Right about now, scores of Missourians are shaking their piggy banks at state legislators in Jefferson City. When former Governor Matt Blunt kicked thousands off the Medicaid roles in 2005, disabled and elderly residents were told to do without basics like hearing aids. The outrage over the cuts led to animated protests, with activists dumping prosthetic limbs in the rotunda and chaining themselves to the doors of the House chambers. Today, advocates are gathering for the "Medicaid Makes Cents" rally at the Missouri capitol, aimed at bringing back the axed services.
A van-full of Kansas City residents made the trip to show they're not invisible or expendable.
Names: Joan LaBelle (red dress), Joseph Matovu (wheelchair), David Robinson (white hair) and Nicki Corrao (black jacket) all work for The Whole Person, a disability rights' and independent living organization in Kansas City.
Their impetus for activism: For those with disabilities, discrimination is pervasive. LaBelle says it's nearly impossible to live on social security and food stamps, but it takes someone with a disability four times longer to find a job. Corrao says several agencies denied her adoption efforts because they thought a disabled woman couldn't be a competent parent. Robinson still can't go to the movies because there aren't sufficient provisions for the deaf. Often in rural areas, Matovu says, there still aren't basic accessibility provisions like handicapped parking spots.
The injury inflicted by Missouri's 2005 Medicaid cuts: "Some of our consumers lost all their Medicaid eligibility and some just lost services they used to get," Corrao says. "The initial proposals cut things as critical as home oxygen; the very air people need to survive. Of the very severe cuts that did go through, some have already been restored. But there are a number that still need to be restored."
Like?: Basic healthcare such as dental services and coverage of hearing aids. Physical and occupational therapy for individuals living independently; right now it's restricted to those in nursing homes. Many provisions that fall under "durable medical equipment," like special cutlery for those unable to use the standard fork and knife, aren't covered. "To have the right eating utensils is a luxury that Medicaid says you don't really need to have," LaBelle says. So the disabled and elderly get stuck footing obscene healthcare bills for fundamental necessities.
Why it's worth the long drive to Jefferson City: "The primary goal is visibility, to make sure we're not a forgotten population," Corrao says. "It empowers consumers because you're in a place where, suddenly, your voice is being heard with hundreds of other voices," LaBelle adds. "It's extremely powerful." She pauses with a slightly mischievous smile that hints at human chains and activist lock-downs. "It can get pretty passionate."
Optimism about the new administration: "We're always hopeful," LaBelle says with an ironic laugh. "The new governor has indicated that he wants to restore the Medicaid cuts of '05, so that's a very positive sign," Corrao adds. "So we are very hopeful that will get done in the near future."
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