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How the SRS Budget Cuts are Affecting My Life

John Beasley

Age: 45

From: Lawrence, Douglas County

Impact of Budget Cuts: HCBS Waiver Freezes/Waiting List

LOC Score: 43
Senator: Mark Buhler (2^nd)

Representative: Tom Holland (10^th)

I experienced a spinal cord injury at the Cervical-3 level on April 27, 2002, as a result of a fall.  Because I now have partial use of my arms and legs, ongoing physical and occupational therapy is essential for maximum recovery.  I use a wheelchair and am progressing toward using a walker.  I am a single parent of a thirteen-year-old daughter.

Before the recent cuts implemented by former Governor Graves, I was fourth from the top of the PD Waiver waiting list in December of 2002.  My Level of Care score was 43, well over the current Level of Care score of 30.  As a result of the PD Waiver waiting list being frozen, I am not receiving the following services I would be eligible for through the PD Waiver criteria: personal assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, walking, meal preparation, shopping, laundry/housing, medications and money management.

I recently met my $2,400 spend-down (every 6 months), since I have accrued over $300 in medication costs, and physical therapy about three times a week, costing me $300 each visit.  Therefore Medicaid will now be paying for my medication and physical therapy.  My spend-down is relatively large because I worked since I was 17, and I'm 45 now.  For the last 14 years I worked in manufacturing and production of steel in Kansas, Oklahoma and Florida.  I have never had to rely on Medicaid or any other benefit program until now, due to my injury.  I want to gain computer drafting skills and become employed doing computer drafting in the steel industry.

I currently live with my parents, who are 65.  My mother has had back surgery and has rods in her back.  It is important that I get on the PD waiver so I can receive assistance and not have to rely on my mother.   I will not be able to rely on family indefinitely for the personal assistance I need.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my situation and need for PD Waiver services.

 

Sincerely,

 

John Beasley 

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