We cannot allow caregivers to be punished for GOP’s $1 billion Medicaid shortfall

By ROBIN SHACKLEFORD Last December,& a report& from the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) revealed a massive forecasting error which resulted in a miscalculation of the funds needed to cover Medicaid expenses. The initial projection fell short of $1 billion dollars, forcing the FSSA to frantically to look for quick mitigation solutions. Republican lawmakers point to& increased Medicaid enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, budget reversions and rising Medicaid enrollment as the reason behind the egregious error, though there is really no excuse that can justify this discrepancy. As a result of this blunder, $255.2 million will need to be appropriated prior to July 2024 to& fund the program. In 2025, an additional $457.9 million will also need to be allocated. So, what does that mean for Hoosiers? FSSA is proposing to cut programs to save funding shortages created by an accounting error. On Jan. 17, the FSSA released a statement proposing& eight changes& to help reduce costs. Among them is a plan to modify the& Aged and Disabled Waiver. The proposal would forgo payments to Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs) operating as Personal Care Attendants to those with disabilities. The consequences of this decision cannot be understated. Families across the...