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Missouri Legislature moves to have Medicaid $$ "follow the person" to implement Olmstead
Missouri is moving toward being one of the first states in the nation to allow Medicaid dollars to "follow the person" into home and community-based services in the wake of the Olmstead decision.
On March 11, "the Appropriations committee of the Missouri State Senate agreed with the Missouri House to change language concerning Medicaid dollars to ensure that they do not automatically flow to nursing homes but that they 'follow the person,' " says Freedom Clearinghouse organizer Candace Hawkins, who as a Missourian has also been deeply involved with advocates in making sure the Olmstead decision is being implemented in that state.
In the official language of the bill, "an individual eligible for or receiving nursing home care must be given the opportunity to have those Medicaid dollars follow them to the community and choose the personal care option in the community that best meets the individual's needs. This includes the Consumer Directed Medicaid State Plan Amendment that is administered by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Education. And further provided that individuals eligible for the Medicaid Personal Care Option must be allowed to choose, from among all the options, that option which best meets their need; and also be allowed to have their Medicaid funds follow them to whichever option they choose."
Medicaid funds involved include $74 million in state funds and $116 million in federal matching Medicaid funds. "$190 million worth!!" says Hawkins.
Legislative plans call for the establishment of an Interim Joint House-Senate committee on Olmstead which will "recommend the necessary statute changes" to ensure that the Olmstead decision takes effect," she reports.
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