[Nfbmo] FW: Some Talking Points
Gary Wunder
GWunder at earthlink.net
Mon Feb 20 14:35:15 UTC 2012
Bryan's note is also helpful since it gives the committees we need to
concentrate on.
Gary
-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Gene Coulter
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 3:33 PM
To: Gary Wunder; NFB MO List
Subject: [Nfbmo] Some Talking Points
(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
Since 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.
Short of food and water, there is no higher need than preserving ones health
and treating conditions that threaten it.
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