Critics: CT governor's proposed Medicaid cuts go against spirit of stimulus

To accept $1.3 billion in federal Medicaid stimulus money, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell will have to scrap $22.1 million worth of proposed Medicaid cuts, including a plan to charge premiums to more Medicaid recipients. But advocates for Medicaid recipients say the governor needs to do more to avoid violating the intent, if not the strict terms, of the stimulus. Other proposed Medicaid cuts, which Rell is not expected to withdraw, target safety net programs at a time when more residents need them, something the stimulus program was intended to avoid, the critics say.