By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – A judge on Wednesday denied a request to temporarily block some Medicaid cuts from taking effect today in Missouri.
That means the cuts to medical equipment will happen, at least for now. The lawsuit filed this week claims the state's state's decision to stop paying for medical equipment like wheelchair batteries for those on Medicaid is illegal.
The judge's decision doesn't mean the lawsuit is over; another hearing will be held in a week to discuss the cuts.
The cuts stop payment for wheelchair batteries and devices that help people communicate and prevent bedsores. Department of Social Services spokeswoman Deborah Scott says the changes can proceed as planned under the law.