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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information "Honoring the greatest generation"
By Governor Mitt Romney
The dramatic growth in the elder population across the country is reflected in the fabric of our Commonwealth and requires a balanced approach from state government to keep the “greatest generation” living longer, happier and, most importantly, with dignity. According to the most recent US Census report, there are 41.8 million Americans age 60 and older. Currently in Massachusetts, there are 1.1 million citizens age of 60 and above and it is projected that by the year 2010, there will be close to 1.3 million. It is essential that we, as a Commonwealth, honor and respect those of the greatest generation as they grow older. My Administration is committed to addressing the needs and wishes of our elder citizens.
When I took office, I proposed a major reorganization of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services that was approved by the Legislature. Rather than having 15 completely independent agencies, we reorganized them into four overarching categories defined by four distinct policy missions. Today, there is one for children and families, one for health care, one for long-term care and one for seniors. This restructuring is making it easier to provide coordinated, effective case management for seniors and all other clients who need access to multiple services.
Earlier this year, as part of my State of the State address, I emphasized the need to help our seniors stay in their homes as long as possible. As part of that effort, I announced a new initiative that will provide more choices for the elders of the Commonwealth. It is designed to improve not only the quality of health for our seniors, but also their overall quality of life. We call it “HOME,” short for “Helping Our Massachusetts Elders.” Briefly, there are two components to the HOME program: a new trust fund to encourage independent living among older state residents and a managed health care program that emphasizes preventative care to keep seniors out of hospitals and nursing homes.
Nursing homes are an important option, but they cannot and should not be the only option. A large number of older men and women would lead happier and more productive lives in other types of settings – assisted living, rest homes, group adult foster care, retirement communities or their own homes. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive range of care for our elders who want to remain in their homes and in their communities. We are waiting for the Legislature to act on this proposal.
Beyond the HOME initiative, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs maintains a dynamic prescription drug insurance plan, called Prescription Advantage. With the costs of drugs increasing every year, this program offers comprehensive prescription drug coverage that is combined with an annual out-of-pocket spending limit to provide real, affordable prescription drug coverage. We have worked in cooperation with the Legislature to maintain this program by instituting some common-sense controls.
My Administration is dedicated to addressing the needs of the greatest generation. We thank the elders of our state for their tremendous contributions to our communities and to our Commonwealth. We respect them; we admire them; and we are committed to ensuring the greatest possible support for them.
Editor’s note: The second component the Governor mentions, a managed health care program that emphasizes preventative care to keep seniors out of hospitals and nursing homes, is not available in Berkshire County. Elder Services offers a variety of services designed to help elders continue to live in their own homes with dignity and independence.