Medicaid Cuts Could Cost Nursing Home Coverage for Some
By: Adam Rodriguez, KARK 4 News
Updated: November 28, 2012
One of the most talked about cuts in the state's Medicaid shortfall would be to nursing homes.
The state's Medicaid Director says they have to make some tough decisions knowing that lives are on the line, but lawmakers never got to one of the most controversial items on the agenda, the state's medical services budget.
Community service providers like small community clinics, senior centers and other third parties that offer services throughout the state were the first to make their case.
The state's Medicaid Director says 10-15,000 Arkansans could lose their nursing home coverage because of cuts.
The providers are asking for tens of millions to keep the services going, but it's not likely, according to Jerome Senator Randy Laverty.
"It's like painting a barn with three gallons of paint...in some manner," Laverty says.
He also says the committee voted for the extra appropriations that many providers are asking for, but that doesn't mean they'll be funded.
And they're running out of time.
The state's Medicaid Director says they have to make some tough decisions knowing that lives are on the line, but lawmakers never got to one of the most controversial items on the agenda, the state's medical services budget.
Community service providers like small community clinics, senior centers and other third parties that offer services throughout the state were the first to make their case.
The state's Medicaid Director says 10-15,000 Arkansans could lose their nursing home coverage because of cuts.
The providers are asking for tens of millions to keep the services going, but it's not likely, according to Jerome Senator Randy Laverty.
"It's like painting a barn with three gallons of paint...in some manner," Laverty says.
He also says the committee voted for the extra appropriations that many providers are asking for, but that doesn't mean they'll be funded.
And they're running out of time.
