Some important Mikey Mail:

email from Jo Carson's office, 01/22:
You are on our new distribution list. Thank you to Donna R. and others who labored to read our handwriting and to set up a list that we can work with in different formats.
PACT Meeting
People Against Cutting TEFRA
Thursday, January 24th
Fort Smith Public Library
Rogers Avenue (across from Creekmore Park)
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Please come. It's an important meeting. For more information, contact:
Sandi Anderson 452-8213 or Amy Wilcox 785-4677

To Governor Huckabee 01/18:
I just have to say that it is appalling to think that the state of Arkansas would cut funds that would and could save the children of that great state. Yes, these children are ill. But because they are ill, the parents of these children are unable to obtain medical insurance for them. It seems to me that the parents of mikey moore are hard working. They do not want to live off the government. But the government is telling them that the only way to get help for their sick child is to basically go on welfare. It is absurd. This child has a chance to live and live life the way he should. But it will take the Arkansas government to help Mikey Moore achieve what is inherent and that is a full life. Please help the Tefra stay on its feet. Don't let your administration be responsible for this crime against the children of your state.
Thank You for your time.
Elizabeth Farrell
Police Officer NJTPD

From Rick, 01/16:

The news is still not good this morning. The headlines are that there is "no ground swell" of support to keep TEFRA.. (NOT TRUE) and that 72% of the legislators "that our governor has spoken with" are not in favor of calling for a special session yet.

We don't believe these reports. The media was reporting "lackluster support" at the same time HUNDREDS of families were gathering on the capitol grounds.. .. hundreds of families who had car-pooled hundreds of miles across the state with their sick children in tow..... and the governor wouldn't see them.

More legislators are listening and trying to help.. they just want a consensus on where to get the money before they go into session. After they agree on a solution to save TEFRA, then they're ready to do it.

We had a meeting with representative Jo Carson the other night and she's trying to help. She wants a session. House Speaker Shane Broadway and Senate President Pro Tem Mike Beebe are trying to help... but the governor has not yet agreed to meet with them to hear their plan.

From Peg to Rep. Carson and Speaker Broadway:
(I would like to see this picture on EVERY legislator's desk, to remind them DAILY of Mikey and the countless other children they are so thoughtlessly endangeringing here!!)

A thank-you to use as you wish, in appreciation for all you are trying to do for our Mikey, and the many,many other children so dangerously imperiled just now.

Sincerely, Peggy Swycaffer

email 01/14:
Thank you for contacting me and please be assured that I share your concerns about this program. As you know, the Members of the General Assembly are basically helpless in this matter until such time as the Governor decides to call a special session. We have done the only thing that we really can do and that is to offer ways that these cuts can be funded. Therefore, I recommend you contact the Governors office and I ask him to call a special session for the purpose of re directing part of the funds from the tobacco settlement bills (chart) to medicaid.
Respecfully Yours
Terry McMellon

email 01/10:
From: Chad.Rockett@gov.state.ar.us
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2002 5:01 PM
Subject: TEFRA program

Thank you for your recent e-mail to the Governor's Office regarding TEFRA. We realize that many families across this state depend on the TEFRA program to help provide treatment and services to their loved ones. As a result of an adverse court ruling by the federal court in Little Rock which mandated the state fund a separate program that was initially targeted to be cut, it was announced last Friday that TEFRA, in it's present form, would be eliminated effective April 1, 2002. Since that time, Governor Huckabee, DHS officials and other health-care officials across the state have worked tirelessly to locate additional revenues or other programs that would allow the state to still be able to provide services to these families. This Tuesday, in a press conference, Governor Huckabee announced that a plan has been crafted that will allow the state to continue to pay for the TEFRA program throughout the fiscal year. You will find the details of this plan in a press release, which I have attached below.

We are currently examining many other options that will ensure the recipients of TEFRA will continue to receive medical care in the long term future as well. First, Arkansas is seeking federal approval of a new Medicaid plan that would cover TEFRA recipients. The Governor has been in contact with the United States Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and will visit with him in person next month on this issue. We also remain hopeful that the economic stimulus package that is currently being debated by congress will bring some much needed federal assistance to Arkansas. Keep in mind many economists are now predicting that the economy will rebound by the second quarter of this year. If their predictions hold true, then hopefully our revenue collections will return to their projected levels and no other programs will be jeopardized.

Many have suggested the possibility of the Governor calling a special session to look at this problem. A special session costs the taxpayers around $50,000 per day. In order to pass any new taxes or to tap into other sources, such as funds from the Tobacco Settlement, it would take 75% agreement from both the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas Senate. At this time, we do not have 75% of either chamber willing to agree on our solution. We do not feel it would be wise to use tax payer money to call a special session without an agreed upon solution.

