Instill Compassion into Nevada Medicaid

Following the voice of
compassion proves wise.

Six years ago, a severely disabled individual was pleading with Nevada Medicaid officials from his hospital bed, "Please, let me live at home."  The officials staunchly refused, quoting regulations that were imposing a confinement in a "long term care facility", (a rest home).   

Hearing of federal laws, which forbade unnecessary institutionalization, he refused to accept their grim decree.  The State then began a lengthy campaign to pressure him into compliance.  For months, he endured confinement in a hospital and constant harassment.

After several thousands of dollars were wasted on this unnecessary hospitalization, Governor Miller countermanded his staff.  He conceded to grant the man workable home care provisions.

The Governor's reversal elated the individual but offended several Medicaid staff. They were forced to surrender institutional-like controls they have abetted for years.  But, thank God… the more flexible regulations allowed this man to live in his own home, saving him from a tormented existence in an institution.

All along, the voice of compassion was crying out for this remedy.  In providing what any compassionate person would want for a truly needy person, the State would save thousands of dollars over the cost of institutionalizing the man.  Such practical successes demonstrate the wisdom of compassion. 

Medicaid staff still ignores compassionate Judgment.

The reluctant staff complied with the Governor's concession for the individual.  But, the State took illegal steps to prevent the changes from further benefiting the entire disability community. 

Now, under the new Medicaid Administrator Charles Duarte, the staff has further dismantled these cost-effective, self-directed home care provisions.  These actions don't reflect integrity nor regard for the well-being of Nevada's citizens.

Recently, Governor Gwinn stepped forward to increase the budget to help prevent unnecessary institutionalization. Unfortunately, his Medicaid staff is still putting higher priority on reducing their own workload than on improving services for the disabled.

They have forfeited the workability of some programs.  Also, they have destroyed self-directed home care for many of Nevada's truly needy.

Instilling compassionate wisdom requires wholesome leadership.

Merely forcing a few regulatory changes, as did Governor Miller, is not enough.  Even delegating more money, as has Governor Guinn, is not enough.   Money and occasional correction cannot inspire a genuine concern for the people Medicaid serves.

In my opinion, only someone with knowledge and a proven concern for the plight of the disabled and elderly can inspire excellence in this division.   

Leadership, who are not biased by the department's old soured thinking, should be established.  This Division must have leadership who possess a passionate desire to provide the best for our elderly and disabled. 

Then, compassionate wisdom can permeate all of the Division.  Then, better goals would dominate the course of the Division. Goals like:

• Providing less restrictive environments for our disabled would overcome the Division's backwards tradition of imposing institutional-like controls.