The Missouri legislature last week approved a bill calling for Medicaid cuts that likely will result in reduced payments to nursing homes.
The bill, which was sent to Gov. Matt Blunt (R), is a win for him since he had requested the Medicaid cuts in an effort to balance a budget that increases school funding without seeking higher taxes.
This legislation would eliminate Medicaid coverage for more than 27,200 beneficiaries and end the requirement that the state’s Medicaid program cover health services such as dental, vision and hospice care to beneficiaries.
Also, the bill, which would take effect in August, would give lawmakers authority to decrease coverage for the elderly or disabled in years when state revenue is not sufficient to support funding coverage of their services.