In the meantime, DHS has established a committee that is made up of Medicaid officials, physicians, providers, and parents that will help craft a plan to fund this program in the future. As soon as they are able to come up with suggestions, this plan will be made available to the public. I would hope that you would closely review the details of the new proposal when they become available. I think we should all be proud that Arkansas has been able to provide so much for our children. We presently provide more services for special needs children through TEFRA than any other state in America. We are one of the only states that even provide TEFRA in the entire southern region. It is our desire that we can continue to provide the support that is depended on by many across this state.

I do appreciate you sharing your concerns with our office. The Governor does appreciate the input everyone has provided him regarding TEFRA. We are always willing to listen to your opinions or suggestions on how we can make Arkansas a better place to live. Please write again with any other concerns that you might have in the future.

Sincerely,
Chad Rockett
Director of Constituent Services

ENCLOSURE

Huckabee Announces Plan to Spare Families Medical Cuts
January 8, 2002

JoeQuinn
DirectorofCommunications
501-682-8650

Governor Mike Huckabee has announced an innovative funding plan that will allow the state to continue to pay for medical care for families accessing the Medicaid TEFRA program. The Arkansas Department of Human Services had announced that funding for TEFRA would be eliminated for the final three months of the current fiscal year due to the serious budget issues that all states are currently facing. TEFRA is a program used by 3,000 families to pay medical bills for seriously ill children. The annual cost of the program in Arkansas is $30 million in combined state and federal money. Most states do not offer the TEFRA program, but Arkansas families can access this assistance regardless of family income. Governor Huckabee said, "We have made arrangements for UAMS to make a $1.5 million dollar payment to DHS ahead of schedule. This money will be earmarked for the TEFRA program. As a result of this action no TEFRA family will be affected in any way until a sound alternative plan is in place. We would not have been in this situation to begin with if a federal judge had not interjected himself into a complex budget period. I am very glad UAMS and DHS will be able to work together in the best interest of these families.

UAMS Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson said, "We are immensely pleased that our close working relationship with the Arkansas Medicaid program will allow us to work together right now to find a real solution to a very real problem."

Huckabee has also directed DHS Director Kurt Knickrehm to expedite work on a federal waiver that will allow the TEFRA program to continue in a revised form after the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2002. Knickrehm said, "At this point we will work to bring our TEFRA program in line with what other states are doing. We will continue to offer assistance to families making less than $53,000 annually and we will put some type of co-pay system in place. The details of the future TEFRA plan are still being worked out." Knickrehm will appoint a working group to review the issues associated with the waiver that would create a new form of TEFRA. The group will have to complete its work in a very tight time frame as the department moves to have a waiver in place by July 1, 2002. The group would look at a number of issues associated with TEFRA families, including how to help higher income families who have children with catastrophic health issues The Department of Health and Human Services oversees the flow of federal money to state Medicaid programs. HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson will be in Little Rock in the near future on an already scheduled visit. Huckabee said, "I have always enjoyed a good working relationship with Secretary Thompson and 1 will discuss this situation during his visit here. 1 will express our frustration that the fundamental right of any state to make decisions about optional components of the Medicaid program has been changed by one federal court decision. We will continue to appeal this decision to the highest possible level."

The Department of Human Services has recently announced budget reductions of $33 million to be put in place prior to the end of the current fiscal year. Of the $33 million, $12 million in state general revenue was to have been cut from the $2 billion Medicaid program. All of the ten major divisions managed by the department have implemented budget reductions.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services is the largest state agency with 7,500 employees serving more than 700,000 people each year.

Arkansas Department of Human Services
Donaghey Plaza West
Slot S201
PO Box 1437
Little Rock AR 72203-1437
(501) 682-8650

email 01/09:
January 9, 2002
Dear TEFRA patient:
You are probably aware that the governor had a news conference Jan. 8th and stated "no TEFRA family will be affected in any way until a sound alternative plan is in place."
You probably also are aware that U.S. District Judge Bill Wilson passed down a decision that Arkansas must cover all developmentally delayed children. This decision was only a few week ago and we have not had time to assess what all this involves or how many people are affected. What this does mean, is that we will have to come up with a new plan. You may or may not fall into this new plan. If not, another plan will be developed (similar to ARKids) that will have a co-pay or deductible. Our aim is to assure no one falls through the cracks. Meanwhile, we have a lot of work to do developing these plans and getting them approved.
Kurt Knickrehm, director of DHS, said, "At this point we will work to bring our TEFRA program in line with what other states are doing. We will continue to offer assistance to families making less that $53,000 annually and we will put some type of co-pay system in place. The details of the future TEFRA plan are still being worked out."
In the future, if the plan leaves you, please let me know and I will work to help you all I can. Our aim is to leave no one behind.

