From the Director
Legislative update...
By Robert P. Dean
This past month it was announced that state Senator Andrea Nuciforo will not seek re-election this coming November. Andy has been a staunch and steadfast advocate for seniors, and for so many others in need of a strong and effective voice. We thank Andy for his years of service and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
As we go to press, the state Senate House and Ways Committee has given a favorable report on the Equal Choice bill (now numbered S.2273), which has been sent to the state House of Representatives for its consideration. The Equal Choice bill establishes clinical eligibility for a long-term care Medicaid benefit. Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides health coverage to income-eligible individuals. Any Medicaid recipient determined clinically eligible for the Equal Choice benefit would be given his or her choice of care setting — including their own home — that is the least restrictive and most appropriate to meet his or her needs. In fact, the dollars that would be provided for this long-term care benefit would be “setting neutral,” which means that the level of care would not be contingent upon the care setting. As a result, the dollars would “follow” the individual if or when his or her care setting changes. The Equal Choice bill also looks to ease the income criteria for persons clinically eligible for the Equal Choice benefit so that more people would be eligible, and therefore, able to choose where they will receive their long-term care services. The bill does not seek an appropriation of state funding because it is expected that it will cost less to serve individuals in their own homes, and because the federal government will reimburse the state for half of what this Medicaid program will cost.
In regards to the state budget for fiscal year 2007, which begins July 1, 2006, the House is currently reviewing the budget the Governor submitted this past January. It is hoped that the House will increase funding for services that are vital to seniors so that more seniors in need can be served. Some of the services in need of additional funding include home and community-based programs, the Councils on Aging, protective and mental health services, the nutrition and Meals on Wheels program, and supportive housing. It is expected that the House will complete its budget by the end of April, at which point the budget will go to the Senate for its review and recommendations. Once the Senate develops its budget, a joint conference committee composed of three House and three Senate members will meet to reconcile any differences between the House and Senate versions. After it is approved by the House and Senate, the budget will then be returned to the Governor who has ten days to review and approve it, or to veto selected line items, if he so chooses. The House and Senate may override any veto if two-thirds of each chamber’s members vote to do so. It is expected that the budget process will be completed on time, and that the fiscal year 2007 budget will be in place by July 1, 2006.
In the meantime, are you satisfied with the level of services and programs currently in place for seniors? Would you like to support the Equal Choice bill and additional funding for services for seniors? Now is the time to contact your state senator and state representative, and make your voice heard.
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services
