Springfield, MO A slimmer Missouri budget went into effect over the weekend. Controversially, it involves $251-million in cuts to programs many individuals depend on. Last fall, the individuals of Missouri hired Governor Greitens to do a job, part of which entails working to save taxpayer dollars while keeping taxes low as possible. He is keeping his campaign promises, but a lot of people are expressing emotion after something they count on gets cut. 8,000 Missourians on Medicaid lost their in-home healthcare services when the new budget went into effect this last weekend. Lawmakers and the governor passed the changes, which raised the threshold on who qualifies, and what kinds of disabilities require this state-subsidized care.
For those keeping their home care, the state is cutting Medicaid reimbursements on their behalf by one-point-5% to save $12-million.
Providers like Integrity Home Care and Hospice say many of these people can get assistance from the family of friends. But, those without that support system will have a hard time.
“These in-home healthcare services are not just housekeeping. They are personal care and nursing services, medication setup, people needing help getting out of bed,” elaborated Elisa Pellham, Vice President of Government Affairs for Integrity Home Care & Hospice.
“Even if you are there for a short time frame, one person cam makes a big difference in these people’s lives. And just being able to deliver that service at home- it makes all the difference,” stated Kira Palmer, Clinical/Nursing Supervisor for Integrity’s Springfield operation.
The home care providers say they do not believe these kinds of cuts will be successful in saving tax dollars. They explain Medicaid sufferers affected by the cuts will go to hospitals or Emergency Rooms for care, and those services usually cost a lot more in the end.
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