Medicaid reality is grim

I am writing in response to the guest opinion “Medicaid rules need rewrite,” which is misleading and inaccurate. Medicaid cannot force anyone to remain in a nursing home against his/her wishes.

In Washington, efforts to facilitate community reintegration have been stymied because of continuous cuts in funding for community support programs. Payments to Adult Family Homes and Assisted Living facilities and in-home care services have been cut.

Individuals needing assistance with personal care and chore services have had their hours of care cut in the past year. Funding for energy assistance and housing modifications have been reduced. Services to individuals with chronic mental illness have also been cut.

In Spokane, there are waiting lists at all subsidized apartments. Case management services have been cut drastically. Individuals moving out of nursing facilities almost always require support to build and maintain their independence.

However, if the programs that facilitate independent living are not adequately supported with public funds, individuals with disabilities find that they cannot safely live anywhere but in nursing facilities.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers claims to support individuals with disabilities but votes consistently to cut funding to the very programs that allow them to live independently with dignity.

Audrey Burr, LICSW

Spokane