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Health Care in Colorado: Let's Save AND
Originally published in E-Leaven, August 30, 2009, Issue 14
by Byron Plumley

Byron Plumley, Director of Peace and Justice education at Regis University and longtime Denver-area peace activist, is a frequent contributor to Leaven.

In 1945 the United Nations issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 25 states that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of [himself] and of [his] family including…medical care…” Now, over sixty years later, the wealthiest country in the world has not been able to guarantee that right. This issue is not only on the table throughout the United States, but now has a special urgency for Colorado.

Here are a few ideas and resources that focus on urgently needed action in Colorado, many of them based on conversation with B.J Iacino, Education and Advocacy Director for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. I urge you to go to the Coalition website for more complete information: www.coloradocoalition.org/advocate.aspx.

One of the most immediate issues for citizens to confront is the proposed elimination of the program for Aid to Needy Disabled (AND) in Colorado. This Federal program was established in 1953. AND is an interim assistance program, providing $200 per month, to individuals waiting for Social Security Administration benefits. The process to receive benefits can take several years. However, once the process is completed, the state is reimbursed in part. The amount of the reimbursement is debated, but is at least 40%.

AND is a resource for tooth paste, laundry soap, and toilet paper which are not allowed with Food Stamps. The $200 monthly support can provide a person with transportation on the bus. This money has been described by some as an essential lifeline for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.

No governor has ended this program in any state. Now, our Democratic Governor, Bill Ritter, has announced that he intends to end the program. In an article, August 21, 2009, in the Loveland Reporter Herald, when asked how he could plan to cut AND, “Ritter responded that cuts had to be made, and by choosing this program, other programs were spared, including ones that provide millions of dollars’ worth of services to disabled and mentally ill residents.” One reason Ritter gave for this necessary budget cut was “because officials cannot track how the recipients spend the money.”

B.J. Iacino stressed the absolute need for citizens to challenge the Governor and the Joint Budget committee about this decision. If you would like to participate in an Advocates Group, contact Ms. Iacino (303-285-5223). She emphasized the importance of bringing together a broad coalition of citizens including leaders from faith communities, and educators. There is no other safety net for people who receive AND.

Please contact Governor Ritter and members of the Joint Budget Committee:

 

 

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