[Nfbmo] Fw: Conference Committee on Budget

[Gene Coulter]

If this is constitutional  the maximum premium would be around $140.00 (%5% 
of $2800.00) and the minimum would be about $13.00(based on of income of 
$1700.00).

From: Donna Scheulen
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 1:47 PM
To: Gene Coulter
Subject: FW: Conference Committee on Budget

The appropriation bill is effective July 1, 2013 pending the Governor’s 
signature.

  Please find below the section in HB 2011 relating to funding for 
healthcare for blind individuals.  The Department of Social Services will 
need to develop and implement a means and income test according to this 
section.

   Section 11.128. To the Department of Social Services

  For the Family Support Division

  For the purpose of funding healthcare benefits for non-Medicaid eligible 
blind individuals who receive the Missouri Blind Pension cash grant, 
provided that individuals under this section shall pay the following 
premiums to be eligible to receive such services: zero percent on the amount 
of a family’s income which is less that 150 percent of the federal poverty 
level; four percent on the amount of a family’s income which is less than 
185 percent on the amount of the federal poverty level but greater than 150 
percent of the federal poverty level; eight percent of the amount on a 
family’s income which is less than 225 percent of the federal poverty level 
but greater than 185 percent of the federal poverty level: fourteen percent 
on the amount of a family’s income which is less than 300 percent of the 
federal poverty level but greater than 225 percent of the federal poverty 
level not to exceed five percent of total income. Families with an annual 
income of more than 300 percent of the federal poverty level are ineligible 
for this program.

  From General Revenue Fund 
.......................................................................................... 
$5,000,000

  From Blind Pension Healthcare 
Fund............................................................................. 
18,045,720

  From Blind Pension Premium 
Fund.................................................................................. 
3,632,576

  From Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance 
Fund............................................................ 1,434,619

  Total............................................................................................................................... 
$28,112,915

  If you have additional questions, please let us know.



  Donna Scheulen
  Legislative Assistant to
  Representative Chris Kelly
  Room 106

  573-751-4189







  From: Gene Coulter [mailto:escoulter at centurytel.net]
  Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 12:32 AM
  To: Chris Kelly
  Subject: Re: Conference Committee on Budget



  Dear Representitive Kelly,

  Confusion has arisen over what the Conference Committee has done with the 
Blind Health Care Issue. It appears to be similar to  the Family Medical 
Program. Is it possible that you could forward me the section of the 
conference report  that sets the income limits and premium provisions. I 
would like to be able explain it to  other blind folks  letting them know 
what is going to happen and alleviate fears of some and still upset a few. 
Also, do the provisions take place on July 1 or is there a grace period to 
allow DSS to write regulations and imput data into the computer system.

  It appears that I will lose coverage under this plan which I can 
reluctantly live with the fight was never about my own interest anyway. 
Thank you very much for all of your help and strong advocacy in this  matter 
and on another matter I know all my former colleagues at Family Support 
Division  appreciate the 2% raise.

  Sincerely,

  Eugene Coulter

  1613 Blue Ridge Rd

  Columbia MO 65202

  573-474-3226



  From: Chris Kelly

  Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 8:38 AM

  To: Gene Coulter

  Subject: RE: Conference Committee on Budget



  Conferees have not yet been appointed.  I will send this information to 
you as soon as I receive it.  I do know that we are working actively to try 
to keep funding for the blind health care issue.



  Representative Chris Kelly
  Room 106

  573-751-4189



  From: Gene Coulter [mailto:escoulter at centurytel.net]
  Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 3:19 PM
  To: Chris Kelly
  Subject: Conference Committee on Budget



  Eugene Coulter

  1613 Blue Ridge Rd

  Columbia, MO 65202

  April 25, 2012

  Dear Representitive Kelly,

  Could you please provide a listing  of those selected to serve on the 
conference committee for the state budget so I may contact them in regard to 
the Blind Health Care issue.

  I would greatly appreciate it.

  Sincerely,

  Eugene Coulter

  573-474-3226