[nfbwatlk] Medicaid program to cut wide range of optional health services to meet state's across-the-board savings, DSHS Press Release, September 29 2010

[Nightingale, Noel]

Link:
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/mediareleases/2010/pr10088.shtml

Text:

Contact: Doug Porter, 360-725-1040, doug.porter at dshs.wa.gov<mailto:doug.porter at dshs.wa.gov>
Contact: Heidi Robbins Brown, 360-725-1040, heidi.robbinsbrown at dshs.wa.gov<mailto:heidi.robbinsbrown at dshs.wa.gov>
Contact: Jim Stevenson, 360-725-1915 (pager 360-971-4067), stevejh2 at dshs.wa.gov<mailto:stevejh2 at dshs.wa.gov>
September 29, 2010
Medicaid program to cut wide range of optional health services to meet state's across-the-board savings

OLYMPIA, WA - The Washington State Medicaid program on Wednesday released a list of optional programs that it will cut beginning in January 2011 to meet the Medicaid Purchasing Administration's target of $112.8 million in across-the-board cuts.
The cuts include mainly adult services, although a reduction in eligibility for the Apple Health for Kids program would end health care coverage for an estimated 27,000 children. That will save $10.1 million this fiscal year.
Most of the cuts would begin on January 1, 2011, although several will require legislative action during the 2011 session. Those cuts would take effect in March 2011.
"Federal Medicaid rules require the state to provide mandatory services and benefits," said Doug Porter, State Medicaid Director. "As a consequence, our cuts basically will end a series of optional programs, including a $39.4 million savings anticipated by limits that will be placed on adult pharmacy services."
Porter said that cut would be among those that take effect in March. Details of the specific limits and how they would be implemented are still being finalized.
Other cuts include:
•       Adult dental services, $8.3 million
•       Adult hospice, $4.6 million
•       Adult vision and hearing services, $800,000
•       Medicare Part D co-pays for dual eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) clients, $3.2 million
•       Disability Lifeline medical coverage, $20.3 million
•       Interpreter services, $3.3 million
Porter said some of the costs of the cuts will be shifted to other parts of the health care and social service system. For example, some clients may use emergency room services or community clinics. Doctors, clinics and hospitals will have to bear the expense of interpreters for clients with language difficulties.
The full list of cuts:
Optional programs in Medicaid   G/F savings possible    Number of clients who would be affected Effective date
Adult Pharmacy Benefits $39.4 million   All adult clients       March 1, 2011
Medical for Disability Lifeline (formerly GA-U) $20.3 million   21,000  March 1, 2011
Eligibility reduction in Apple Health for Kids  $10.1 million   27,000  March 1, 2011
State-Only Alien Emergency Medical      $8.6 million    1,300   Jan. 1, 2011
Adult Dental Services   $8.3 million    105,000 Jan. 1, 2011
First Steps/Maternity Support Services/Infant Case Management   $6.4 million    65,000  March 1, 2011
Adult Hospice   $4.6 million    2,600   Jan. 1, 2011
Interpreter Services    $3.3 million    70,000  Jan. 1, 2011
School-based Medical Services   $3.3 million    20,000  Jan. 1, 2011
Medicare Part D Co-Pays $3.2 million    49,000  Jan. 1, 2011
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy       $2.9 million    20,000  Jan. 1, 2011
Take Charge/Family Planning     $1.2 million    43,000  March 1, 2011
Adult Vision    $500,000        67,000  Jan. 1, 2011
Adult Podiatry  $400,000        6,500   Jan. 1, 2011
Adult Hearing Services/Devices  $300,000        2,400   Jan. 1, 2011
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