Sincerely,
Denny Altes

email 01/08:
Thank you for contacting me on the TEFRA issue. Be assured that I agree with you. It is absurd to slash these services for these clients who are totally innocent and have nothing to do with the state's financial problems. Cutting Medicaid is a poor choice because in many cases, we get a $3 match for each state dollar.

Surely the governor can order his bureaucrats to find better solutions! If they cannot, he should be encouraged to call us into special session to open up the Revenue Stabilization Act to re-allocate state funds and to repeal unnecessary tax exemptions.

You can count on my support now and during a special session. If none of the above works, we should consider a lawsuit!

Jay Bradford

Sue Pearcy
Aide to Representative Bradford
P.O. Box 8367
Pine Bluff, AR 71611
870-541-0020

January 8, 2002
RE: TEFRA
Dear Constituent:
This morning the Governor had a press conference concerning the TEFRA decision. I met with the governor on this issue, and as a result of my work the governor has announced his decision. He says the TEFRA program would continue until June of 2002 and quote, "No TEFRA family will be affected in any way until a sound alternative plan is in place."
Yesterday I told everyone I would take care of them, and I will. There is no reason to attack the CHART plan, this problem can stay within DHS (Department of Human Services). If you need anything further please don't hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Representative Denny Altes

email 01/07:
Thank you for forwarding your letter to me. I certainly agree and you took the right approach by sending it to the governor. He is the only one who can call a special session in which to help Mikey. We are working to find solutions but we need your help in any way and I appreciate that.
Shane Broadway

my reply:
Mr. Broadway -
Out of 91 Arkansas legislators contacted, you are, to date, the ONLY one who had the courtesy to respond! Thank you, and I will be sure that message gets out. Although we are not currently voters there, Steve Luelf and my husband were classmates and Steve made it to Arkansas, so you see, anything is possible! ~grin~
We have currently been in contact with the President and Vice-President, Hillary Clinton, the governors of 9 states (there MUST be a Governor's Coalition SOMEwhere!) 60 Minutes, 20/20, PrimeTime, Oprah Winfrey, Make-a-wish Foundation, and anyone with "clout" that any of us individually know. If you have any other ideas, my fingers are ready to pound the keys some more!
Sincere thanks,
Peggy Swycaffer

(Mr. Luelf is a former State Rep, currently with the State Dept of Transitional Employment there.)

and HIS responese: (YES!!!!!)
Thank you, I always try to respond as quickly as possible. I will be attending some meetings with parents tonight and tomorrow night. We will keep you posted.
Shane Broadway
Peg *doin' tippy-tappies here*

Attached is a copy of the letter I have sent to the Governor this morning. I am a member of an internet group that has followed Mikey's battles and victories closely since his first precarious hours.

Although I am not a resident of your state, we do have members all across the U.S. and Canada, as well as Newfoundland, England, Austalia, and Malaysia. The eyes of the world truly ARE upon our valiant little warrior, and I would ask, nay, beg! of you to please consider all the ramifications to the Moores and other families in that dire predicament before making or allowing cuts to the TEFRA progam.

Budget cuts are always harrowing, but that is why someone in their infinite wisdom invented budget transfers! Please .... consider the little children! They are our future -- and the voters of tomorrow!

Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Swycaffer
Mayer AZ 86333

swycamel@mindspring.com

To Governor Huckabee, and all involved with the TEFRA program there.

The plight of Mikey Moore has pointed out a potentially diastrous effect of budget cuts if they are made in the TEFRA program! There MUST be places you can cut without affecting these innocents!

"This is going to affect many children and many families who are totally dependent on this TEFRA. It's the only kind of insurance they can buy for their children," says Rick Moore.

We as a nation care for the medical well-being of children worldwide; can the State of Arkansas care less for its very own?

Please consider carefully and compassionately before taking any action that jeopardizes Mikey and others in his same situation. Do not punish the children for what life has handed to their parents! Mikey is a fighter - we ask only that you allow him to continue his battle with ALL available ammunition!

Sincerely, Bob & Peggy Swycaffer

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Hi Peggy,

I know the president of the Make A Wish foundation in Nebraska pretty well. In fact they commissioned me last year to do a painting to raise funds for the Nebraska chapter. Her name is Evonne Williams and she's a terrific person. Of course, they can't do anything directly as each state can only help children within it's borders, but she just might know how to contact someone in Arkansas who would be able to help.

