Porter: “The progress is pleasing but I’m not finished yet”
Today, Feb. 29, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) introduced four amendments to Senate Bill 256 to provide Hoosiers at risk of losing services relief from proposed cuts due to the $1 billion Medicaid shortfall. The House killed two amendments to pause the attendant care transition and to allow the Indiana Department of Corrections to bond their Westville Correctional Facility project to reroute the funding to the shortfall. Two of Rep. Porter’s amendments passed requiring the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) to submit a report on attendant care and to prohibit automatic approvals for the program.
“We're nearing the end of session, and I proposed these amendments to protect our families from the shortfall,” Porter said. “Our families are facing a lot of uncertainty since many will lose their coverage. They’re losing the funding that keeps them afloat. It doesn’t help that the FSSA has been reluctant to share information regarding the transition to structured family caregiving. I’m pleased that two of my amendments passed today. We’re getting an additional study of the attendant care program, and we’re prohibiting automatic approvals for the time being. The program has rapidly increased which has led to some non-verified expenditures through the automatic approval process. There needs to be some minimal, expedited review to ensure that the Medicaid program runs smoothly. This will help us learn more about our expenditures, so we can continue to support such an important program.
“Today was an opportunity to help our Hoosier families. Those who are caring for their loved ones have contacted their legislators. They’ve shown up at the Statehouse, and they’ve openly shared the burden they’re facing. They've done everything they can to get the attention of their elected officials. Yet, we pushed the A&D waiver to the back burner again. These families don’t have time to wait. Every day they fight for their loved ones, and they provide essential, life-saving health care.
“We’re acting like this shortfall is fiscal rocket science, but it’s simple. We have the funding to provide these families with relief. Our revenue forecast is positive, and we have funding in the reserves. My colleagues are devoted to increasing transparency, but they’re less concerned with our Hoosier families.
“I’d like to thank the families and caregivers that contacted me or came to the Statehouse. I appreciate your passion. I appreciate the love you show your family members. I appreciate your willingness to fight. I plan on continuing to fight for a solution to the uncertainty you’re facing.”