[Nfbmo] Some Talking Points

[Gene Coulter]

(Gary please distribute)
For those going to Jefferson City here are some talking points on the 
proposal to take Medicaid away from blind persons. For those not going call 
the capital switchboard at 573-751-2151 and ask to speak with your 
legislator. Due to re-districting you should also call and ask to speak to 
members near you as they could become your legislator. If you don’t know who 
your legislator is you can find out on the web. For house members  the 
website is house.mo.gov and senate is senate is senate.mo.gov. The house 
appropriations committee is due to meet this week on this item.
Regarding Medicaid being eliminated from the benefits for Blind Persons here 
are some  possible talking points.
*Most people receiving medicaid as blind persons are on fixed income 
therefore paying medical costs out of pocket would be totally devastating 
whether or not they have access to other coverage.
* Many  blind persons have other conditions  such as diabetes which require 
expensive drugs that even with Medicare Part D would be impossible to pay.
*There are people on medicaid who have no other health coverage  which would 
result in the Emergency Room becoming their primary source of health care 
creating a financial burden on  either the patient or the hospital if the 
patient were unable to pay.
*Even if a person went out and got private insurance when Medicaid ended 
the pre-existing condition clause could make the policy  virtually worthless 
as the policy likely would not cover their eye condition or diabetes related 
costs.

*Even though  blind persons receiving Medicaid are generally low income 
their income and assets are just high enough that they are not eligible for 
regular Medicaid under another program.