HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
It's just one month away from a vote that could impact health care in Alabama.
On Sept.18, Alabama voters will decide whether the state could move money from its trust fund into the general fund budget.
If passed, the move would bring $146 million dollars into the general fund budget and save state programs like prisons and Medicaid from seeing deep cuts.
Huntsville Hospital is the third largest medical system in Alabama that accepts Medicaid, according to CEO David Spillers.
"One in every five people qualifies for Medicaid, so about 20 percent of our population. So just look around, that's a lot of people and those people need health care," Spillers said.
Spillers said he wants the public to know how crucial the Sept.18 referendum is, not only for Medicaid patients, but for anyone receiving health care.
"For us it would probably mean an increase in patients coming in the emergency room because they can't find a doctor or can't get into a hospital," he said.
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield also urged voters to support the amendment, saying it will fully fund prisons and health care.
"A vote no on Sept. 18 will imperil the good work that we've done across the state of Alabama," Canfield said.
Spillers said in the long run, the cost of health care ultimately falls on people who have insurance.
"If the state chooses not to pay for this care, rates on people who pay will go up and compensate for that. So it will eventually impact everyone if it doesn't pass," Spillers said.
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On September 18, Alabama voters will decide whether the state could move money from its trust fund into the general fund budget.
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