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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information What elders can expect in community-based services
It is with renewed energy and a continuous commitment to quality health care for all senior citizens that I return to the State House to begin a new legislative session. We had some terrific success during the 2003-2004 legislative session: preserving the Prescription Advantage program; advocating for lower prescription drug costs and elders’ healthcare benefits; as well as working to keep seniors who wish to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
This year’s session brings a few changes and a few new faces to the legislature. In the House, we have a new Speaker, Salvatore DiMasi. Among many of my colleagues, I sense a growing amount of support for home health care and remain optimistic that the treasured programs we preserved last year will remain intact, despite the projection of a $1 billion budget deficit.
This year, I have co-sponsored several pieces of legislation that represent my continuing support of services for the elderly. In addition to backing our existing Prescription Advantage Program, I am supporting legislation that will give citizens of Massachusetts the ability to use rebate coupons when purchasing their prescription drugs. Currently, Massachusetts is one of few states that do not allow for the use of these coupons. I have also co-sponsored a bill that allows for the reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada by giving consumers the information they need to obtain affordable drugs from safe, reputable sources.
I have re-sponsored several bills this year that allow seniors to maintain their independence. Currently, 90% of Medicaid long-term care dollars are spent in nursing homes. The “Equal Choice” bill would allow Medicaid dollars to be spent on community-based care as well as nursing home care. Dollars would follow the individual and be used to best meet each person’s changing needs.
In an effort to encourage seniors to remain independent, I have co-sponsored a bill that would lessen real estate property taxes for individuals age 70 and over for those who stay in their own homes, and also support legislation to provide a $4,000 tax deduction to children who care for their elderly relatives in their homes.
As we are all aware, community-based services, including homecare, are often the most viable option for individuals. This year I have co-sponsored “An Act Regarding Nursing Home Pre-Admission Counseling,” which would reduce unnecessary admissions to nursing homes. Each person on MassHealth seeking admission to a nursing home would have pre-admission counseling to determine whether community-based services appropriate for the individual are adequate and available.
I am looking forward to this new session and will continue to work hard for the issues that affect all senior citizens. As always, please feel free to contact my office with any concerns. My district phone number is 413-243-5534, in Boston I can be reached at 617-722-2582, or by email at Rep.SmittyPignatelli@hou.state.ma.us.