Coalition fights state cuts for hospice care
By: Jacque Jovic
Updated: January 16, 2013
A coalition of hospice workers and state lawmakers met at Jordan's Crossing Hospice in Shreveport to discuss Governor Bobby Jindal's recent cuts to Medicaid.
The cuts go into effect February 1, 2013 and eliminate hospice care in private homes and nursing homes for people covered by Medicaid.
Lawmakers say the cuts initially save about $3 million dollars out of a $25 billion dollar budget.
The say hospice care is less expensive than having patients in and out of the hospital, and much more compassionate.
"Regardless of what happens while they are living, it is the dignity you can give them at the end of their life that really is the measure of our humanity," said State Representative Roy Burrell, District 2. "And for those who don't feel that way, I don't see them in my opinion as being human."
The coalition calls it's campaign "Hospice Cares More and Costs Less."
The group will host a protest on the footsteps of the state capitol next Wednesday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m.
They hope bringing awareness to the issue will make Governor Jindal reconsider the cuts.
