Medicaid Covers Diapers, Still Great News Worth Sharing!

MedicaidCovers Diapers!  As well as programs which mirror Medicaid such as Title XXI which currently serves Riley for children who qualify.  Yes, some of you are saying to yourselves, "this is old news, where have you been?"  Some others are wondering  if I have lost my mind, because battles have gone on for years over diapers and not gotten anywhere.  Finally, in 2010 the complaintants started to win!

"Disposable Incontinence Diaper Coverage 

Effective September 1st, 2010, Florida Medicaid has begun covering disposable incontinence diapers for children ages four (4) through twenty (20). While we finalize the promulgation of the coverage and limitations criteria for these products through the Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Coverage and Limitations Handbook, please open and reference the Policy Criteria for Disposable Incontinence Briefs, Diapers, Protective Underwear, Pull-Ons, Liners, Shields, Guards, Pads, Undergarments"

Why, you ask do I mention this now?

Well, I'm glad you ask!

Diapers.  Perhaps as a parent of typically developing child you bemoaned the cost of diapers.  Imagine a lifetime of purchasing those diapers in an ever increasing size and amount.  For my family, just a year ago, it was becoming impossible to meet the monetary demand and even just having  the great supply needed on hand.  It was one of the many expenses of having a special needs child that could not be brought under control.

This past week I discovered just how easily special needs families may be left out of the loop.  First of all, If your special needs child is older than three years old, you are already well schooled in the fact that Medicaid flatly has refused to cover diapers and supplies for years despite continuing court cases leveled at the organization.  When finally, Medicaid was defeated in court, they did not go to all their consumers and invite them to purchase diapers on them.  I had opportunity to spend an afternoon with another special needs mom.  In conversation, she mentioned her stress about diapers and needing more.  I let the mention pass the first time thinking she was recalling the financial stress of diapers from last year at this time.  The conversation returned again to diapers.  Yes, diapers is a popular subject among the special needs caregivers... little wonder.  The next time we spoke of diapers I did say something about the relief she must have not that Medicaid covers diapers, knowing her son had the coverage.  The look on her face stated clearly that I had lost my mind, everyone knows and has always known that Medicaid will not cover diapers.  Yes, I told her, it does now.  Immediately, we pulled up a medical supply company and made a request.  By the end of the day, 200 diapers were to be shipped out to her front door courtesy of Medicaid.  I do believe she was close to tears for the sheer emotion of this change by the time I left her.

Special needs families are so easily isolated.  They do not sign up and involve themselves more than necessary.   It takes all of their energy to simply get through the day.  This describes my family as well.  So, I asked myself, how did I know about and take advantage of this incredible news?  Then I remembered.  Riley's PIC social worker had made the announcement to us and I took advantage of it that very day.  I do believe my response was a wild dance in the middle of my living room.  Now I hoard diapers everywhere, when our entire supply is not used in one months' time, I hide it for later.  Our country's budget problems is something I am keenly aware of and I am not going to be suddenly caught without diapers if I can help it.   How fortunate we are to have an organization looking out for our interests.   

The stash beneath Riley's hospital bed.

How unfortunate it never occurred to me to share this amazing news one year ago.  So, who cares if you sound foolish, it is so easy for special needs families to miss important news: Go tell everyone you know that "Medicaid Covers Diapers!"  Someone out there is going to be indebted to you for this little statement and very great news.

Please go out and share the news.

We are all special... by Stacie Wiesenbaugh

A letter from United Cerebral Palsy Regarding Medicaid

Friends,

Medicaid is under attack, and as supporters and members of the disability community, our voices must be heard. Mark Perriello, the new CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities, and I met with leaders in the White House yesterday to discuss potential cuts to Medicaid. We took several families, whose daily lives depends on Medicaid for support, to tell their stories.  They included:

• Anna Liebenow, who has Multiple Sclerosis and relies on an aide to help her in and out of a wheelchair every day. Without Medicaid support, Anna is unable to volunteer, work, and lead a full, independent life.  With significant cuts to Medicaid, she'd stop working and stop paying taxes. That certainly won't help our economic recovery.

• Micah Hetrick is 22 and has Down syndrome. He recently received his high school diploma and volunteers in his local library. He has the assistance of a provider through Medicaid. Without this support, Micah’s mother, Sue, is forced to stay at home and is unable to work full time.

• Linda Guzman is raising her 17-year-old son, Javi, while working full-time.  Javi, who has autism and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, receives services through Medicaid, including medical care, an aide to be with him while his mother works, and training in the life skills he needs to achieve greater independence and reach his potential. These families put a human face on the issue, and show that this is not just about dollars and cents, but real lives.

Many people wrongly view Medicaid as "a huge government welfare giveaway to lazy people." In fact, more than 8 million people with disabilities and their families benefit from Medicaid. What will happen to Anna, Micah and Javi if these services are cut?

The level of cuts range between $100 billion to $770 billion!! With Social Security and Medicare back on the negotiating table, Medicaid, which lacks a powerful constituency, will be lost in the fog. Our voices must be heard!

Please read more about this issue and join the conversation.  Millions need your help.

