More of This, Please
by: Dean Barker
Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 18:37:46 PM EST
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Now this is what I would like to see much more of - the NHDP directing their significant focus and firepower against radical Republicanism in the state house. State house races in NH can get ridiculously localized, given the large number of reps, so pointing out the direction the GOP is moving in statewide legislation is key. "Does your rep support this?" is a good conversation to have.
(via email):
House Republicans Propose Eliminating Funding for Prescription Drugs, Wheelchair Vans, Mental Health Care
Would Also Force Seniors Out of Their Homes into More Expensive Nursing Homes
CONCORD - New Hampshire House Republicans are proposing legislation to radically cut services to New Hampshire's seniors, children and needy citizens, introducing legislation that would eliminate funding for prescription drug coverage, wheelchair vans and mental health care, among other services.
The legislation (HB1587) would also eliminate the state's home-and-community-based care program, forcing seniors out of their homes into more expensive nursing homes. And it would eliminate funding for home-based programs for people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, forcing them into more expensive care.
Remainder below the fold.
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"The House Republican legislation is not just bad public policy, it's downright cruel," said Derek Richer, press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party. "The Republican Party's plan to roll back health care for the state's most vulnerable citizens is shocking."
"After months of calling for cuts, while refusing to say what they would cut, House Republicans are finally showing their hand. In this bill, the House Republicans are showing their plan to take prescription drugs away from seniors, to make it impossible for seniors to get to their doctor's appointments, and leave the mentally ill to fend for themselves," Richer said. "The House Republican proposals would push seniors and developmentally disabled out of their own homes and into institutions.
"Not only are their proposals the wrong thing to do, in some cases - like their proposal to end home care, it would cost the state more money," Richer said. "In other cases, cities and towns could be forced to pick up some of the costs."
"As part of the budget, Governor Lynch and the Legislature reduced state personnel, closed state facilities, and reduced state spending overall. They made tough and responsible choices to protect essential services like these," Richer said.
HB1587 would require the state to eliminate all non federally mandated benefits, including outpatient hospital for mental illnesses; mental health centers; prescription drugs; medical support in the home and durable medical equipment; ambulance services; wheelchair van services; audiology services; optometric services (eyeglasses); psychology; private duty nursing; physical therapy; speech therapy; occupational therapy; medical services clinics; personal care; day habilitation; adult medical day care; crisis intervention; intensive home and community services; child health support services; home based therapy; placement services; private non-medical institutions for children; Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR); inpatient psych facility for individuals under 22 years of age; school based services; home and community based care (HCBC) waiver services (including the Choices for Independent waiver, Acquired Brain Disorder waiver, In-home supports waiver, and Developmentally Disabled)
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