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Promoting senior independence
By State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli (D)
Older adults in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will enjoy the option of receiving care in their own homes thanks to the “Equal Choice” law passed last year. As we continue to implement this landmark legislation, it is important that we remember existing programs and services which promote senior independence and work to ensure that they remain viable resources in the future.
Now that older adults may choose to stay in their homes, it is crucial that we continue to reduce the cost of prescription drugs through the Prescription Advantage program, expand property tax relief for elders, as well as continue to provide funding for daily lunch sites and Meals on Wheels, fuel assistance and other social programs. Additionally, support should be given to proposals which will be re-introduced during the upcoming legislative session that aim to provide tax relief for caregivers providing medical assistance and care to spouses or dependents as well as increasing the monthly amount persons who receive public assistance may keep for clothing, personal needs and leisure activities.
With the savings generated by the Equal Choice legislation, I am hopeful that the Commonwealth will stay true to its commitment to caring for seniors. Over the next five years, the shift towards home versus institutional care brought forth by the equal choice bill is projected to save state taxpayers nearly $150 million. Today, Massachusetts ranks 25th in the nation for the percentage of Mass Health funding we spend in our communities. Nearly 75% of the Mass Health funding for long term care goes to nursing homes. Shifting some of those funds to home care will cover costs such as personal care attendants, private-duty nursing, adult day care and medical transportation.
I am confident that the Massachusetts legislature will do all that it can to maintain and expand upon services available to older adults in our cities and towns. In addition to providing people with choices and saving taxpayers money, the equal choice bill establishes a more focused “pre-admission counseling” program for those who do decide to enter a nursing home, to make sure that they are aware of alternatives offered in their communities. We will do all that we can to keep those community services vibrant while implementing new innovations to make staying at home a healthy, comfortable choice for older adults with long term care needs.
State Representative William "Smitty" Pignatelli represents the Fourth Berkshire District