Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 16, 1999
"The current system just doesn't make sense," says State Senator Christine Radogno. "If you are older or have a disability and are not on welfare you can't have more than $308 in income a month or you are not eligible for help. Any income over that amount must be spent on health care before the state's medical program kicks in. That leaves very little for people to live on, so often times you find people choosing between getting the health care they need and paying the rent or buying groceries."
Senator Christine Radogno is the chief sponsor of SB 677, a bill that will increase access to the state's Medicaid program for low income older adults and people with disabilities whose income is less that 100% of the federal poverty level, or $687/month. Right now, eligibility for the state's Medicaid program for this population is set at $308/month, or 42% of the federal poverty level.
"We launched this initiative because we think the current system unintentionally penalizes people who get Social Security benefits," says Barbara Otto, Executive Director of the SSI Coalition a spokesperson for the 100% Campaign. "These are people who worked, and paid into the system. The Medicaid income eligibility for this population has not changed in decades. If this initiative becomes law it will infuse more federal dollars to provide these critical medical services."
Proponents of SB 677 includes individuals like Jim Dailey who traveled from Anna, Illinois to talk about why he supports the legislation. Mr. Dailey, a former construction worker, is a recent liver transplant recipient. He requires anti-rejection drugs to suppress his body's immune system so it won't reject his new liver. These anti-rejection drugs leave his immune system vulnerable, requiring additional medications. Mr. Dailey estimates his drug costs to be close to $3,000 per month. Medicare picks up 80% of his anti-rejection drugs, but the rest of his drug costs come out-of-pocket. He spends down $1,400 of his income every month before he is eligible for the Medicaid program.
"I have a wife and kids, and can't work right now because of my transplant. The state says it will help pay for all of the medicines I need but only after I spend-down my income to $375. That leaves us only $375 to live on. How can anyone live on $375 a month?" said Jim Dailey. "We've got a mortgage and a truck payment. Not to mention food and the utility bills."
Ann Fisher, Executive Director of the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, and a spokesperson for the 100% Campaign, knows all too well the plight of individuals like Mr. Dailey. "I hear from clients every day faced with tough choices about how to pay for expensive prescription drugs. The 100% Campaign will help ease the burden on these individuals. We can't afford not to do this."
The Senate will vote on SB 677 on Wednesday, November 17th. For more information about the initiative, please contact Barbara Otto, SSI Coalition at 312-223-9600/pager 312-963-2746 or Ann Fisher, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago at 312-427-8990.
SOURCE The SSI Coalition for A Responsible Safety Net
CONTACT: Senator Christine Radogno, 708-354-6700 or 217-782-9407; Barbara Otto of SSI Coalition, pager 312-963-2746 or cell 312-860-9600; Ann Fisher of AIDS Legal Council, 312-427-8990 /
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