Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul says Medicaid has turned into "intergenerational welfare," saying coverage has spread beyond those truly in need.
The tea party favorite, who is running against Democrat Jack Conway, spoke to a Kentucky business group Monday.
When asked about Medicaid, Paul said the health coverage should be temporary until people can help themselves. But he acknowledged some need long-term assistance.
Paul says too many people are receiving the insurance who don't really need it, noting half the state's births are covered by it.
Kentucky has about 57,000 births per year, and Medicaid covers about half of them, according to Gwenda Bond, a spokeswoman for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
About 800,000 people are covered under Medicaid in the state.
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