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Not all agree CO should make entitlements smoother
Posted: Aug 28, 2011 11:37 AM by AP Posted by James H Egbert
DENVER (AP) - A Colorado proposal to make it easier to apply for entitlement programs ranging from welfare payments to food stamps has turned political.
The Pueblo Chieftain reports that Republicans say the change could cost the state millions by qualifying virtually every eligible citizen for a gamut of
entitlements. Democrats insist the change would cut red tape and not expand eligibility, just make easier for the needy to receive benefits.
The entitlement discussion comes as Colorado implements a health-insurance exchange, a marketplace for insurance plans required under the new federal health care law.
The law requires exchanges to have an online eligibility application that first screens applicants for Medicaid eligibility. Under the Colorado subcommittee's proposal, applications for the other entitlements automatically would be processed. That is raising concerns among some lawmakers.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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