Gov. Chris Gregoire said Monday she won’t appeal a 9th Circuit Court ruling that struck down budget cuts that reduced the number of in-home care hours available to Medicaid clients.
The 2010 cuts were challenged in court by 14 disabled people who saw a reduction in home-care assistance in March 2011.
Gregoire said in a statement that the state’s concerns – about being able to make Medicaid budget cuts without violating the Americans with Disabilities Act – were addressed in a Monday letter from the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The letter today from HHS and the U.S. Department of Justice affirms that, with appropriate process, Washington state can reduce its service level and still be consistent with federal law,” Gregoire said. “Attorney General Rob McKenna and I agree that it is in the best interest of all citizens to return to the federal district court to obtain a final decision, rather than seek the review of the 9th Circuit’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court at this time.”
The case will return to U.S. district court for a final decision.
Service Employees International Union 775 Northwest had fought the cuts, filing suit along with the disabled parties. Its spokesman, Jackson Holtz, said the union looks “forward to working with the state to resolve the case in a manner that ensures quality care for people with disabilities and seniors.”
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.