About once a month I drive to Jefferson City for a meeting of folks from about the state and senior Department of Social Service management.
Before the state employees arrive the group discusses new – and existing – issues with the Medicaid program (officially MO HealthNet). Then, about the time the state people join us, we have lunch…by “we” I mean the non-state employees. We enjoy nice box lunches (usually from Panera), complete with cookies.
The DSS staff get to watch us eat.
You see, former Governor SEAL decreed that state employees can accept nothing of value. So, while Eric Greitens jetted around the country in other people’s planes, loyal employees can’t pick-up a turkey and Fuji apple salad, nor can they grab a cup of coffee. Last year I asked our hosts if some of us could put unwanted cookies and chips and such on a side table that “anyone” passing-by could consume. Sorry, no, came the reply.
Now at these meetings the state managers get to know how a Piñata feels. The room holds a large rectangle of tables. So, to their front, left and right the few DSS staff face a score of hard questioners. On our side sit legal services lawyers, patient case managers, representatives of trade groups, and, those like me tied to direct service organizations.
We know the Medicaid system and can spot a wart at twenty paces. We often share issues which DSS staff seem very surprised to discover. We push, repeatedly, on problems requiring a lot of work to fix. Things like confusing form letters; patients requesting administrative hearings getting side-tracked by state staff; and, well, a lot of technical stuff about Call Centers failing to connect with those calling.
And, we share humorous encounters with bureaucracy. (The current favorite: the two year old child the state claimed opted to discontinue the family’s participation in Medicaid.)
I feel these meetings are critical. Remember, about one million Missourians are in MO HealthNet, and, one in ten Missouri citizens is a child on Medicaid. We give voice to our neighbors and advice on what the program needs to do better. If we didn’t meet there would be no predictable interaction between those who run this nine billion dollar a year program and representatives of those getting care.
My new mission: to change the rules a bit. If loyal state employees come to an open meeting like ours, well, let them enjoy a cup of coffee and a couple of cookies with the rest of us! Maybe even an entire box lunch. What’s wrong with sharing $10.00 of hospitality?
After all, they are nice folks. They deserve respect and the same meal their inquisitors share.
And, if they really can be bribed with just a box lunch we are already so screwed…
Submitted by Glenn Koenen, WCD Member