R.I. strikes Medicaid deal with feds, ceiling lowered
5:20 PM Fri, Dec 19, 2008 | Permalink
Email this author | Email this entry |
 |
Projo Politics Blog |
|
« Washington meetings were a success, says Lynch |
Main
| Langevin answers online readers' cybersecurity questions »
The governor's office announced Friday that it had finalized a "landmark" deal with federal regulators that may change Medicaid coverage of nursing homes, prescription drugs, group homes for the disabled and even transportation for the elderly. The plan has far-reaching implications for the 180,000 disabled, elderly and low-income residents touched by Medicaid programs last year. The agreement gives the governor's office unprecedented authority to restructure Medicaid programs, which are now closely regulated by the federal government. In exchange, Rhode Island has agreed to limit Medicaid spending over the next five years to roughly $12.075 billion, which is about $375 million less than state negotiators had hoped. The cost of Medicaid programs is simply unsustainable, according to the governor, who believes the new deal will allow the state to control costs while better serving residents. Medicaid consumes roughly $1.8 billion in state and federal spending this year, or 25 percent of the total state budget. Critics, however, fear the new agreement jeopardizes programs that have long been known as "entitlements," because they are guaranteed to people who meet certain income guidelines. If Rhode Island spends its five-year limit too soon, it would be forced to slash programs or pay for them only with state funds. Currently, the federal government pays about 52 cents of every dollar spent on Medicaid programs in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the first state in the nation to secure such a deal -- dubbed a "global Medicaid waiver" -- with the federal government. Current law gives the legislature 30 days to veto the deal. An Assembly spokesman was not immediately available for comment. The administration noted that major changes to Medicaid programs would still require public hearings and, in some cases, approval from the legislature. 
CommentsLeave a comment |
New comments
New photos
Authors
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
God help Rhode Island, even the fed's are apprehensive regarding RI's initiative. Those people that truly need help the most along with their families, will come under the "Don's" kingdom. I truly hope that this man, especially in this instance, has his eggs lined up properly. Once he breaks this program, years will pass before anyone can fix it. In the meantime, let us pray for a positive outlook for those who truly need help the most.
Report Abuse
I for one am thankful the governor has done this. As someone working with and in the system, I find it encouraging that more choice of services will be given to us. I am tired of a state worker telling me what is best for my wife. Thank you governor.
Report Abuse
As a parent of a child with significant disabilities I hope that the legislature really looks at ALL of the implications of this change. Many of the State's programs for people with disabilities was built on by the family members of these individuals. It scares me to death because I don't think that this was thought through enough. To save money, you are jeapardizing programs that individuals have depended on. I am not hearing a lot about the "options" that you are proposing, I'm not even hearing about the "HOW" you are going to implement this, who is controllin this and how it will work or if it will work.
Sincerely;
Concerned Parent
Report Abuse
As a parent of a child with significant disabilities I hope that the legislature really looks at ALL of the implications of this change. Many of the State's programs for people with disabilities was built on by the family members of these individuals. It scares me to death because I don't think that this was thought through enough. To save money, you are jeapardizing programs that individuals have depended on. I am not hearing a lot about the "options" that you are proposing, I'm not even hearing about the "HOW" you are going to implement this, who is controllin this and how it will work or if it will work.
Sincerely;
Concerned Parent
Report Abuse
As a parent of a child with significant disabilities I hope that the legislature really looks at ALL of the implications of this change. It scares me to death because I don't think that this was thought through enough. To save money, you are jeapardizing programs that individuals have depended on. I would lik to know about the specifics on how this will be monitored especially for quality control.
Sincerely;
Concerned Parent
Report Abuse
As a parent of a child with significant disabilities I hope that the legislature really looks at ALL of the implications of this change. It scares me to death because I don't think that this was thought through enough.
Sincerely;
Concerned Parent
Report Abuse
As a parent of a child with significant disabilities I hope that the legislature really looks at ALL of the implications of this change. It scares me to death because I don't think that this was thought through enough.
Sincerely;
Concerned Parent
Report Abuse