News release: “A report released [December 11, 2008] documents how many states across the country are slashing their health care safety net programs in response to fiscal crises caused by the recession. With at least 43 states facing budget deficits in 2009 or 2010, many states have cut or are planning cuts to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to the report. The report, titled A Painful Recession: States Cut Health Safety Net Programs, was prepared by the national health consumer organization Families USA. The report indicates that more than one million people are at risk of completely losing health coverage, and many more low-income people and families will see benefits reduced and out-of-pocket costs increased.”