Ending the program will save taxpayers about $200,000 a year, he said.

The program also saved more than $12 a month for each patient offered group visits.

Why do officials say the program may save the state money in the long run?

Medicare officials said the new program would save $80 million next year and more than $1 billion over five years.

The program has saved more than 10,000 pets since 2004.

During its first six months, Chrysler's program has saved more than $3 million, and 52,000 days of work.

Others say the program took them off a road to hell and saved their lives.

Overall, the program would save $29.8 billion in medical costs.

But it is uncertain that the program will save money.

The program, in place since 1982, has saved about 18,000 lives.