Legislative Update: The Future of Medicaid!
Representative Debbie Clary
September 15, 2003

Medicaid has always been a safety net for frail seniors...IT IS ON THE VERGE OF COLLAPSE! Let me repeat...Medicaid programs are on the verge of collapse!

We must send a clear message to adults in this state....BUY LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE! Our families must learn to become independent...not dependent on the Government in their senior years. It is a false sense of security. Medicaid will buy minimal services in future years...VERY MINIMAL!

I continue to stress the point that "Our function in Government has been to finance LTC services for the neediest of seniors and to ensure minimum levels of quality care. The minimum quality of care will continue to drop as the Medicaid budget grows beyond our ability to purchase true quality care. Physicians and Dentist across the state are already refusing Medicaid patients as the reimbursement rates decline.

Nationally Medicaid pays for forty percent of LTC expenditures in Nursing Homes. Add this to the fact that the program pays for approximately 45 percent of the babies born. Perhaps you'll realize how important LTC Insurance and taking responsibility for your own care is...Medicaid is truly on the verge of collapse.

I hope this message encourages you to make a commitment to yourself and your family to buy LTC Insurance today!