We the undersigned call on DHHS to provide complete transparency in state use of stimulus funds, and tell us how the individual states are spending the $28 billion in stimulus money already received that can only be spent on Medicaid. States continue to slash away at Medicaid-paid-for home care services for the elderly, children and adults with disabilities, and others with special health care needs. The weakest members of our society are being targeted and hit with profound budget cuts that leave millions in danger of institutionalization. Three states are already under federal scrutiny for whether their Medicaid budget cuts were civil rights violations. Seven more states either have already filed or are in the process of developing, civil suits alleging the same violations. But nobody is asking how all this can be happening when the states have the money to restore the services, have had it for months and are going to be continuing to receive even more in the future. How are the states spending their Medicaid stimulus funds Why are states continuing to make cuts that can literally tear children out of the arms of their parents, while the number of those on waiting lists for these services continues to expand If the money isn't being spent to restore medically necessary services that have been cut in the past year, what is it being spent on Or are states hoarding the money The release of these funds, which were initially intended to provide "immediate relief" to the American people, into the communities will create an immediate boost to the economy. Job creation to provide these services paid through Medicaid could number in the millions. DHHS must require the states to disclose fully how these Medicaid-destined funds are being allocated and spent, while ensuring that priority is given to restoring previous budget cuts to home and community based services. Moreover, there is no reason for caps on Medicaid participant numbers which leave millions on waiting lists while an additional $28 billion is sitting in state bank accounts.

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