Louisiana Senate Bill SCR41

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/11
• Refer: 5/23/11
• Report Pass: 5/25/11
• Passed: 5/26/11
• Engrossed: 5/26/11
• Refer: 5/31/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11

Caption

Requests that the Department of Health and Hospitals continue its reliance on the Medicaid Purchase Plan Advisory Council for program outreach, education, review, and guidance.

Impact

The impact of SCR41 lies in its potential to shape state healthcare policy for individuals with disabilities. The resolution emphasizes the need for continued support from the advisory council to address health care policy that directly affects workers with disabilities. By requesting ongoing cooperation between state health departments and the advisory council, SCR41 seeks to ensure that the perspectives of individuals with disabilities are integral to program development and revision, ultimately leading to enhanced service provisions and employment opportunities.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 41 (SCR41) urges the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to continue its collaboration with the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MPP) Advisory Council. This council has been instrumental in improving outreach, education, and guidance for the Medicaid Purchase Plan, which allows individuals with disabilities to maintain their health coverage while seeking gainful employment. The resolution recognizes the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in securing competitive employment and the importance of addressing these barriers to better integrate them into the workforce. By leveraging the advisory council's insights and data, the legislation aims to enhance the efficacy of the MPP program.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR41 appears to be supportive, as it is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering better employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while ensuring they do not lose their health coverage. The resolution received unanimous support during the vote in the Senate, indicating a collective recognition of the importance of inclusivity and support for disabled individuals in the workforce. However, implicit in the resolution is the acknowledgment that challenges remain, specifically regarding resources and funding, which may generate future discussions about sustainability and program effectiveness.

Contention

While SCR41 primarily urges the continuation of the Medicaid Purchase Plan Advisory Council, the underlying contention relates to the funding mechanisms for this program. The resolution highlights that the council should be sustained without direct state funding, placing the onus on council members to maintain its functions. This aspect may lead to concerns over the long-term viability of the advisory council and how adequately it can support the needs of individuals with disabilities amidst potential budget constraints.