SOUTH SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Governor’s budget cuts at least $280 million in long term care services to people with disabilities and the elderly, 41 percent of the $680 in cuts to health and human services
“Something is out of whack here,” ARRM CEO Bruce Nelson said.
“We’re disappointed that the budget makes a disproportionately large cut to core services for vulnerable Minnesotans who are disabled or elderly,” he said. “These services that are just as important as anything else the state provides and funds. Why are the disabled and elderly being singled out?"
Over the past seven years their funding has lagged behind inflation by 13 percent, according to Nelson. “How do you run a business and keep already low-paid caregivers – who account for 76 percent of all funding – with big new cuts on top of that 13 percent?”
ARRM is a statewide association of private disability providers that support people with developmental and physical disabilities, autism, brain injuries and mental illness in their pursuit of meaningful lives.
Last week over 1,000 people with disabilities and their caregivers rallied at the capitol and met with legislators to stave off deep cuts. “Those good folks will continue to ask for the resources they depend on every day,” Nelson added.
Among the reductions to people with disabilities and elderly include:
- A 4.5 percent rate cut for home and community based services,
- A 2 percent rate cut for nursing homes plus other cuts specifically targeted at nursing homes,
- Those two rate cuts save $144 million over two years,
- A medical need threshold for waivers along with person-centered supports for $12 million over two years,
- Elimination of acuity money for the DD waiver that went to counties, but was temporarily cut in unallotment last year, for another $9 million,
- Waiver slot limits continued for another two years with a reduction in TBI for 6 to 3 a month for total two year savings of $46 million,
- Background study $20 fee for all providers licensed by DHS and
- An increase in the ICF/MR surcharge to $4,037 per licensed bed with a commensurate rate increase based on 95 percent occupancy.
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