Give us a process,
please…
By Brad Williams, Executive Director,
NYSILC
The recent accolades given to
politicians for a Medicaid Buy-In program are well deserved, but fail to tell
the real struggle that occurred over the past two years, as New Yorkers with
disabilities obtained the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency
without risk to their health care. The entire experience truly demonstrates the
need to provide a process to develop and achieve significant public policy
change for people with disabilities.
Medicaid Buy-In legislation was
fast-tracked in the spring of 2000, enabled by the Ticket to Work and Work
Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA) in Congress. The NYS Assembly was quick to
pass Medicaid Buy-In legislation called the "Work and Wellness Act." The Senate
sponsored a "same as" bill, but held off on action. In the end, all "heck"
broke loose when the Governor's Office let the buy-in "fall off the table"
during the final budget negotiation.
During the summer, protests occurred
at the Capitol in Albany, a Conservative Party Luncheon in New York City, and
outside a political campaign fundraiser in the Hamptons. Several hundred
advocates attended a press conference and participated in a rally on the front
steps of the Capitol in the fall of 2000. The extensive media coverage revealed
a shift in the public stance on the issue. While Assembly Speaker Silver never
wavered in his support for the program, the Governor and Majority Leader were
now in favor of a Medicaid Buy-In program for people with disabilities.
Governor Pataki demonstrated
leadership on the issue in his 2001 State of the State address. He announced
his own plan for a Medicaid Buy-In program. Unfortunately, the inability of the
State leaders to negotiate a timely budget agreement, compounded by the events
of September 11th, did not allow for spending on new programs.
Advocates resumed pressure for a
buy-in in anticipation of the Governor's 2002 State of the State address. The
disability community was concerned when the Governor did not reconfirm support
for the program in his 70-minute speech. Soon after, Governor Pataki announced
his plans to negotiate the health portion of the budget before the release of
the Executive Budget. Speaker Silver put the issue on the negotiation table.
This time, the Governor, Majority Leader and Speaker reached agreement.
Overall, it is sad that people with
disabilities had to assert their civil rights in order to obtain a Medicaid
Buy-In. It would seem more logical for elected officials to encourage a process
where the stakeholders convene and define a common agenda for the future. It
would make sense for politicians to hold a press conference to confirm their
commitment to the agenda. It would also be wise to then make good on priority
items identified within the agenda, not to mention maintaining positive
relationships with the constituency through staff liaisons and periodic public
appearances.
Is this too much to ask in New York
State? I don't think so. We just need a process, leadership, and an agenda to
keep us busy. Otherwise, don't be shocked when you see an occasional public
rally or protest. This is a constituency that earned its civil rights a mere
twelve years ago! In addition, don't believe it when others try to dismiss
people with disabilities as an unreasonable and insatiable bunch because they
make noise and exercise their civil rights. Each and every protest really
represents decades of frustration over a lack of progress and the need for a
bona fide process to resolve public policy issues. |
