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Anxiety Among Medicaid Service Providers at 2013 Nears

By: Adam Rodriguez

Updated: November 27, 2012

Dozens of Medicaid programs are on the chopping block, as the Department of Human Services tries to absorb a $300 million shortfall for 2013.

Director John Selig says ARHealthNetworks, a program providing insurance for small business employees, will be cut completely, and many others face across the board cuts.

All of which made a legislative meeting at the Capitol Tuesday little more than window dressing.

The Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Community Mental Health Centers, Youth Service Providers, and Developmental Disabilities Service Providers, collectively asked for an additional $16 million in funding for the upcoming biennium.

The organizations offer Medicaid-subsidized services like Meals on Wheels, counseling, rehabilitation, senior centers, and many others so vital to their communities.

Selig understands the need, but says they just don't have the money.

"We don't have a pocket full of money," Selig said. "There certainly is a growing sense of urgency and anxiety. I think people understand these cuts will be real if we can't find a way to deal with them."

"On the other hand, I'm somewhat encouraged. I hear people on both sides of the aisle saying we need to deal with it. I don't hear a lot of people saying, sorry, you'll just have to live with it. I think no one wants to throw people out of nursing homes if they can help it. No one wants to eliminate the small business insurance program if we can help it."