please note that these are PROPOSED cuts for 2010-2011. Approps members expressed concern for the cuts and/or elimination of health services, among other comments. Sec Cansler noted that in the wake of current cuts and changes that additional cuts will impact people being served, including health care which makes up a significant portion of the HHS budget and said he was trying to preserve MH/DD/SA services in the wake of extensive cuts last year and in the current year.