New Year, New Session, New Choices

Happy New Year!

With the start of this new year, the state legislature is back in session. Undoubtedly, the legislature will have numerous bills in front of them, but none more important than those that seek to help elders in the community. Three bills in particular deserve special attention since they help elders delay or avoid nursing home placement when living options in the community are available. I ask that you review the outlined bills below and encourage your legislators to support elder independence.

The first bill (Section 14B, Chapter 118E), sponsored by Senator Susan Tucker and Representative Barbara L'Italien, would help elders pay for the transition from a nursing home to a community-based setting. Why is this good? Because it helps elders have a choice in where they can live. Economically, the bill is sound because most often helping elders in a community-based setting costs less than living in a nursing home. Choice and fiscal responsibility—a strong combination.

Choice is an important part of the second bill also. Sponsored by Senator Stan Rosenberg and Representative Mike Festa, the proposed bill (amendment to Section 9, Chapter 118E) would ensure that people about to enter a nursing home have the opportunity to learn about all the options available to them before they make a decision to enter a long-term care facility. No matter our age, we all should be educated consumers. Support of this bill will help elders make the right choice about an enormous aspect of their lives.

The issues of fairness and equity in terms of access to publicly funded long-term care services is the focus of the third bill (an amendment to Section 9, Chapter 118E). Sponsored by Senator Susan Tucker and Representative Mike Festa, the bill encourages changing current language that only devotes public funds to nursing homes. The bill moves to change this provision so that, in accordance with the federal Olmstead Act, an elder can choose the least restrictive and most appropriate setting to meet his or her needs. The public dollars that pay for this long-term care will follow the elder as his or her setting of care changes. Again, elders would have the choice between a community-based setting and a long-term care facility. Public monies would not force elders into the more costly nursing home option.

I am delighted to say that most of the state senators and representatives that serve the MVES area have endorsed these bills. Nevertheless, a call from you to add your support is important. To find out who your state legislators are and how to contact them, go to http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm.

Please support the idea of choice for elders in 2005. Encourage your legislators to rally behind their elder constituents and the proposed laws that help seniors.