Missouri Senate advances bill to cut some Medicaid services
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Missouri Senate advances bill to cut some Medicaid services

Date: April 19, 2010
By: Rebecca Berg
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 1007

Intro:  The state Senate advanced a bill Monday that would cut some Medicaid services for Missouri seniors, as legislators emphasized the measure's cost-saving potential.
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The legislative action came as senators continued to look for solutions to the state budget crisis.

That meant moving forward with cuts to state Medicaid services, including some in-home care.

The bill's sponsor, St. Charles County Republican Senator Tom Dempsey, said the decision was tough, but necessary.

Actuality:  DEMPSEY.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "But the bottom line is the state cannot be everything to everybody."

Nearly 43 thousand Missourians on Medicaid take advantage of in-home care services.

Currently, the Department of Health determines who can qualify.

But if the bill becomes law, the state could hire a third party to make that assessment.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Berg.

Intro:  The Missouri Senate moved forward Monday with a bill that would cut state Medicaid services, but not before facing opposition from some legislators.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Supporters of the bill said it will save the state money by reducing Medicaid services, including some in-home care.

But Clarence Democratic Senator Wes Shoemyer said he worried the cuts missed the mark.

Actuality:  SHOEMYER.WAV
Run Time:  00:12
Description: "We are in a - some pretty tight budgetary times, and some sacrifices need to be made by all people, but the last people that should have to sacrifice is our state employees."

Shoemyer ultimately voted in favor of the measure.

Currently, nearly 43 thousand Missourians on Medicaid receive in-home care.

If the bill becomes law, the state could put a third party in charge of deciding who qualifies for in-home care through Medicaid -- and who does not. 

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Berg.