Independent Homecare Providers along with AFSCME Council 67 lobbied in Annapolis on Monday. Over 35 members spoke to legislators on the urgent need to stop cuts on Medicaid funding. Last year, the Governor issued major cut backs to the Independent Homecare Providers budget, which restricted their lives as well as the lives of their clients.

“We love doing our job but most of us have families and small children, we can’t afford any more cut-backs. This forces us to search for other means of employment but, our clients still need our help, no-one is going to fulfill my position if I’m not their to help them. I want to make them as comfortable as possible but we are suffering too”. (Patti Hanan) Members from all over the state of Maryland shared their personal work experiences and the deep love for the elderly and the disabled. This year, President Obama issued $1.63 billion in Medicaid funding from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act. However, the Governor recently proposed flat funding meaning no rate increases, no expansion of programs or services, and no new openings for clients who are need of independent services. Homecare demanded the monies from the Reinvestment Act be disbursed amongst the Independent Providers.

In a hearing to discuss the budget on Medicaid on Thursday Dr. Nicole Francis ( Adminstrator, AFSCME COUNCIL 67) declared, “ In a review of 2007data from the state of Maryland the use of home care services has grown more that the use of services in nursing homes has significantly increased, Independent Homecare Providers is in high demand, however their has not been any additional funding to support this high demand nor a pay increase for the providers”. Delegate Steven Schuh from the Health & Human Subcommittee recalled some the personal experiences of the Homecare Providers that he met with on Monday’s Lobby Night and plans to continue to support the needs of our Homecare workers.