Medicaid Waivers--What Happens Now?

FV Indiana members and other advocates were at the State House today and were able to Hear Senator Kenley's remarks to his Senate colleges, he promised he would continue to work on that section of the budget bill that address Medicaid Waivers. The goal, he said, was to ask those with the very highest incomes — he singled out people like Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay — to contribute funds if they were in such a situation with a child. But, he said, care for disabled children can be extremely expensive, and he wanted to ensure bill didn’t cause more difficulties for families already struggling with a child’s medical problems.

Now that the budget has passed out of Senate with the language intact we must call on all of our Legislators in the House and Senate to make sure this issue is addressed in the final version of the budget.

Please continue to call, write and visit your legislators. Ask your friends, neighbors and colleges to do the same.
• We must share that face incredibly difficult financial obligations when raising children with disabilities and special health care needs
• That supports offered by waivers allow us to care for our children in the most cost effective way possible, at home
• They allow us to work and contribute to our communities
• Share that families’ limit the cost to the state by keeping their children covered under private health insurance and Medicaid
• Share that Jim Irsay doesn’t have a child who needs a Medicaid Waiver, instead share your story.


Several of our member have corresponded with Senator Kenley and received a response that includes the following:

We have concerns that Indiana’s cost for this population is twice the national average per person. The bill only says – lets evaluate and find out if we are doing the best we can. It draws no conclusions, but the language is carefully phrased to ensure that we continue a high quality effective program which “meets the individual’s needs.”

FV Indiana worked with our National partners to find data about the cost in other states, we encourage our members to review and share the Kaiser Family Foundation’s February 2011, Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Programs: Data Update, you will find that the cost in Indiana is not twice the national average, rather we are below the national average.

Thank you for your efforts to share your voice!

Comments

Anonymous said…
The data also shows that the average waiting list is 2 years whereas Indiana's is now at 9-10 years signifying a seriously underfunded program.