Who's
behind
Freedom
Clearinghouse?
Hello Everyone,
First, I would like to thank Craig Henning from DRA and Vickie Heitzler
from Tri-County for their work in setting up the Jeff City rally. The
Governor definitely knew we were there. Even though the signing took place
we had an impact.
Secondly, I have given a great deal of thought about what we should do
next. I can't speak for anyone else but DCAI will more than likely find
consumers who will be forced into nursing homes because of the spenddown
issue. Once we identify those individuals, I we will assist
the consumers in filing a class action law suit against the State of Missouri.
The nursing homes did this early in the Legislative session and received
full funding. The very threat of a law suit prevented a huge funding cut
for the nursing home industry. They are flushed with cash.
In fiscal year 2001 the nursing home industry in the State of Missouri
received 1.04 billion dollars from Medicaid. Thirty percent of their certified
beds were vacant yet State Medicaid still paid to keep them open.
Compare this with the fact that the State of Missouri in FY 2001 allocated
only 211 million dollars for the Personal Assistance program through VR
and all the Home Health Care agencies, combined.
The money to raise the poverty level or to allow people to incur their
expenses is there. We do not have a lack of funding, but rather, a lack
of priorities. A lawsuit based on Olmstead should make people with disabilities
on spenddown a much higher priority.
I will be happy to hear other peoples ideas and thoughts. I am open to
further suggestions. One important item: please tell consumers to continue
to call, write, email or fax the Governor's office and cc: the local
media with their stories. NEVER GIVE UP!
Mr. Rich Blakley,
Executive Director
DISABLED CITIZENS ALLIANCE FOR INDEPENDENCE
PO Box 675, Viburnum, MO 65566
Phone & TTY: 573-244-3315
Fax: 573-244-5609
E-mail: blake@misn.com
Missouri Capitol Building, Room 218
PO Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0720
Telephone: (573) 751-3222
FAX: (573) 751-1495
Email: constit@mail.gov.state.mo.us
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