I sent her the email you sent me along with a message asking if she could help somehow. I also looked up the Arkansas Make A Wish online and found the URL here: www.kthv.com/extras/extra...oryid=910. There's a number there to contact. Give it a try. You just may have some pretty good results directly.

Good luck and let me know how you make out.

Tom
STS Fine Art
www.tomsierak.com

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I dont know if it will do any good or not but this is a copy of the letter that I sent to Mike Huckabee.

Dear Sir:

RE: TEFRA Funds

I am a member of the Diva of the Net organization online. I have just heard the news that our Little Angel, Mickey Moore, is facing losing his vitally important insurance coverage due to proposed cuts in TEFRA. I am writing this letter on his behalf.

I have recently encountered the same thing that the excutive branch of your government is asking the Moore's to endure. It is rediculous to have to lose everything because you are ill. I either had to abandon my disiability from my work and lose my insurance to go on Medicaid to fight my cancer or pay 400 dollars a month in COBRA insurance and move in with my sister because I could not live on my own on disability and keep insurance.

I am 50 years old and because of cancer I now have no savings, bills I can not pay, and have lost almost everything I own because I had to keep my insurance because I fell through all the medicare/medicaid cracks. Please do not make the Moore family have to endure these hardships in order to provide medical care for their child.

My hospital bill at half way through treatment was 102 thousand dollars. The State of Louisiana would have had to pay this. It seems to me like it would cost your state a lot more to cut the program than to save it through a funding transfer from some source of revenue. I am sure that there is money there if you look for it.

Sincerely yours,
Jerry E. Lowery, GSW

************

here's what I sent off to Gov. Huckabee.

Dear Sir,
I do not live in Arkansas but nonetheless I am writing to you. I belong to an online group of ladies and through one of the members found out about Michael Moore and the proposed termination of TEFRA. This young man deserves every chance to live and if this program is cut he will surely die without the medical treatment he so desperately needs. I am richly blessed to have a healthy young son and feel for the plight of Mikey and his family. He deserves the chance to grow up and become a man one day and perhaps have a family of his own. Please don't take that away from him by cutting the program.

A mom in Washington State

***********

January 6th, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am from Newfoundland Canada and belong to an online group of ladies who has been following the progress and the ups and downs of little Mikey Moore for some time. I have read about the cuts you are planning to make with the Tefra Program. It is my understanding that so many terminally ill children are very dependent on these funds.

Mikey has been battling with his illness for a long time. If you stop the funding it could cause not only Mikey, but many other children who depend on those funds to literally die. I ask you, IS this necessary?

I'm sure there are other departments within your government where cuts can be made without hurting or killing our children and our future. I am appalled that such action to hurt children would be taken to begin with. Please take a look at Mikey in the url below... Are you willing to give up on this child who has been fighting for so long? Are you willing to give up on all sick children? If so,then all I can say is shame on you...and it's a crying shame that innocent children have to suffer over such hideous decisions.

I ask you to reconsider your decision and not make cuts to the Tefra Program. So many childrens lives depend on it. Please have a look at Mikey and ask yourself if you are able to give up on this innocent child.... http://mikeystune.com/

In closing I would like to say that I hope your conscience will guide you in making your decision on this issue.

Save our children...seems pretty clear cut to me!

Cathy Devereaux
St. John's
Newfoundland
Canada

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Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to you to voice my concerns about a budget cut in the state of Arkansas involving the TEFRA program. By cutting this program three thousand American Children with long term medical problems will be cut off from medical insurance and for many will be receiving a death sentence. The only alternative their parents will have is to stop trying to be productive citizens and to get into the welfare system so that they may receive MEDICAID, these children are no longer able to qualify for private insurance. In the long run this would end up costing the state a lot more than keeping the program alive.

I have always been proud to be an American and was shocked and horrified by the events of September 11th. I was proud of the way our country responded not only to the city of New York and the families that lost their loved ones but of our determination to help the children of Afganistan who through no fault of their own were involved with the horrors going on in their country and the deplorable conditions in which they live. I can not believe that we the people of the United States will allow our own children to die while trying to protect the rights of children around the world.

Sincerely,

AnnaMarie Chambers
Jacksonville, Florida 32217

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Peggy,

I will be happy to do anything I can to help Mikey...I wrote letters and am having all my friends do the same...

I have also contacted some reporters I know..and just maybe that will help a little...

I will be contacting the Governer of California..Grey, since he is a friend of mine..I don't know if he can do anything but it is worth a shot..I will let you know..

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do..

Kathryn

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