Good news for seniors and persons with disabilities; kudos to our local state representatives.It is a time to rejoice for Indiana seniors and persons with disabilities and those who love and care for them. On Tuesday, April 14, Governor Daniels signed into law Senate Bill 301. This new Medicaid law makes significant changes to the manner in which long term medical assistance is dispensed in Indiana for its most needy citizens. The new law takes effect Oct. 1, 2009. Citizens and health providers should make every effort to learn the changes to come about under the new law.
A short window - less than six months - is open to plan under the more favorable provisions of the old law. Advance planning versus crisis planning is important.
I was honored by the Indiana Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (IN-NAELA) to be its spokesperson in three separate hearings held in Indianapolis on the new law. IN-NAELA is a more than a 100-member strong bar of elder law attorneys who advocate for seniors and persons with disabilities. Initial proposals by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for implementation of the new Medicaid law would have imposed harsh rules on Indiana citizens.
In September 2008, I testified against those proposals at FSSA hearing, resulting in successfully suspending the proposed Dec. 1, 2008, implementation date. On Feb. 11 at a Senate committee hearing, and again on March 18 at House Committee hearing, my testimony was sponsored by IN-NAELA, and endorsed by AARP of Indiana, the Alzheimer's Association, the Senior Action Coalition, and numerous other agencies representing the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Senate Bill 301, as largely proposed by IN-NAELA and endorsing organizations, passed the Senate 49-0 and the House 89-7 with but four abstentions, a resounding acceptance of the need for sound health care legislation.
I am particularly proud of the work of our area legislative leaders on Senate Bill 301. Senator Ryan Mishler co-sponsored Senate Bill 301, along with Committee Chairwoman Senator Patricia Miller, and personally offered wise counsel on the bill's progress.
Senator Mishler is to be commended for his vision and energy and care for his constituents for the bill would not have succeeded were it not for his co-sponsorship and unrelenting efforts. In the House, Representatives Dave Wolkins and Bill Ruppel gave their staunch support to their senior constituents. Their work too must be recognized and applauded.
Kosciusko County can be pleased with its role in shaping future medical assistance for Indiana's most needy citizens.
