Expanding support for home and community-based services for seniors
By State Senator Benjamin B. Downing
As the Senate begins to develop its spending plan for FY 2009, policymakers must be mindful of the needs of our expanding senior population. Those who are age 60 and older make up 22.4% of Berkshire County’s total population - significantly higher than the statewide average of 17.3%. As the population of seniors in Berkshire County continues to grow, so does the need for home and community-based services. There are many programs supported in the state budget that provide various levels of care and assistance to seniors, aimed at achieving the highest available quality of life, promoting independence, and assuring access to affordable health care. It is our job and duty to support these programs and to support our seniors.
In an effort to expand home and community-based programs for seniors, Governor Patrick’s FY 2009 budget proposal contains a $45.8 million investment in the Community First 1115 Waiver, a multi-faceted program that will provide seniors and people with disabilities across Massachusetts with more choices so they can live in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their needs. The Waiver effectively expands the income and asset guidelines for MassHealth eligibility, allowing more people to take advantage of a wide range of services available. I believe this proposal represents a significant commitment to re-balancing the Commonwealth’s long-term care system and further allows seniors to vigorously pursue effective programming and care. The Waiver positions the Commonwealth to draw expanded federal reimbursement for transitional and home and community-based services that will benefit previously uncovered individuals.
In addition to increasing the range of support services available, the Community First 1115 Waiver will provide home and community-based services for newly covered individuals, freeing up access to state-funded programs including Supportive Living, Home Care (HC) and Enhanced Community Options (ECOP) for those ineligible for Waiver benefits, including MassHealth recipients and other seniors and adults with disabilities. The Waiver also allows for innovative care plans that meet an individual’s specific needs while reigning in expensive institutional care costs to the state.
While nursing homes are essential for seniors with complex needs, Supportive Living, HC and ECOP are alternatives that offer independence and quality of life by providing assistance with daily tasks. These programs are available to all seniors regardless of MassHealth eligibility and are administered by 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAP) under contract with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. ASAPs provide information and help develop and coordinate a wide range of services and levels of care.
Choosing the appropriate level of care is a personal decision which should be made only after careful consideration. For a complete list of care options and assistance in applying for benefits, contact your local ASAP (Elder Services of Berkshire County 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242).
This year the Governor has started the budget conversation by recommending a $2.57 million increase for home and community-based services such as ECOP and HC programming, case management and administration. I support these vital programs and will continue to advocate for adequate funding to preserve their full complement of services to seniors and persons with disabilities when the Senate begins its budget deliberations this spring.
Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D – Pittsfield) represents the 48 communities of the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics & Rules.
