It’s a really complicated world……all of us want to decrease the federal debt, but how can we when so much is needed? Increased spending on the borders and illegal immigration control is at the top of the “Rights” list, while taking care of our poor and disabled stay at the top of the “lefts” list. In my world it’s a no-brainer. Supporting people that are some of societies most vulnerable is the right thing to do and I am glad HR 1586 was signed into law yesterday.

The law included a six month extension of higher Medicaid federal matching funds for states – a major contribution towards some of the drastic slashes in mental health coverage in Arizona.

Recent budget slashes (I prefer that term over cuts as I feel it’s much more descriptive) in the state’s healthcare system for the poor have forced many people to search for alternatives to afford their medications. Some are going to Canada, while some have been fortunate to be able to get discounts directly from the pharmaceutical companies. I applaud the efforts of some of the drug companies to help and I wish they would all step up.

While illegal immigration and calls to enforce the border by sending in troops occupies the headlines, our state’s most vulnerable citizens are doing the best they can just to survive.  In my world they take priority over someone who has illegally crossed our borders to look for a better way of life.  Helping disabled and seriously mentally ill people is not only money well spent, it’s the “right” thing to do!

How Did Your Member Vote?

View the House roll call vote on final passage of HR 1586

Both McCain and Kyle voted no when the bill went through the senate.

Read further details on the provisions in HR 1586 designed to support state Medicaid programs into 2011.

Beginning July 1, 2010, deep budget cuts at the state level will affect publicly funded behavioral health services. Over 300,000 adults and over 7000 children  statewide could loose their coverage.  (things are complicated with the new federal health care legislation)  Because timely information sharing is critical, Arizona’s Department of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) has set up a CLICK HERE: Web site to communicate with members, families and stakeholders – both to provide information and to obtain your input.

DBHS will post the latest information as it becomes available on topics including:

• Changes to covered benefits for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) who do not qualify for Medicaid (also called AHCCCS or Title XIX).
• Efforts to ensure there is a comprehensive and effective statewide crisis system for anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
• Clarification of benefits related to supported housing for adults with serious mental illness (SMI).

Submit your CLICK HERE: questions and concerns to DBHS.   CLICK HERE: FAQs are updated each Tuesday by DBHS.

A New York times article today says that the homeless population in New York City has escalated 34% recently. There are many theories why, but my concern is that most likely it will happen in Tucson as well.
State budget cuts have slashed over 300,000 people from the states Medicaid (ACCCHS) system. Many of those are mentally ill. If those people, who are already living in poverty get sick – whether they can’t afford their medication or can’t afford to go to the doctor, many of them will most likely loose their jobs (if they are lucky enough to have one). Once they loose their jobs, their shelter seems to be the next basic necessity to go as what little money they have most likely will need to be spent on food.
So…….where does this put this person? You’re right, possibly on the streets, unless they are hospitalized or in an emergency room for a short period of time. Sometimes entire families end up being homeless.
All because this is how our state has decided to save money.
The only light at the end of the tunnel, and it is only a small light, is for voters to pass the 1 cent sales tax in May. It’s not going to solve all our problems, but not passing it will make things much worse.
I hope you’ll consider it.