Money for foster kids' health care in jeopardy

[kickysnana]

Senators try to delay $700M in national Medicaid cuts
http://www.twincities.com/ci_7536381?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com&nclick_check=1

Minnesota could lose as much as $17 million per year in health care funds for foster children, the elderly and the mentally ill if an obscure federal Medicaid ruling takes effect in the coming days.

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The ruling by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services restricts how states can use federal money through a program called Targeted Case Management. The program pays for case managers and services to help vulnerable Medicaid recipients navigate a complex health care system.

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Normally, the public has 180 days to comment on a rule before final decisions are made. This time, the comment period didn't take place, taking many child welfare officials and legislators by surprise.

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The changes prohibit the use of the federal money for the direct delivery of medical, educational and social services to eligible individuals. That can include a ride to the doctor's office for a disabled person or a home investigation of a foster family, said a legislative aide in Coleman's office.

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