[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

[M J CARPENTER]

Thanks Noel
I'm composing an email to DSHS right now. If all of there cuts go through, I (along with thousands of others) may not be able to afford necessary medication. These cuts are very bad!
Marci
 
> From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov
> To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:31:36 -0500
> Subject: [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
> 
> 
> 
> 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
> # # #
> 
> 
> DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.
> 
> 
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