While it is common knowledge that there are budget issues in Florida, much of the Medicaid Reform proposal appears to be based on misconception, misinformation and misunderstanding. This can lead to a bill that slashes critically needed care for our senior citizens as it cuts funds.
Misconception #1
Most people hide assets in order to qualify for Medicaid. Therefore, they are draining taxpayer dollars, helping to make Medicaid a program that is a financial burden on the state.
Fact
The vast majority of the individuals have very few assets outside their home, limited retirement income and personal belongings. When they need nursing home care, they face costs of more than $7,500 per month, which can quickly drain life savings. In fact, you can’t be eligible for Medicaid unless you have less than $2,000 in countable assets.
Misconception #2
People apply for Medicaid to avoid having to buy long-term health care insurance.
Fact
The fact is that Medicaid recipients cannot obtain long-term care insurance because of their existing illnesses that require long-term care.
Misconception #3
Family members who become primary caregivers for their ill parents do not need to get paid for doing so.
Fact
Many of these family members must quit their jobs or work part time in order to provide care. The state now allows them to get paid but Medicaid reform wants to eliminate that. Studies show that family caregivers who don’t get paid suffer more health and economic problems than those who do.
Misconception #4
Shifting Medicaid recipients to for-profit HMOs, like the reform proposal wants to do, will not affect care.
Fact
A pilot program in South Florida shows just the opposite. Many people who need care haven’t been able to find it in a timely manner, and have had HMOs refuse to pay for medications and essential services.
Everyone understands that Florida has budget problems that must be addressed. However, Medicaid recipients are the sickest and frailest among us and they need the most support to avoid further catastrophic injury or financial burden. That will not come by shifting their care to for-profit companies that will reduce and even deny necessary care and medications under the guise of controlling costs.
Please urge your legislative representative to vote against any legislation that makes our most vulnerable even more so.
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To learn more about Florida Elder Law and issues affecting seniors, please contact the Law Offices of Laurie Ohall.