DALLAS- Planned budget cuts may force thousands of Texans into nursing homes. That is the fear of many who depend on home health care aides.
The jobs barely pay more than minimum wage, but the state budget plans to cut reimbursement by $1 an hour. Some providers said it will run them out of the business.
Since Guillain-Barre Syndrome left him bed bound, former mechanic Bret Johnson depends on home health aide Forennz Perez. Perez gets his mediation, keeps him clean and dressed. He makes it possible for Johnson to live at home.
"I’m getting stronger," said Johnson. "At one time I couldn’t talk, couldn't breathe on my own until I got services from the VNA."
The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) is the agency that pays Perez. He makes slightly more than minimum wage.
The Texas House budget proposed cutting funding by a dollar an hour.
VNA officials said such action would put the company out of the home health business
"I'm not sure our organization can continue to provide the services, and it will fall right back on the state, and right back on the taxpayers to send those people to the hospital," said Robert Carpenter, VNA President.
Before he got home health care, Johnson was in a nursing home. That cost taxpayer about ten times more than having a home health care provider. He fears these cuts will send him back.
"It’s not for a person in my condition, cause they wouldn't live that long." Johnson said.
Statewide, about 200,000 people depend on state funded home health aides. The current budget would cut $9 billion from health and human services and this program is on the line
"So there will be a short term benefits three to six months, then those people will start going to institutions and hospitals," Carpenter said.
Perhaps the person most worried is Johnson’s 69-year- old mother. She would have to care for him if the aide does not come.
"It’s very depressing," said Tommie Johnson, Brett’s mother. "I wonder what would I do about my son."
Democrats in the legislature said they are looking for more funds. Staff at one republican senator’s office said the cuts may not end up this drastic.
On Monday, those who support home health care plan a massive march on Austin.
Email: greaves@wfaa.com
