[Vision2020] Plundering the Poor : Was From the Legislature, Part III

[Donovan Arnold]

How is it that anyone could possibly consider supporting the reduction of life needed care to persons of age, disability, and sickness when we are the most powerful, wealthiest nation in the world? 
 
A fair warning to self professed Christian Bible Believes:
 
Isaiah 10 
 
"Woe to those who enact evil statutes
And to those who constantly 
record unjust decisions, 
So as to deprive the needy of 
justice
And rob the poor of My people of their rights,
So that widows may be their spoil
And that they 
may plunder the orphans."
 
Donovan Arnold
 
 
 

________________________________
 From: Shirley Ringo <ringoshirl at moscow.com>
To: Vision 2020 <vision2020 at moscow.com> 
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 10:40 AM
Subject: [Vision2020] From the Legislature, Part III
  

 
Visionaries: 
  
  
  
  
From the Legislature, Part III 
February 6, 2012 
  
Last Friday, members of JFAC heard compelling testimony from 
service providers and individuals who rely on Medicaid.  There has been much discussion about 
these cuts.  Among them:  adults on Medicaid can access only 
emergency dental care; Medicaid will not cover routine vision care nor 
corrective lenses for adults; one-on-one therapy for individuals with mental 
health issues or physical disabilities is much harder to access; for audiology 
benefits, Medicaid will no longer cover screening, preventive, or corrective 
services for adults 21 years of age or older. 
  
In an effort to avoid duplicative services, the Department of 
Health and Welfare has been directed to restrict duplicative skill training from 
being provided by a mental health provider when the individual has chosen to 
receive skill training from a developmental disability provider.  Many clients suffer from both mental 
health and developmental disability issues.  They tell us that this provision, 
requiring one service but not both, is analogous to stipulating that someone who 
suffers from both diabetes and cancer is only allowed to treat one of those 
diseases.  The training required for 
an individual with developmental disabilities is different from that required 
for an individual with mental health issues. 
  
Some individuals with severe disabilities manage their services 
through a “self-determination” program.  Through this program, these individuals receive a yearly budget and then 
contract for the services they need.  This year, I have seen the department slash these budgets so that it is 
nearly impossible for some people to obtain services needed to stay in their 
homes.  A group of individuals has 
sued the Department of Health and Welfare over this issue.  The court has issued a temporary 
restraining order to prevent the Department from reducing these budgets without 
first providing adequate and court-approved notice and fair hearing.  The statement was made in the decision 
rendered that “irreparable harm to the plaintiffs is likely.” 
  
It is distressing that when sound decisions are not made, and sound 
practices are not followed, taxpayers foot the bill to defend these unfortunate 
practices in court. 
  
Most of these restrictions result from House Bill 260, which was 
passed during the 2011 legislative session.  To me, the cost savings for some of 
these restrictions do not measure up to the harm inflicted upon those in 
need. 
  
Representative Shirley Ringo 
  
PS   Many 
important programs have had funding drastically reduced since 2009.  In my opinion, we should take a balanced 
approach to solving this problem – a blend of responsible cuts and increase in 
revenue.  I have proposed a variety 
of plans to enhance revenue without much success in the legislature.  If you are interested in a citizens’ 
initiative to eliminate certain tax exemptions, please visit www.SUTinIdaho.org. 
  
  
  
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