Kansas freezes independent living program
December 2nd, 2008From the Wichita Eagle:
Faced with a growing number of applicants and mounting budget problems, Kansas has stopped accepting people into a program that helps people with physical disabilities stay in their own homes.
The freeze is expected to continue until at least July 1, and new applicants will be placed on a waiting list. The state does not plan to cut services for existing recipients of the program.
Advocates say the freeze could affect thousands of Kansas residents, and could end up costing the state more as people seek care in government-funded nursing homes.
State officials say the freeze is needed because costs are outpacing funds. Kansas faces a $140 million budget gap this year, and a potential $1 billion-dollar shortfall by 2010. The program cost about $109 million in fiscal 2008, with participants receiving on average about $1,400 a month in assistance.

