New York Democrats renewed their criticism of Bruce Blakeman's Medicaid comments Thursday, highlighting a Syracuse woman's account of how the program helps her live independently.
The New York State Democratic Committee's October 29 release pointed to a WAER report about Agnes McCray, who has cerebral palsy and relies on Medicaid-supported care. Blakeman has disputed Democrats' characterization of his position on the program.
Patient concerns enter the campaign dispute
McCray told WAER that Medicaid has helped her remain independent. She attributed 13 years without a hospital visit to that support and expressed concern that reduced care could eventually force her into a nursing home.
In its release, the Democratic Committee used McCray's account to argue that further reductions would hurt New Yorkers who depend on the program. Party spokesperson Addison Dick said Blakeman's comments would carry consequences at the ballot box.
The release renewed an existing campaign argument, with McCray's experience providing a personal account of what is at stake for people receiving care through Medicaid.
Blakeman has disputed the proposed-cut description
WAER reported that Blakeman used the phrase “cut Medicaid in half” during a June 29 Fox Business appearance while discussing the property-tax burden associated with the program.
During the Oct. 13 gubernatorial debate, he said, “I never said that I would cut Medicaid in half.” FL1's earlier coverage has also noted his dispute with Democrats over that characterization.
WAER said Blakeman's campaign did not respond to the station's request for comment.
The disagreement concerns both how to describe Blakeman's remarks and how New York should respond to federal health-care funding changes. The gubernatorial election is Nov. 3.
Read WAER's full report and FL1's earlier coverage of the campaign dispute.
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