Legal Aid of Arkansas has filed a lawsuit against the Arkansas Department of Human Services, accusing the government agency of “unjustifiably and arbitrarily” cutting Medicaid services to two Arkansans with disabilities.
In a statement Tuesday, Legal Aid said the federal suit was filed on behalf of Bradley Ledgerwood, 34, of Cash and Ethel Jacobs, 90, of Helena-West Helena.
Services for Ledgerwood and Jacobs were cut by 43 percent and 22 percent, respectively, with no explanation, said the nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents.
Ledgerwood has cerebral palsy that makes him unable to use his limbs while Jacobs has advanced dementia and congestive heart failure, according to Legal Aid.
"The lawsuit demands accountability from DHS and affirms the right of low-income Arkansans with disabilities to receive services in their homes when possible and to be treated fairly by the state," the statement reads in part.
Check back with Arkansas Online for updates and read Wednesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.