As you know, the debate about health care reform in Washington DC is heating up. The Head Start/ECEAP community needs to stay informed because this issue affects the families we serve. None is more important than the future of the Medicaid program. Medicaid provides health coverage to some of the poorest families in our state. Without Medicaid many families would not be able to access important preventive care for their kids or themselves. But Medicaid reimbursements rates and benefits are so stingy that many providers—especially dentists--are unwilling to take families utilizing Medicaid. This makes it very hard and sometimes impossible for families to find services for their kids.
The health care bills introduced in Congress would expand Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the poverty level, but clearly more funds are needed to increase the service levels for families already receiving assistance. With our state in the midst of a funding crisis and already cutting health services we need more federal support for Medicaid so that there is at least some basic access to health services for low income children and families. To find out more about how health care reform impacts your family go to www.familiesusa.org.
I would be very interested to hear from programs, staff, and families about how the Medicaid program in our state could be improved.
Joel
3 comments:
Our health is the most precious and prized of all our possessions... however, it seems that during times of crisis, it's among the first things we are willing to let go.
Sometimes it's as simple as our outward appearances, but it can be as complex as lingering health issues we are aware of and simply cannot afford to treat.
Having health care is not a right, it is a luxury in this country - and that is an absolute shame.
You have to be in absolute crisis before you can seek treatment in the ER.
With much gratitude, my family receives Medicaid. For my daughter with asthma and my son with extensive medical needs, it has literally made a difference between life and death. My children now have a phenomenal physician and nearly a day ever passes when I am not grateful for his knowledge and expertise.
It's difficult to argue with the gift of medical insurance when there are countless others without coverage... but I do feel that it could be managed and run more efficiently - potentially saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.
For instance, I have uncontrolled allergies. I know for a fact that medication x will effectively treat my allergies, but since it's not covered under Medicaid, my alternative is 4 different medications - how can that possibly be cost saving?
Last month I went to my PCP because a lump had formed in the back of my skull. My PCP was pretty convinced it was a brain tumor and ordered blood tests and a CT scan. When those were both inconclusive, she ordered a MRI. The MRI revealed that I had a sinus infection so severe it had traveled into the bone. If she had spent a couple minutes looking in my ears during the initial exam, I could have started antibiotics at that time.
We put a great deal of faith and confidence in our doctors - and we have been taught not to question authority, but more times than not, I have found myself in a position where I have to advocate for my own health - and I don't feel that should ever be the case.
While we are given the choice of a PCP, the pickings are pretty slim for those on Medicaid. Referrals to specialists are rare - as are doctors who support and encourage preventative care.
Isn't it generally cheaper to provide families with the tools to maintain their health than to deal with crisis control? If a parent doesn't see the value in caring for themselves, how can they be expected to effectively care for their children?
Is it time for health reform? If your life was depending on it, I am sure you would agree.
Lucy I want to thank you for your comments. I agree with you that health care should be a right and not a luxury.
We need to make sure newly delivered moms are covered for the first year after the birth of the child or end of the pregnancy for any reason. By the time many of them develop physical or mental health conditions requiring treatment their pregnancy medical coverage is over. Aarg!
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