California Voices, a commentary forum by CalMatters, shares the personal story of Analicia Brokloff, a mother of a child with complex care needs named Mila. Mila requires extensive medical care, including a tracheostomy and feeding tube, and relies on Medi-Cal for support. Brokloff highlights the challenges she faces in accessing private-duty nursing for Mila due to low Medi-Cal rates, leading to waitlists and inadequate care.
Brokloff expresses concern over Proposition 35, a November ballot measure that could further limit access to home care services for Californians like Mila. The initiative would make a tax on health insurance plans permanent, potentially jeopardizing essential services like private-duty nursing. Brokloff fears that the lack of funding for home nurses could leave families like hers without professional care, forcing them to take their children to emergency rooms for basic medical needs.
Despite recent efforts to increase rates for private-duty nurses in the state budget, the changes do not go into effect until 2026. Brokloff emphasizes the importance of timely access to home nursing for children like Mila and urges policymakers to prioritize funding for these essential services. The potential impact of Proposition 35 on families relying on Medi-Cal for critical care is a key concern for Brokloff and others in similar situations.
Through personal stories like Brokloff’s, California Voices aims to shed light on the challenges faced by Californians impacted by policy decisions. As the state prepares to address issues related to healthcare funding and access, voices like Brokloff’s provide valuable insights into the real-life impact of policy changes on families in need of support.
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Photo credit calmatters.org
