[Nfbmo] Fw: Health Care for the Blind

[Bryan Schulz]

hi,

i talked with the assistant for senator eric schmitt and he said mr. schmitt is in the process of reviewing all of the information and has not made a decision but is aware of how severe the medicaid cuts will affect the citizens.
He also confirmed that the budget bills will be discussed sometime next week.
Bryan Schulz


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gene Coulter 
  To: NFB MO List 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 12:26 PM
  Subject: [Nfbmo] Fw: Health Care for the Blind




  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.


  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  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
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