Please make a contribution today and keep us in the fight while sending a powerful message to Washington.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Stephen Bennett
President and CEO

And I also share off subject a Jack Black Video

Thank the State for Rescinding Provider Cuts

Dear Friend,
Last evening, the Legislalture moved to fill a $174 million deficit in APD's budget. As a result, Governor Scott has agreed to rescind cuts to payments to providers that serve a critical role in supporting Floridians with disabilities and their families.
This is a very positive development for Florida's families, and it's important to let policy makers know that they've done the right thing. Our friend Susan Goldstein has created a simple form on her site, FFDD News, so families can send a messag to the Governor and Legislators. Please take a moment to visit  http://www.ffddnews.com/contact-your-legislator.php and share your thoughts with our state's policy makers.
If you would like to know a little bit more about the situation and the resolution that was reached last night, check out the Governor's press release below.
Yours,
The Family Cafe

Providers To Get Full Rates Restored,

At Least For The Moment

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT LIFTS EMERGENCY RULE FOR APD

Reaches deal with House and Senate to release funds for services

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced an agreement with the House and Senate that would provide an infusion of cash that will prevent the Agency for Persons with Disabilities from discontinuing services.

“I thank Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon for joining me to protect the community APD serves, and I applaud the hard work of the staff at APD for finding a solution to this problem,” Governor Scott stated. “After years of deficit spending that put these services at risk, I’m glad that we’re taking steps to finally bring responsible financial management to this agency and the people they serve.”

After an Inspector General report disclosed that the agency would likely run out of cash to pay for needed services in early May due to an unprecedented $174 million budget shortfall, Governor Scott issued an emergency order stretching funds through the end of the fiscal year to avoid any cutoff of services.

The Governor’s Office worked closely with the Legislature to find a way to provide immediate funding so that the Emergency Order could be lifted and to find a long term solution to the problem. Governor Scott also continues to work with the Legislature and members of the disability community to develop strategies to prevent future shortfalls in APD's budget.

Today’s deal lifts a hold on approximately $30 million that will cover the agency’s provider costs through the end of the fiscal year.

From: Governor's Press Office

1332 N. Duval St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
United States

Rally's around Florida

Dear Family Cafe Friends,
The below message is from Waiver Provider.com  their April 2011 2nd issue. . . please read!
    
Different Rally's are going on around the state to protest the APD budget cuts. 

Here is a list of contacts for you to email.
Rally's are being planned on April 16th all over the State of Florida.

 Tallahassee - Jarl Jackson jarlkjackson@yahoo.com
Panama City - Amanda Baker abaker1532@comcast.net
Tampa - Richard Chapman rac@usf.mail.edu
Orlando - Tricia Riccardi triccardi77@gmail.com
Inverness - Sandy Dayton movingmountains2@naturecoast.net
Bradenton - Wendy Williams mccallwilliams@yahoo.com
Winter Haven - David & Stacey Way waverider962003@yahoo.com

There are many other Rally's going on around Florida on the 16th if you are helping to put one on please post all of your information on our message boards at WaiverProvider.com & SupportCoordinators.com for all to see.

Florida Governor cuts Medicaid Budget by15%

More news of budget cuts in Florida may be constantly in the air and nearly mind numbing with all the information there is to absorb.  This past week the Florida Governor applied emergency cuts to the Medicaid programs. (http://apd.myflorida.com/news/news/2011/emergency-rule-filing.pdf ) I can barely take it all in.  15% cuts will be applied across the board... surely there are more appropriate methods.  What I do know is that it is personal to my family.  We feel these cuts in our daily life. We felt it with Medicaid which aids special needs.  Medicaid comes and goes for Riley inexplicably... and is always pulling back and I am certain it is all about preserving their budget.  Please do not attempt to explain why this happens to me, I've heard the simple explanations and in reality no one really grasps this behemoth organization.  All of this is really more than I have energy to go into this morning.  All I know is that Riley's services are increasingly difficult to maintain.

The loss I truly fear is changes to Partners In Care (PIC) which is supported by Medicaid funds.  PIC is a pilot program in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties through Hope Hospice for children with "life altering" illnesses and their families.  They came into our lives when I was truly at the end of my rope.  I had nothing left, this is not an expression, it is a fact.  Their program came in and added services for Riley that helped turn our family around.  As far as I am concerned, they saved my life.  Budget cuts like the one enacted this week may prevent this amazing program from being there for other special needs families.  Yes, it's personal to me.

Below is Riley with his Dad.  They are so beautiful!

Thank you to all those attending the "Tally Rally" in Tallahassee today!  You all do so much for this community.

Easter Seals request: With the help of supporters like you, we are sending a clear message to President Obama that the $50 million funding increase he proposed is appreciated, and that it's essential it stays in the final budget.

Medicaid Waiver News: Gov Rick Scott plans cuts to services for developm...

Medicaid Waiver News: Gov Rick Scott plans cuts to services for developm...: "Gov Rick Scott plans cuts to services for developmentally disabled. A 15 percent rate cut to group homes & caseworkers. http://ping.fm/WQ6fV..."