Clinic Fears Medicaid Cuts Could Spell Disaster

If Governor Snyder can't avoid cutting the state's Medicaid budget which accounts for a pretty good chunk of Michigan's spending plan; the operator of the nation's oldest free clinic fears disaster.

Executive Director of St. Frances Cabrini clinic in Detroit, Sister Mary Ellen Howard stated, "The emergency room does not provide primary care, it's not the answer, free clinics are not the answer."

During the gubernatorial campaign Howard and other safety-net providers met with then-candidate Snyder for their advice.  Howard says they told him the safety net is very frayed and full of holes; people are falling through.

"People need insurance and he's (Gov. Snyder) got to preserve Medicaid and strengthen Medicaid, somehow." Howard said.