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Families USA:
A report released today found that the proposal (SB 577) to replace the current Medicaid program for aged, blind, and disabled individuals that was introduced in the Missouri state legislature in February of this year will have serious consequences for Missouri's most vulnerable Medicaid recipients.
The report found that, without proper implementation, this legislation could have catastrophic consequences for many Medicaid recipients, especially for the chronically ill and people with special health care needs.
"At a time when most state economies are strong, including Missouri's, and many states are expanding Medicaid and making great strides at covering their uninsured populations, SB 577 is a step backwards and does not even restore the grievous Medicaid cuts that hurt so many people" said Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA.
The proposal to replace Missouri's current Medicaid program builds on plans unveiled by Governor Blunt in January 2007, and SB 577 incorporates some new---and very troubling---ideas not seen in either of the earlier plans.
This group includes not only the elderly, but people with physical and developmental disabilities, people with severe mental illness, and people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Under SB 577, the elderly and people with disabilities will be automatically enrolled in one of these health improvement plans, but it is unclear whether their specific health care needs will be taken into account when they are enrolled.
They may also be assigned to a plan that does not include their current physician.
For people with disabilities, ensuring access to appropriate specialty care is extremely important.
Posted on April 5, 2007 10:40 PM
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