DPW Secretary Highlights Gains for Children, Families in 2008-2009 Budget

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Public Welfare
Estelle B. Richman today said the Governor's newly enacted 2008-09 budget will
meet the critical needs of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens, as well as
introduce strong new protections for children with autism spectrum disorder.
"The country's current economic climate, along with dwindling financial
support from the federal government, have made this year especially
difficult," said Richman. "Despite these challenges, while we have been able
to maintain the critical safety net for individuals and families in need, in
the coming year we will renew our efforts to develop innovative ways to serve
the people of Pennsylvania."
One major victory is that children with autism spectrum disorder and their
families will receive unprecedented new protections to receive the services
and treatment they need. Working with Speaker Dennis O'Brien, the department
worked hard to pass legislation that will assure that private health insurers
shoulder their fair share of covering autism treatments up to $36,000 per
year. This groundbreaking legislation will improve access to services for
thousands of children and their families living with autism by building a
stronger provider network, and is considered one of the best laws in the
country.
Other highlights of the spending plan include:
-- Raising reimbursement rates by $21.7 million ($10.2 million state
funds) to improve access to critical Medical Assistance services, including
home health care services for children, dental care, and primary care
physicians;
-- Serving an additional 2,600 children in the next year by expanding
investments in high quality pre-kindergarten through the Pennsylvania Pre-K
Counts program;
-- Doubling the funding for autism services to adults from $23.4 million
to $46.4 million in state and federal funds;
-- Serving an additional 2,930 children with physical and developmental
disabilities with Early Intervention services; and
-- Serving an additional 2,100 older Pennsylvanians and an additional
1,300 people with disabilities by expanding the availability of community
services.
The 2008-09 budget also provides a cost-of-living increase for many
providers, including community mental health and mental retardation, community
services for the elderly and persons with disability, and nursing homes. The
goal of this increase is to help providers offset rising food, energy and
other costs.
"The slowing economy and reduced support from Washington made this a very
difficult budget year. While I was disappointed that we were not able to
deliver 100 percent of the proposals in my original budget, this budget has
significant wins for Pennsylvania children, families and others in need of
assistance," said Governor Rendell.
"Because of the smart way we manage our programs, we were able to deliver
funding increases while other states across the nation had to resort to major
cuts," he said. "New Jersey had to close a $3 billion budget gap and did so
in part by reducing hospitals and nursing homes funding by over $150 million.
Florida was facing an even larger deficit, and cut payments to hospitals,
nursing homes and managed care by over $500 million. California is still
deadlocked on its budget, in part because Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed
more than $1 billion in cuts to Medicaid and social service programs."
The impact of the cuts in these others states show the need for
Pennsylvania to renew its efforts to hold down costs. The department believes
it can save Pennsylvania taxpayers $100 million a year by paying lower prices
on prescription drugs for children and families who receive health care
through Medical Assistance. Pennsylvania can save, on average, 30 percent
over what managed care companies currently spend on pharmaceuticals.
While efforts to realize these savings by making the department the single
buyer came up short this year, slower economic growth will only intensify the
need for savings. The department is evaluating options for making sure that
taxpayers get the best possible prices and the highest possible savings.
The Governor's budget renews Pennsylvania's commitment to maintain
eligibility for those applying for and receiving services through Medical
Assistance, ensures children do not experience any reduction in services,
while continuing to provide for the growing number of vulnerable individuals
and families in need.
Graphics, budget highlights and additional details about the 2008-09 state
budget are online at www.budget.state.pa.us .
CONTACT: Stacey Witalec
(717) 787-4592

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Stacey Witalec of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-787-4592