Since the election, there have been serious plans put out there to radically alter the Medicaid program . Right now, while it can be hard to get Medicaid without guidance and assistance, if you meet the eligibility criteria you are entitled to receive certain statutory benefits under federal law. The benefits provided to every person on Medicaid are paid for through a combination of state dollars and federal dollars, and each state has a formula for this.
Block grants change this. Instead of the federal government contributing a certain amount per person, each State would receive a yearly amount (block of funds), and the State would decide how to allocate the funds. Right now, this is how the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program works. While block grants may provide enough money to help people in good economic times (when enrollment is lower), when times aren’t so great the money won’t go as far, and eligible people might not get the services they would have gotten before. This could mean waiting lists for nursing home Medicaid residents (creating financial hardship for the nursing home providers), and waiting lists for receipt of home health care services by aged or physically disabled people residing in the community, as well as waiting lists for residential services for people with intellectual disabilities, and less health care for low-income adults and children. Here is the KAISER FAMILY FUND Block grant analysis
What can we do about this? I can think of a couple of things. First, speak out–let your Congressperson know that you don’t like the idea of block grants and you don’t want services for seniors cut. Second, really think about whether a loved one has put off seeking present or future public benefits that he or she could benefit from. Seniors need to plan for their care and it’s important to seek enrollment before the rules substantively change for the foreseeable future. If you’re not sure, we’re here to help.
We can prepare and file your Medicaid application. Call us for legal advice about your eligibility … 732-382-6070