AUSTIN (May 8, 2012)--Democratic state senators questioned Tuesday whether cuts in Medicaid could lead to a shortage of doctors willing to treat the poor, elderly and disabled.

State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, said Tuesday that he has heard complaints from health care providers that cuts in reimbursement rates were forcing them to cut back on patients.

He said he was worried have enough doctors available for the health care program for the poor and disabled.

State Medicaid Director Billy Millwee said that so far, the data his agency has collected shows no impact on the availability of doctors, but he acknowledged that taking $500 million out of the health care economy did lead to complaints from the industry.

The senators are reviewing more than $3.1 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program.