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March 28, 2006
Hon. Robert DeLeo
Chairman, House Ways & Means
Room 243
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Chairman DeLeo,
We believe the equal choice bill, S. 2273, is legislation whose hour has come. Last week, the Senate unanimously engrossed the “equal choice” bill, and sent it over to the House for your consideration.
If House leadership embraces this bill, we are confident the Governor will sign it. The fact is, the Administration has projected that the equal choice bill will save $134 million over the next five years.
This bill gives seniors the right to an “equal choice” of where they will be cared for if they need long term supports. S. 2273 has been reported favorably by Chairman Correia’s Elder Affairs committee. It has been reported favorably by Chairwoman Walrath’s Health Care Finance Committee. Recently, 92 Representatives signed a letter urging passage of this bill.
From our past discussions, I know that you strongly support home care for the elderly. Like you, we believe that this is not only a civil rights issue for the disabled to remain living in the least restrictive setting—but it is also a smarter way to spend our MassHealth dollars. Today, 25% of the elderly MassHealth members in nursing homes are responsible for 75% of the spending. S. 2273 will help “rebalance” our priorities to allow seniors and the disabled to be cared for in less expensive, more integrated settings.
This bill honors the preference of elders to receive care where they want it, and saves tax dollars at the same time. It’s a win-win proposition in every sense.
I hope you will help us get this bill engrossed in the House, and on its way to the Governor. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss S. 2273.
Yours,
Al Norman
Mass Home Care