Taking Away Health Care Considered Fair Game

Posted on March 06, 2012 by Guest Blogger: Sheila Styron, Public Policy Coordinator, The Whole Person

There is a Missouri budget proposal on the table for 2013 which aims to cut off Medicaid health coverage to nearly 3000 individuals who receive Supplemental Aid to the Blind. "It is completely inconsistent with how we treat any other disability in the state," says Rep. Silvey (Kansas City). "All we are doing is going to do is put them on a level playing field with anyone else with a disability." 

What Does Our State Spending Say About Our Values?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Megan Burke

Often when we hear talk about the state creating a balanced budget, we hear comments like “we have to balance our personal budgets, so why shouldn’t the state be held to the same standard.”  I say, fair enough.  It just makes me wonder.  What are our state values? 

Could you live on $791/month and pay additional medical bills?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Megan Burke

MO HealthNet plays an important role for people with disabilities by providing access to a range of health care and services not covered by private insurance or Medicare, such as transportation and attendant services.  Many people with disabilities and seniors pay a deductible or “spenddown” each month to qualify for vital services.  Some people have deductibles as high as $800 a month.  Who can afford that?   

Improving Voting Access One Vote at a Time

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Amanda Beals

While there is no law that states that people with disabilities cannot vote, the systems, facilities, and people put in place to run the election process can often present major barriers for people with disabilities who want to access their right to vote. 

Show Some Love for Public Transportation

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Thomas Green

Public transportation is a vital service to the community.  People with disabilities use accessible public transportation to get to school, jobs and businesses in the community. This week, Congress will be discussing a specific bill that will impact millions of people who depend on public transportation and highways. 

Steve Gold on Olmstead Advocacy

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Kimberly Lackey

On Wednesday over 200 individuals with disabilities and disability rights advocates gathered at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel to hear Steve Gold talk about Olmstead Advocacy.  Steve Gold is an attorney from Pennsylvania who specializes in civil rights and only represents persons with disabilities. He is known as the “Godfather” of the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision and fights against unnecessary institutionalization and discrimination. 

The Supreme Court and the Affordable Care Act

Posted on February 08, 2012 by Kimberly Lackey

Beginning on March 26, 2012, the Supreme Court will spend five and a half hours over the span of three days listening to oral arguments regarding the Affordable Care Act.  The arguments will cover four different topics that have been debated in lower courts.   

Knowing Your Voting Rights

Posted on February 01, 2012 by Amanda Beals

On February 7^th, many of us will take advantage of our chance to help elect the next President of the United States by voting in the Presidential Primary Election. Over the years, many policies have been put in place in order to ensure that people with disabilities can have access to the same voting rights as everyone else. 

Why They Don't Take Us Seriously

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Amanda Beals

As the Civic Engagement Organizer at Paraquad and member of the Missouri Disability Vote Project, I have had the opportunity to travel across the state of Missouri and speak to several people about voting, elections, and the election system. While building these relationships, I have been quite surprised at some of the conversations I’ve been a part of; conversations of which we, as the disability community, need to be made aware.

Changes to Medicaid Spenddown = Cuts in Services, More Hospitalizations, More people in Nursing Homes

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Megan Burke

MO HealthNet creates healthier, more productive communities when people with disabilities and seniors can access necessary health services to manage their health and maintain their independence.   People with disabilities and seniors will soon be facing more barriers to MO HealthNet services as Missouri implements stricter spenddown rules. 

To see the most updated press release. Click on the link below.

Changes to Spenddown Press Release with Disability Coalition on Healthcare Reform, Jobs with Justice, Missouri Healthcare for All, Missouri Kidney Program, and Services for Independent Living