By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Dozens of disabled Missourians were in Jefferson City on Wednesday to protest plans to cut Medicaid.
Gov. Matt Blunt's proposed budget would cut nearly 89,000 people off Medicaid because, Blunt says, the state just can't afford to keep them on the rolls.
But the disabled who protested said Medicaid has helped them live more independently and find part-time jobs.
The governor's plan would specificially change the income level at which people become eligible for Missouri. Right now, disabled Missourians who make $775 a month would qualify, but Blunt wants to lower that to $580 a month (which means those who make $581-$775 a month would be dropped).
The governor's budget would also end Medicaid coverage for wheelchairs and similar equipment. He'd also get rid of a program that lets many disabled people to work part-time without losing their benefits.