You may hear a lot about the costs of Medicaid but one group wants you to hear the benefits.

The Southern Tier Independence Center is pointing out the program's importance for Medicaid Matters Month.

In Broome County, about 30 thousand people rely on Medicaid.

That's according to Social Services.

Medicaid covers a variety of health services like nursing home and institutional care.

And it helps people with developmental disabilities.

"It really is the only health care program that supports personal care, personal care services for people with disabilities. It's the only health care program that will purchase adaptive equipment for people with disabilities on a regular basis," says STIC Executive Director, Maria Dibble.

STIC says Medicaid also helps provide jobs and adds about 300 million dollars to the Broome County Economy.

STIC is one of 135 members of the Medicaid Matters New York group.