Are Idahoans starting to pay attention?

[idahoblue]

Rallies in Magic Valley bring out hundreds against proposed Medicaid cuts

By Gina Milligan - Times-News correspondent | Posted: Sunday, February 20, 2011 1:45 am

BURLEY — A crowd of nearly 200 gathered on the front lawn of the Cassia County Courthouse on Saturday, calling for residents to speak out against proposed cuts to the state’s Medicaid budget.

The event was one of 16 rallies held throughout the state, including one in Twin Falls that drew more than 100 people to City Park.

State and local officials are under pressure to cut costs to meet the crunches of a dwindling budget and fewer federal dollars. According to Idaho Health and Welfare Director Dick Armstrong, the most realistic option is to reduce benefits and focus on preserving the core services that protect health and safety.

Nearly 80 percent of Health and Welfare’s budget is allocated for Medicaid programs — programs that pay for medical and dental care, prescription drugs, therapy for children and adults with disabilities and mental illness.

The agency presented two scenarios to the legislature on where to make cuts.

The first calls for a $25.2 million cut in state spending, for a total $85 million cut that includes federal dollars. This would eliminate all developmental disabilities services for adults; cut psycho-social rehabilitation services for adults with a mental illness; and reduce the scope of dental services for adults and require co-payments for some Medicaid services.

The second calls for $20.7 million cut in state spending for a total $66.1 million cut, including federal dollars. This “tailored scenario” would cut developmental disabilities services by 10 percent; reduce personal care services by 10 percent; extend a “temporary rule” cut for developmental disabilities and mental health services; reduce the scope of dental services and establish some new co-payments.

Medicaid Matters in Idaho, the organization that sponsored the rallies, says Medicaid cuts are economically and morally unjustified.

Bobby Jones and his wife, Kimberly, who attended the rally at Twin Falls City Park, said their children use Medicaid. “It’s a travesty” to cut funding, he said.

“By taking away Medicaid programs you are taking away hope for people who need them,” said Angie Doyle, 42, of Paul.

Doyle, a single mother of three, one of which has mental and physical disabilities, has worked for the past 14 years as a developmental specialist.

“These cuts will take away my job and leave me in the unemployment line,” she said, “but that is not why I am here. I am here to speak as a voice for the angels that have blessed my life.”

Medicaid cuts for those who suffer mental illnesses could mean increased costs for area law enforcement agencies, said Cassia County Sheriff Randy Kidd.

“I have no doubt that with the cuts, there will be an increase in costs for our local area in dealing with the mentally ill as they go without treatment,” Kidd said, “especially with increased calls for law enforcement, including increased jail costs, medical treatment and making sure these individuals get the treatment they need. All of this will fall on our area citizens.”

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls/article_3d6ace5e-dc68-509e-9d7a-3c26aff4d6ac.html