Monday Morning Update

Good Monday morning to all!

· Thursday, the Senate debated the Rescission Bill and after little discussion, voted to approve it. The final vote was 33-6. The bill went to the House later that afternoon and passed 114-5. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature. We have every indication that the Governor will sign the bill!

· Thank you all for your notes, letters, emails, and calls to legislators. This is YOUR win!

· Folks have been wondering what the reimbursement process will look like once the SGF/Medicaid swap is reinstated. As you know, providers have been paid 10% less for Medicaid-eligible services provided after January 1st 2010. According to the Rescission Bill, the swap is retroactive so folks should be reimbursed for the 10% hit they took during their January and February billing. S.R.S. has not shared how they will do the “pay-back”. Look for information in a future update. Any billing after the bill is signed into law will be paid at the original rate.

· Remember, this swap is only for the Home and Community Based DD waiver. There are other waivers that are not impacted by this swap.

· One more thing to remember is that the reinstatement of the Medicaid cut only applies to the 2010 budget which ends June 30th. The Legislature now has the perilous task of hammering out the 2011 budget which starts July 1st of this year. Unless the legislature finds a way to increase revenue, the 10% cut may be reinstated. Don’t rest easily yet, we have much work to do during the next few months.

· I’ve attached an article which was posted in the KC Star about the budget and the potentially devastating effects on folks with disabilities.

Your To Do list for next week:

1. I’m still waiting to see your Letter to the Editor….did I have any takers?

2. Almost all Legislators do a weekly/monthly email newsletter that goes out to constituents during the legislative session. Email your legislators and request to be put on this email list. These newsletters will help you know a little more about your legislator, what is important to them as well as their stance on specific issues.

3. Many Legislators want to know what is important to their constituents and hold forums in their district. Find out if your legislators hosts these events. If so, plan to go. Ask questions about DD funding.


Thank you for your advocacy the past month. With the passage of the Rescission Bill, we have won the battle, but are far from winning the war! Your ideas, thoughts, and strategies are welcome. Be sure to visit www.invisiblekansans.org!


Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead