CPAL Applauds Legislature for SCR 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Community Provider Association of Louisiana Applauds Louisiana Legislature for Passage of SCR 20, Urges Louisiana Congressional Delegation to Lead in Washington

Passage of SCR 20, Urges Louisiana Congressional Delegation to Lead in Washington

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Community Provider Association of Louisiana (CPAL) today praised the Louisiana Legislature for its passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 (SCR 20), a measure urging Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement responsible eligibility redetermination policies that protect vital healthcare services while ensuring program integrity.

CPAL commends Senator Bill Wheat and legislative leaders in both chambers for recognizing the urgent need to address the challenges facing Louisiana’s healthcare safety net and the providers who serve individuals with disabilities, behavioral health needs, and complex medical conditions. 

“The Legislature has sent a strong and unified message that Louisiana is committed to protecting access to care for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Dario Scalco, CPAL’s Executive Director. “SCR 20 reflects a thoughtful approach that balances accountability with compassion and recognizes the real-world impact federal policy decisions have on providers, families, and communities across our state.”

The resolution comes at a critical time as states across the nation continue navigating Medicaid eligibility reviews and enrollment transitions following pandemic-era coverage protections. Community providers have witnessed firsthand the disruption caused when vulnerable individuals lose coverage because of administrative barriers, paperwork issues, or delays in processing eligibility determinations.

CPAL emphasized that Louisiana’s community-based provider network plays a critical role in delivering services that allow individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities rather than more costly institutional settings.

“With the Legislature’s action, the focus must now shift to Washington,” Sen. Bill Wheat (R - Ponchatoula) added. “We urge Louisiana’s congressional delegation to champion this issue before Congress and CMS to ensure federal policies support continuity of care, reduce unnecessary coverage losses, and strengthen the healthcare delivery system for the elderly and people with developmental disabilities.”

CPAL called on Louisiana’s members of Congress to work collaboratively across party lines to advocate for federal solutions that:

• Protect eligible Medicaid recipients from inappropriate disenrollment
• Streamline administrative renewal processes
• Preserve access to community-based services
• Support providers facing growing workforce and reimbursement pressures
• Ensure continuity of care for vulnerable populations

“Louisiana has taken an important leadership step,” said Eboness Black, Ph.D., CPAL’s Board President. “Now we need our federal delegation to continue that momentum and make certain the voices of Louisiana families, providers, and vulnerable citizens are heard in our nation’s capital.”

About CPAL

The Community Provider Association of Louisiana represents organizations across the state that provide critical supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health conditions, and other complex healthcare needs.

CPAL advocates for high-quality, community-based services and supports for Louisiana citizens with developmental disabilities. CPAL members serve thousands of individuals and families throughout the state through compassionate, person-centered care.

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