Kentucky is the First State to Implement Trump’s Medicaid Plan

On Saturday, January 13th, 2018, PBS News Hour shared the information that Kentucky is the first state to have Medicaid changes approved under the Trump administration’s recent plan. The changes will require Kentucky residents who receive Medicaid to pay a monthly premium and to be able to show proof of employment, employment activity (such as seeking work), or community service activities. A few segments of the population are expected to be exempt from this: children, the elderly, pregnant women, or the “medically frail.”

The Problem

The problem is that these limitations are merely suggestions. One objection to the plan is that none of these things are clearly delineated. Does “pregnant women” extend beyond the baby’s birth? When would a mother be expected to return to the workforce? Some versions of the plan, from some states (because several are expected to follow Kentucky’s example), add an exemption for those who are care-givers. Does a new mother fall into this category?

donald trump signature.

What is the definition of medically frail?

More than that, how is “medically frail” defined? Does it extend to those with opioid addiction? What about recovering meth addicts? Will that term cover cancer victims? (One certainly does hope that to be true.) What about chronic conditions, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, and many other debilitating diseases, to say nothing of those who are mentally ill? People who were around in the 1960s and 70s might recall the increase of indigent homeless after funding cuts closed a number of facilities for the mentally less able.

How can help be given?

What can the indigent do to help themselves and each other? If both the federal and the state government bail on medical assistance, citizens’ first efforts must be to keep themselves as healthy as possible. Websites such as Allison Owens’ Unsullyd Health Page, where wellness information is shared, can be of assistance.

In addition, seeing more activities from groups such as Neighbors Helping Neighbors can turn out to be helpful as well. If one is living in a state considering adopting similar changes, be on the lookout for the elderly, families that are marginally employed in the neighborhood and for those less able to help themselves. If “Big Brother” is only going to stand back and watch, it is up to the rest of the Kentucky citizens to help.

The fears

The primary fear is that many such people will now fall through the cracks opening in the system. Cracks that include increased paperwork requirements to prove lack of ability, penalties for late payment of fees, and the added workload that is going to be presented to social workers who are already over-burdened with paperwork.

Where theory meets reality

If this were not enough, the age that the world is in now demands a changing workforce. Many jobs once available as menial labor are now done by machines. Availability of materials, demand for goods, all these things shift and change – it is part of a free commerce system.

What happens if a factory closes, a mine runs out, or a material is no longer in demand? What kinds of “community service” jobs will be manufactured for the able-bodied poor? During the era of Herbert Hoover, work was created by building dams or setting up monuments and many people are wondering if they will ever see that kind of work created again. Among employers of private businesses, the term “WPA worker” was not a compliment. Many dark and murky things lie down that path.

Regardless of the financial health problems that are facing Kentucky today, the challenge still remains that the citizens need a proper medical plan, one that has no holes showing. Therefore, if Trump’s Medicaid plan can make a difference in the lives of most Kentuckians they might as well try it.

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Forensic Science Breakthrough: Genealogy DNA Testing Identifies 39-year-old Skeletal Remains

In a groundbreaking case that merges genealogy and forensic science, the skeletal remains of a body known as John Doe were identified.

A Double Life – Makes a Docbusting Story

A Double Life is a documentary withTrue crime, Treachery, Tragic victim, Self-sacrificing hero, Omnipotent villain and International subterfuge.

Beyond Points: What to Expect at Loyalty360—and Why Blings Is Poised to Steal the Show

When marketers talk about “loyalty,” they often focus on...

Nuclear Power Fuels One-Fifth of U.S. Electricity as Oldest Reactors Keep Running

Illinois leads U.S. nuclear power output as aging reactors still run strong and Georgia's Vogtle Unit 3 signals a rare expansion.

U.S. Homeowners Get Bigger Tax Refunds in 2025 – Due to Rising Living Costs

Tax season is here again, and that means homeowners...

After The Death of Tzeela Gez, Seeking Painful Reprisal, Not Tweezed Action

Tzeela Gez was critically wounded in the terror attack. She was rushed to Beilinson Hospital while undergoing resuscitation in the ambulance.

Jane Austen Wrecked my Life – Blaming the Wrong Scapegoat

The film’s title is original and promises humor but,...

Related Articles

Popular Categories