State could face sanctions over severe problem with food stamps, By Arielle Levin Becker, February 24, 2011, The Day: “Connecticut wrongly denies food stamps to eligible residents at a higher rate than any other state. It ranks among the worst in the nation in processing food stamp applications on time and paying out accurate levels of benefits. And federal officials warn that without a ‘tremendous turnaround,’ the state could face significant financial sanctions. ‘We’re really concerned with what’s happening in Connecticut,’ James Arena-DeRosa, northeast regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, told members of the Human Services and Appropriations committees Tuesday. Legislators called the figures he presented shocking. Twenty-six percent of cases in which food stamps were denied or cut off were the result of errors, according to preliminary fiscal-year 2010 figures based on a sample of cases. Fewer than 60 percent of applications were processed in a timely manner, and the rate of inaccurate benefit payments was second-worst in the country…”
Day: February 25, 2011
Medicaid and Home Care
Delaware government: Medicaid care heads home, By Hiran Ratnayake, February 25, 2011, Wilmington News Journal: “Each morning, a home health aide goes to 43-year-old Lisa Hughes’ Newark apartment to help with her day-to-day life. Because of her health needs, Hughes is among close to 17,000 Delaware residents who would benefit from a new state program that could save millions in health care costs while keeping people out of nursing homes. From the time she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 18 years ago, Hughes’ autoimmune disease has slowly progressed. At first, it caused ‘flashbulb spots’ in her vision, but it has progressed to the point that Hughes needs a wheelchair. Aides from Bayada Nurses, a home health care company, help her get ready every morning and prepare to go to bed at night. A Bayada registered nurse — as well as occupational and physical therapists — also check on her twice a week. Hughes, who gets part of her health insurance through Medicaid, wouldn’t have it any other way…”
General Assistance Program – California
Sacramento County’s neediest must wait weeks for aid, By Brad Branan, February 25, 2011, Sacramento Bee: “Sacramento County’s poorest residents are waiting longer to receive cash assistance because of a double whammy common to social service programs these days. The county has fewer caseworkers even as the need for services has increased. The county tries to finish applications for its General Assistance program within six weeks, or two weeks longer than it did a year ago, said Paul Lake, director of the Human Assistance Department. Applications are taking as long as two months to approve, he said. Advocates for the poor, however, say claims are taking two months to three months to complete. The county is hurting these people because they have no other money to survive, advocates say…”