This message from Kim Kennedy, Fiscal Information and Training Specialist at GCTFS, was published in this morning's edition of The Advocate.

“I am saddened by the state administration, which is proposing rate cuts to private providers of services to individuals with disabilities.

I believe this sends a message to these citizens that “in home” services for them are not a priority, and that quality services are not important.

Private provider rate cuts are not necessary. The new opportunities waiver will reduce the cost of providing in-home services by approximately $100 million during the next three years through resource allocation. The elderly and disabled adult waiver is expected to cut the cost of services by approximately $10,000 per slot through a different resource allocation method. Also, the rate cut will save $17 million in state general funds, but will cost the state $68 million in matching federal funds.

The current state budget includes $77 million in raises for state workers. Private providers will be laying people off while the state gives raises to its workers. Is this right?

Additionally, these rate cuts severely impact some programs and will have a negative effect on the state’s economy. The elderly and disabled adult program will be decimated by the proposed rate cuts. Few providers, if any, can provide services reimbursed at $8.95 per hour when minimum wage is $7.25.

Also, a rate cut to private providers will cause some to go out of business and many others to lay off workers. This means more Louisiana citizens on unemployment, food stamps and Medicaid.

The most important reasons, though, are how the rate cuts eventually could impact our citizens with disabilities. Some may no longer be able to remain “at home” in the community because the resources to support them will be greatly limited as providers close their doors.

This leaves them the option of living in group homes, state institutions or nursing homes, or receiving no services at all. Individuals who are lucky enough to remain in their homes will be served by agencies that will struggle to pay a decent wage to their workers.

There are about 3,900 individuals on the elderly and disabled adult waiver program. Nursing homes should not be the only option for services to these individuals because of unnecessary provider rate cuts.

Gov. Bobby Jindal says he has the job he wants. We need him to do the job he has, making this a better Louisiana for all citizens by restoring the cuts to home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities.”

link to the article