Ky.’s Paul opposes government spending but takes Medicare, Medicaid payments as eye doctor

Ky.’s Paul slams spending, takes Medicare payments

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky GOP Senate candidate Rand Paul says he opposes federal handouts, but the eye doctor takes government payments for treating Medicare and Medicaid patients.

His campaign manager, Jesse Benton, says ignoring the two health care programs would penalize poor and older patients.

Paul’s Democratic opponent, Jack Conway, said Tuesday that Paul should quit “stonewalling” and release his Medicare billing records.

Paul, the son of Texas congressman and 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul, is a tea party favorite who rails against what he calls runaway federal spending.

Earlier this week, he chafed at questions about why he isn’t certified by his profession’s leading group.