To help balance budgets, most states are trimming Medicaid benefits, but so far none have opted for denying people lifesaving transplants. That is, until now.

• In October, Arizona stopped funding organ transplants for low-income patients relying on Medicaid (the state-funded healthcare program).
• Transplants cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but they’re the only hope of survival for many people. Doctors say these cuts are basically a death sentence for these patients, many of whom are already on a waiting list to receive an organ.
• Some politicians are trying to reverse the situation, but the governor of Arizona, Republican Jan Brewer, blamed “Obamacare” (referring to the newly passed health care bill) for the cuts. Actually, Arizona voted to approve the measure before the national health care bill was signed into law.

Facts & Figures

• The cuts affect roughly 100 people currently waiting for a transplant
• Lung transplants, certain liver transplants, and some bone marrow and pancreas transplants will be discontinued, saving the state about $4.5 million
• Private donors are now stepping in to help patients fund their operations

Best Quote

“I know times are tight and cuts are needed, but you can’t cut human lives. You just can’t do that.” –  Flor Felix, wife of denied liver transplant patient Francisco Felix

Tags: Arizona, Health, healthcare, transplants