Governor’s Recent Press Release!
May 6, 2013
Your Monday Morning Update:
A snowstorm in May
Doesn’t brighten my day,
But funding in July
Makes me happily sigh!
Last week the Governor sent out a press release stating that he would take part of the savings from KanCare and would spend it on the waiting lists for the next fiscal year starting in July. The Governor then outlined his budget amendment that would provide $18.5 million to reduce the developmental disability (DD) and physical disability (PD) waiting lists. Interestingly enough, when the federal government gave the “go ahead” for KanCare, the feds stipulated that some of the savings must be used for the waiting list. The Governor is complying with that demand.
It is my understanding that the Governor proposes to take 400 of the PD waiting list, and 200 off the DD waiting list. There are approximately 5,000 on the DD waiting list and 2,200 on the PD waiting list.
I’m no mathematician (or poet), but even to a simpleton like me, that makes no sense!
Monday, the “End the Wait Campaign” (advocates to end the waiting list) held a press conference. They asked that the $18.5 million be split proportionately and approximately 68% of those dollars go to the DD waiting list and 22% to the PD waiting list.
Now THAT makes sense!
On Wednesday, May 8th, the Kansas Legislature heads back to work to complete their tax and budget bills and determine the future of the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) long-term-care waiver in KanCare. They will be greeted that morning by more than a thousand folks on the Capitol lawn voicing their desire for a carve-out. I’d love for you to join us. The program starts at 10:30 a.m., wear red and let’s make a statement! No RSVP necessary.
We have some great support in the House, but it appears that we need to push a little harder on our Senators. We believe that several of our Johnson County Senators will not support a carve-out, as they’ve been pretty verbal about it. Please continue to have a dialogue with your legislators (especially Senators).
Points to consider:
- Are legislator’s puppets of the Administration, or are they elected to represent constituents?
- Families have been extremely verbal and expect to be heard!
- Families are considering the inclusion of I/DD non-medical services and supports into KanCare as a personal attack on their loved ones.
- Many of us appear to be the enemy, but the truth is far from it. We are not preserving our jobs (some of them will still be there), we are not preserving our funding (it will still be there) we are trying to preserve a system that has demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness throughout the years.
- We support KanCare for medical/health needs; however we see no reason to include I/DD long-term-care into something that isn’t yet proven. Our loved ones are not “guinea pigs”.
I have sweaty palms, bated breath, and I’ve developed a nervous tic. This whole “waiting” thing is hazardous to my health.
And remember…it’s not over until the fat lady recites poetry!
Warm regards,
Lurena Mead
JCDS Community Relations Manager
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