Message from Claire McCaskill

[usregimechange]

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Dear Friend,

Today is very important. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next year. Today. We have a real challenge in the weeks ahead. We must be credible and strong as we take on a well-funded opponent. We have to show that we are not afraid of the fundraising prowess of the National Republican Party along with President Bush or Vice President Cheney. The funds we raise today are imperative to continue to build our momentum and our organization.

Today your contribution sends a strong signal that we are ready and confident as we go into battle next year. Today, your contribution attracts other donors from all over this nation, as we build momentum and excitement. Our deadline for this quarter is in 72 hours.

https://claireonline.com/secure/contribute.asp

[loyalsister]

1. She's as bad as Blunt

$5.4 million in Medicaid savings possible, auditor says

"McCaskill’s audit estimated the state could reduce costs within that program by $5.4 million if it sought competitive bids from providers of medical equipment. The audit said state officials had considered that idea but had not implemented a bidding process as of May. Among other things, state officials said federal law requires Medicaid enrollees to have freedom of choice in obtaining services.

The audit, though, argued that state officials could seek a waiver of that requirement. It cited pilot projects in Texas and Florida that showed savings of 17 percent to 22 percent - with no reduction in access - when fees for equipment in the Medicare program were competitively bid."

http://www.columbiatribune.com/2005/Oct/20051003News002.asp

Taking away people's choices has the very same limiting effect as some of Blunt's cuts. It's rationing health services for poor people any way you look at it. She has sold people with disabilities out before. This pandering is no surprise.

[usregimechange]

2. Where did that come from?

[usregimechange]

3. Look, some organizations can do something at a lower cost

that doesn't always mean a loss in quality. I think that shopping around and considering cost (along with quality) as one factor in the equation is the way we should do it.

[loyalsister]

4. You missed the point.

The waiver is to force people into particular equipment.
Currently, people who get state assistance for medical equipment like wheelchairs still get to choose their equipment under federal regulation.
She wants a waiver so that they will no longer have that choice in Missouri. That is where people live sometimes. People have great affection for their chairs because they offer them freedom. Limiting choices on that will force people into generic chairs that do not suit their bodies and lifestyles.
This is a devaluation as bad as any Blunt has put out there during the last session.