D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
January 25, 2007

Contact: Ana Compain-Romero
(573) 751-4815

Scott Applauds Governor’s Vision for
New Healthcare System and Support for Children

Jefferson City – Department of Social Services (DSS) Director, Deborah Scott, today praised Governor Blunt’s bold vision for a new healthcare system for Missouri as outlined in his State of the State speech last night.

“The Governor has inspired the development of an entirely new healthcare system with enthusiasm and vigor, a system that will stand apart from other states by putting people first and making them active participants rather than recipients. Governor Blunt is committed to ensuring that Missouri citizens who are elderly, disabled or unable to care for themselves have increased access to quality, affordable healthcare that is focused on wellness and choice. The Governor's plan empowers Missourians to choose a health care home that will work best for them. This is the kind of change Missouri needs,” Scott said.

Scott emphasized that this is an entirely new system, not merely reform.  “Historically, the focus of the Medicaid program was paying for services. That is a backwards approach. We have stepped back and asked, ‘What would it take to start fresh and build a program that ensures better health, provides access to high-quality healthcare and increases choice rather than paying for services after illness has occurred?' Helping people achieve the best health status possible is the focus of the state’s new MO HealthNet system.”

Governor Blunt's proposal for a health care home is an effective way for both health professionals and patients to address health concerns before they become catastrophic. A health care home acts as a point of entry for health care services designed to improve care for low-income Missourians. Health care providers would have secure access to a patient's medical history to deliver patient-centered health care services.

The Governor has committed $57.6 million in his fiscal year 2008 budget to support MO HealthNet and $60 million as a budget priority for improvements, construction and equipment for community health centers.

Scott also lauded the Governor for his continued support for children.  “I am very pleased with the Governor’s continued support of the Children’s Division as it works toward national accreditation.  In the past year, we have seen the state’s Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, central administration and four circuits meet the Council on Accreditation’s rigorous standards for accreditation.  We commend the Division for the progress they are making.”

The Governor's budget also includes:

• $4.9 million to fully fund the anticipated caseload growth for adoption subsidy;
• $5.7 million for the child care subsidy appropriation to prevent further erosion of the system as a result of the annual federal poverty guideline adjustments;
• $3.0 million for abused and neglected children in residential care;
• Increased funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program which is anticipated to extend coverage to as many as 6,350 more children; and,
• Funding to increase efforts to collect medical support for children served through the Child Support Enforcement Program.