Stavros
Advocates for Independent Living
PCA Updates & News
Attention PCA Consumers!
The MassHealth prior authorization unit is making major cuts to people's PCA programs. Some folks are getting drastic cuts to their existing programs while many new applicants are not getting approved at all. MassHealth may not inform you that you have a right to appeal their decision, but you do. We encourage all of you who have experienced unreasonable cuts to your MassHealth PCA program to send a letter to MassHealth informing them you will appeal their decisions. You can download the .pdf document in English or Spanish below.
Como pedir una audencia imparcial-Espanol
(4/24/09) After a meeting last week with Medicaid Director Tom Dehner, we are happy to inform you that we have been given a reprieve and a promise of a thorough assessment of the protocols that lead to "the Prior Authorization problem." (see story below "Attention PCA Consumers"). In his own words: "To allow time for the assessment, we will, beginning today (4/23/09), systematically extend existing PCA PAs for current Consumers. Extensions will be for 60 calendar days, and will ensure that each Consumer has access to their current level of PCA support, previously determined to be medically necessary."
In addition, a committee of the PCA Improvement Workgroup and other advocates will be involved with the assessment and evaluation of Medicaid's PCA PA protocols to correct the problems.