Funding Cuts for Families of Disabled Children

According to recent reports, Medicaid is threatening to cut aid to people with developmental disabilities drastically in Florida.

For obvious reasons, many families who are caring for children living with disabilities like cerebral palsy, are becoming increasingly alarmed about the future fund cuts.

Reasoning Behind Cutting Funding

Lawmakers are ordering Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities to reconfigure their Medicaid waiver program so they can get out of a $153 million deficit.

The waiver is used for people with developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, and lawmakers ensure that these people will be qualified to receive institutionalized care.

Advocates Voice Disagreement

Advocates throughout the state and country are voicing their anger regarding this new system and claim it will push some disabled children into institutions when there is a nationwide trend against institutionalizing those with disabilities.

“It’s just a mess and people are panicking,” explains Martha Barrera, senior attorney or the statewide Advocacy Center for People with Disabilities.

As a result of this new system, children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities will be forced to rely more on community nonprofit programs and their loved ones.

(Source: Jacksonville.com)

Do you have a child who is living with a disability? If so, please contact a cerebral palsy lawyer who will give you the legal guidance and care you and your loved ones deserve.