Dire warnings as Georgia House OKs budget

Gov. Sonny Perdue has warned Georgia lawmakers that the state's massive healthcare system may run out of money as more people seek help during the recession. Perdue said the House budget would lead to a potentially devastating shortfall in Medicaid, the public healthcare program for 1.5 million poor and disabled Georgians. The Department of Community Health is projecting a 9% rise next year in Medicaid enrollment as unemployment climbs and Georgians are left without health coverage. Perdue's staff said the federal stimulus money won't be enough to cover that increase without spending cuts.