Disabled Criticize Governor’s Spenddown Plan

A proposal from the Governor’s Office to address complaints about a cut in assistance to Missouri’s disabled has not impressed advocates for the disabled. Governor Bob Holden’s spokesperson Mary Still says a change in Medicaid guidelines will help 25,000 disabled Missourians. She says changes will allow 4,600 Missourians to receive Medicaid without incurring any medical expenses. Richard Blakley with the Disabled Citizens Alliance says it doesn’t go far enough. Blakley says the changes will force many disabled Missourians into nursing homes. The Holden Administration says the federal government is forcing the change.