By AP/KWMU
Kansas City, Mo. – The state appeals court has overturned a decision on Medicaid benefits for disabled adults.
The case was brought by 30-year-old Elisha Jensen, who was left quadriplegic when she was hit by a car 20 years ago.
Jensen's mother takes care of her and receives some payment through a Medicaid program. But the state decided three years ago she was entitled to payment for only five days a week instead of seven, a decision upheld in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The state argued Jensen's mother failed to prove that reducing the care would cause a hardship.
The appeals court says that's wrong and that Jensen, and potentially others across the state, are entitled to back pay.
The state is reviewing its legal options.