California’s plan to absorb medically fragile children into managed care proves controversial

[KamaAina]

http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20150817/californias-plan-to-absorb-medically-fragile-children-into-managed-care-proves-controversial

Ever since Nickfredy Gutierrez was born prematurely 12 years ago with hydrocephalus, a tube has drained fluid and relieved pressure from his brain. He has had several surgeries and sees his medical specialists every three months.

His mother, Mercedes Maldonado, says her son is alive today because of the medical care he gets at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center through California Children’s Services, a little-known state program that pays for specialized medical care for children with severe illnesses or birth defects....

Beginning next year, state officials essentially want to fold the $2 billion program, which serves an estimated 180,000 children younger than 21, into its vast system of Medi-Cal managed care.

But families like Maldonado’s, as well as children’s advocates and pediatric medical centers, are strenuously opposed. They say Medi-Cal managed care hasn’t worked well for other vulnerable populations and is particularly risky for fragile kids whose lives depend on access to highly specialized care.

[Cleita]

1. That would be bad. They would lose a lot of care in Medi-Cal.

My mother used to work in one of the clinics in UCLA that specialized in these children's needs. They did a great service.

[daredtowork]

2. I second that emotion

Last edited Thu Aug 20, 2015, 02:35 AM - Edit history (1)

Without getting into my medical issues, my situation was compromised in several different probably legally actionable ways. For 2 separate issues I requested treatment at UCSF and was denied. It's hard to know decent treatment is right across the bay while you are being subjected to medical malpractice, permanent damage, and various personal violations. Tragedy might be a better description. Some of those children will die.

[KamaAina]

3. Nice post, Smokey!

[daredtowork]

4. Hey when is your next visit? nt

[KamaAina]

5. Next month

but I'll be at a conference at a fancy hotel over by the Berkeley Marina, so not sure how much social time I'll have.

Then the following week is our big Disability Unity Festival in SF!

http://www.disabilityunityfestival.org