New York legislators reach deal on healthcare in budget talks

New York state lawmakers have passed the first piece of New York's budget that includes a healthcare package for the state. The legislation passed includes a provision to recalculate the formula the state uses to reimburse hospitals for Medicaid expenses. The plan did run into resistance from hospital groups, labor unions and the Senate. While the plan included new reimbursement rates, it contained the caveat that the rates would expire after the first year and require reauthorization by the Legislature.