PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN! WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE LIKE AND SHARE!

As a parent of a child with special needs, nothing strikes fear in my heart more than the possibility of a decrease in the services that help my child achieve his full potential. Arkansas has threatened managed care for years, and we have balked at that idea. The reason we have been opposed to this is that most people think of a CAPITATED managed care program, meaning that a certain amount of money is put aside for a particular patient population per year, and once that amount is spent there is nothing left to pay for further services – funds are exhausted. This type of CAPITATED care would most definitely be a detriment to our children. The Department of Health and representatives of Arkansas have worked together in an attempt to compromise with us. This compromise is the proposal of House Bill 1706 (HB1706). HB1706 lays out a plan for a provider-led care model. This care model would put your health care providers at the forefront of managing your child’s care. They are given financial incentives to provide better quality care to the patient in hopes that this improved care will save the state of Arkansas the money they could have potentially saved with a capitated managed care system. If you are still confused by all of this, I do not blame you – let me explain: If this bill were passed, you would NOT see a decline in your services or care, in fact, you SHOULD see an improvement in quality. For example, your provider will most likely: -Follow up with you on how your medications are working or if you are taking them -Do a better job explaining medical conditions and answering your questions -Call you to follow-up if you visit the emergency room -Follow up with you a few days if you are discharged from the hospital IF THIS BILL DOES NOT PASS, IT WILL MOST DEFINITELY LEAD TO A CAPITATED MANAGED CARE, WHICH WE DO NOT WANT. Now that I’ve told you WHY we want this bill to pass, let me explain to you why we need your help: -This bill does not have a PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS, which will protect our children. -A Community Advisory Committee has not been outlined to ensure that the appropriate stakeholders are included in decisions (such as your therapists and other advocates who have your child's needs at the forefront of their priorities) -Public reports showing progress post implementation PLEASE take the time to sign this petition to request that the state of Arkansas and Arkansas Department of Health HOLD this bill until the above items are reflected. House Bill 1706: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2017/2017R/Bills/HB1706.pdf Further information about requested changes: https://medicaidsaveslives.com/2017/03/06/legislators-please-adjust-hb1706/