[Nfbmo] Fw: Health Care for the Blind

[Gene Coulter]

From: Jim Lembke
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:46 AM
To: Gene Coulter
Subject: RE: Health Care for the Blind

Gene,



Thank you for writing and sharing your concerns about medical benefits for 
blind Missourians.



As I stated on KMOX radio on Tuesday, I think we can find other ways to 
restore education

dollars without hurting some of the most vulnerable in our state.  As the 
budget comes through the Senate, I will do my best to restore the cuts to 
the blind that the House has made.



I appreciate your input and your continued support on this issue.



Best regards,








Senator Jim Lembke
1st District
State Capitol, Room 419
Jefferson City, MO  65101
573.751.2315

Click here Senate Report to receive my electronic newsletter.


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From: Gene Coulter [escoulter at centurytel.net]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 10:32 PM
To: Jim Lembke
Subject: Health Care for the Blind


Eugene Coulter

1613 Blue Ridge Rd

Columbia MO 65202

March 26, 2012

Dear Senator Lempke,

As a proud graduate of the University of Missouri in 1979 I realize the 
importance of higher education. As a blind person I also realize the value 
of medical services provided to the blind. I also believe that I am in a 
unique position having recently retired from the Family Support Division as 
a Caseworker for 27 years. Among the programs I dealt with there were the 
Medicaid for Families program and Blind Pension. I made sure to make myself 
an expert on Blind Pension since I was hired  in 1984.

Understanding that this is a tight budget year I don’t understand why it 
must be a battle between the University I love and blind people that I also 
love. I urge that funding be restored to this vital program. It has been 
alleged that wealthy people could be on this program. I personally do not 
know anyone even close to wealthy on the program using any measure. A 
typical applicant for Blind Pension is 80 years old and has a Social 
Security payment of about $800 and has other health issues. They look to the 
state for help as they don’t know what else to do. I took these applications 
and the medical services provided by the program were vital to their ability 
to stay out of assisted living or a nursing home. It seems much more 
economical to pay for this health coverage instead of paying $5,000.00 a 
month for nursing facility when the person’s health falters.

For long time recipients of the medical service the question is just as 
basic. Since 1967 this coverage has been granted by both Republican and 
Democratic General Assemblies. Blind Persons have justifiably made their 
life decisions based on the fact that they could count on it being there. In 
many cases if the coverage were not provided these people would have no 
place to turn. I know of one man right here in Columbia who would likely 
lose his house only two years after losing his wife if this funding is not 
restored. Some have said those on the program have insurance through their 
job but  the majority of working blind people are working at menial jobs or 
in sheltered shops that do not offer insurance.

I have heard of no other disability group asking that this medical aid be 
removed for blind persons as they realize that help from state government is 
disability specific. But, if you and your colleagues still feel it is unfair 
to keep this benefit please keep it for this year and study what changes can 
be made to it. There are many blind people who would agree to paying a 
premium for those with higher incomes or even raising the amount of co-pays. 
Please don’t pull the rug out from under those who really need the coverage. 
I would be most happy to talk with you or your staff if I can be of help in 
deliberation as I am both blind and worked on the frontline of this program.

Sincerely,

Eugene Coulter