Monday, June 13, 2011

Family Care Cuts a Republican Attack on many Special Olympians

Remember how horrified Republicans were when zombie protesters stood in silence at the Special Olympics, assuming those with disabilities don’t follow politics or have a political position?

Well, ya think they might not be happy with the administration’s plans to cap a program that helps many of them live independent of their families? Affected families will end up paying much more, giving up jobs to continue at home care, and will have no hope of transitioning their teenager to a more independent life.


But the state will save money rationing care. Yes, rationing.

jsonline: The restriction on enrollments will lead to higher state costs in hospitalizations and nursing home care for many, Family Care advocates say. "There's just going to be nothing for these young people" with disabilities said Barbara Beckert, who manages the Milwaukee office of Disability Rights Wisconsin. A key state official is defending a proposed freeze on enrollment in the popular Family Care program for frail elderly and younger adults with disabilities … a cut in payments to those in the program to help manage the state's budget crisis. The program currently serves about 35,000 people in 53 counties, including about 8,000 from Milwaukee County. The enrollment cap would block an estimated 16,900 enrollments over the next two years.
Reality vs “saving money,” and some semblance of social responsibility.

Katie Plachinski of Oak Creek was one of several parents at a forum this week who talked about how the enrollment cap would impact their families. Plachinski's daughter Bethany - one of her four children - has Down syndrome. The enrollment cap means she'll have to quit her job to care for Bethany, "This could actually lead to a regression in her skills and anti-social behavior," as well as a financial hit for her family, Plachniski said.

Republicans are still outraged over the zombie protest at the Special Olympics, all the while they cut help for the participants. Amazing.

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