Gov. Nixon's Budget Cuts & Implications on Asthma Care

Dear Editor,

 Never before has a decision made by Governor Nixon to veto the 2015 proposed budget been so wrong for the thousands of children struggling with asthma in the state of Missouri. Nationwide, asthma affects 1:11 children.  In Missouri, the ratio is 1:5 throughout many zip codes. The asthma care management changes supported by the Center for Medicare/Medicaid  in Washington, D.C.  include asthma education visits and healthy home assessments to identify the triggers which are contributing to the cause of an asthma attack. Thousands and perhaps millions of Medicaid dollars could be saved if the Governor approved the small amount of $500,000 in the Missouri budget. This would qualify MO Health Net for a $4.7 million federal match to put this program into action, allowing $5 million dollars towards implementing the necessary and research-backed solutions for asthma care.

Asthma is the number one school age childhood illness and is also the number one reason for emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Studies from around the country demonstrate reduced emergency room and hospital visits when a healthy home assessment is done to identify the asthma triggers. Providing asthma education outside the emergency room leads to better retention success. For example, many families have no idea that their home is making their child sick.

 Improving the quality of life for these children who are costing the state thousands of dollars should be Missouri's goal.  Funding these services will not only improve school attendance and reduce time spent in the emergency room, but also improve healthcare costs for Missouri.

Governor Nixon needs to visit the emergency rooms for himself, talk with the school nurses, and go on a healthy home assessment with one of our specialists. It will break his heart; his veto of this bill is breaking the hearts of children struggling to breathe in Missouri.

Sincerely,

Joy Krieger, RN
Executive Director
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter (AAFA)

H. James Wedner, M.D.
AAFA Board President

AAFA Board Members

Board Members