Berkshire Senior Online

By Lillian Glickman

During the past four years, the Cellucci and Swift Administrations have significantly improved the quality of life for the Commonwealth’s elders and their families. Substantial progress has been made in delivering more affordable prescription drug coverage, better housing options and more cost-effective, community-based services to elders. During this time, Massachusetts has developed a well-earned reputation for being a national leader in providing for the needs of its older citizens.

The Administrations have championed Elder Affairs’ defining mission to promote the dignity, independence and rights of Massachusetts elders and to support their families, through advocacy and the development and management of programs and services.

One of our proudest accomplishments in the past four years was the launch of Prescription Advantage, the nation’s first prescription drug insurance plan for elders and younger people with disabilities. Prescription Advantage offers prescription drug coverage that is combined with an annual out-of-pocket spending limit to provide pharmacy coverage with unparalleled financial protection. Currently, over 83,000 people statewide (including 2,000 Berkshire residents) have enrolled in the plan.

The Swift Administration recently requested a waiver from the federal government to reimburse the Commonwealth 50 cents for every dollar spent on prescription drug costs associated with Prescription Advantage. Governor Swift has been working to shepherd this waiver through the approval process on behalf of the Commonwealth. If accepted, this waiver is expected to save Massachusetts taxpayers approximately $40 million a year, based on currently projected estimates, and would have a major impact on the ongoing implementation of Prescription Advantage.

Four years ago, we created the innovative and increasingly popular Supportive Housing Program. The Supportive Housing Program delivers "assisted living-like" services such as 24-hour on-site care, meals, housekeeping, and transportation available to over 4,000 residents of elderly public housing, including those at Providence Court in Pittsfield. This nationally recognized initiative expands access to services that residents need when they need them without having to leave home.

To help families find the resources they need to do what’s right for them, we launched the Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program. This new statewide program recognizes the critical role caregivers play and the long-term care families provide that helps elders remain in their homes and communities. The program builds on the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing family-focused and community-based care for elders. It is also strengthened by Aging Services Access Points and Area Agencies on Aging, such as Elder Services of Berkshire County, along with Councils on Aging. The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program strives to develop new models of caregiver support while building on the elder network’s current efforts to support family caregivers.

We also have moved to the forefront when it comes to sharing information with elders and their loved ones. Recently, we developed a toll-free "family-friendly" telephone hotline, 1-800-AGE-INFO (TTY: 1-800-872-0166), that offers up-to-date information on prescription drug assistance, health insurance, caregiving, transportation and other consumer issues.

This snapshot of the various programs provided by Elder Affairs only begins to illustrate an ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive services and assistance to elders and their families. For a more expansive and detailed account, please call 1-800-AGE-INFO (TTY: 1-800-872-0166).