With the expected implementation of the Global Medicaid Waiver looming on the Rhode Island horizon there has been a host of state agencies as well as non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) expressing concern over the “who, what, when, where and how” regarding plan design specifics with the Waiver. Since these questions have yet to be answered and it appears that many will not Gary Alexander has agreed that there needs to be strict oversight of the plan and has appointed a commission to do just that.

(Link, http://www.ri.gov/press/view/8676).

 

In an effort to help shape the methods in which the waiver is implemented Local 580 president Phil Keefe has been appointed to the commission. This appointment will allow your union to have a voice. The waiver will have a long term impact not just on recipients but the workers that provide the services. President Keefe has met with members of the Long Term Care Unit (LTC) to discuss potential pitfalls and to gain valuable insight from the workers involved in the implementation of the waiver. The magnitude of the job clearly will result in a need for more highly trained workers such as those that are currently in this capacity.

 

As a union we are aware of the issues that define the process and those that will help make the plan a success. If the State truly wants the program to succeed they will look to the union for the answers. If the plan is a slash and burn of the current programs and creating staff shortages and shifting of the costs to the recipients then no commission will ever be able to salvage what will surely be a train wreck of epic proportions.

 

Implementation will be the key to the success of the Global Medicaid Waiver and there are no better qualified individuals than those currently providing the service. The best educated and hardest working individuals available for this task are right here in Local 580. The union is pressing to fill staff shortages throughout all departments and the LTC is at the forefront due to the Waiver. The union will accept no sub-contracting of the work that is sure to increase in the coming weeks.

 

As always the union needs “you” the members to be vigilant about what is occurring in your shop. If you know or suspect that union work past or present is being shifted to other areas or people you need to notify a steward or contact the union office so we can take action.

 

Best to you all, Ernie Watson 2^nd Vice President

 

"Our strength is in our numbers."