To all of our WYOPEP Family: This was published in the editorial by D Reed Eckhardt In the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Sunday June 29,2014 State wise to try to control waiver costs When 3 percent of the recipients get 19 percent of any programs benefits, it behooves officials to take a look at what is going on there. Similarly, when 2,200 residents get platinum-plated benefits while 600 others get nothing, essentially just looking in the window from outside, it is right of those same officials to ask why that is occurring and what can be done about it. Thus, it is becoming increasingly hard to sympathize with the complaints of parents and advocates for those with mental and physical disabilities in Wyoming. They have become a squeaky wheel in state government, protesting even modest efforts to rebalance a waiver program in the state Department of Health from which they benefit. Yes, it is possible that they will, in the end, have some of their benefits reduced. But that certainly seems fairer than them getting all they want while hundreds of others get nothing. The debate erupted into the news again last week when the advocates held a news conference in Cheyenne. (The event was sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill, who is also a candidate for governor. That she would try to exploit these peoples pain in an effort to embarrass Gov. Matt Mead is appalling.) The advocates criticized the state for the way it is managing the funds, which pay for services for the disabled like transportation and day programs. One mother said the state has taken something away from her daughter because it no longer is providing a waiver to send her to day programs. But Mr. Mead and health agency officials are only executing the will of the Legislature. Lawmakers have properly mandated that the program be rebalanced to help manage its high costs. After all, the states supply of funds is not unlimited, and the costs of health programs have a tendency to explode. That means they take an ever bigger bite out of the general fund and hamper public services in other areas, both in and out of the Department of Health. Were trying to support as many people in need as we can with the funds that have been made available to us, and were trying to do this in the most compassionate way, heath agency director Tom Forslund told the media. It must also be noted that lawmakers this past spring dumped another $20 million into the program for the next biennium, half state and half federal funds. That should reduce the numbers on the waiting list as well as cut wait times, which can stretch out to five years. Mr. Forslund did say that some recipients will see benefit cuts. But those only will be in the 7 percent range. And while some will see reductions, others actually will see increases of similar amounts. The problem here for Mr. Mead and health agency officials is that these advocates are well organized and have learned to make a lot of noise. Their stories also appeal to a sympathetic public: Who would dare put the disabled on the streets? But as a matter of fairness - as well an effort to control state spending - it is wise for the administration to push forward with this analysis and resulting changes. Good government requires efficient use of state funds. If that pinches beneficiaries a bit, so be it. Published on: Saturday, Jun 28, 2014 - 11:34:19 pm MDT Call: 307.633.3117 E-Mail Newsroom Follow on Twitter
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 05:28:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015