Speak out against more cuts for services for seniors

 

BACKGROUND:

Will the cuts ever end???  From 2009 – 2011, programs funded by the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) were cut by $10 million (28%), and even more cuts are proposed for next year!

The Governor is recommending another $2.2 million in OSA cuts, coming from meals ($800,000), community services ($1 million) and volunteer programs ($400,000).     

Last week, a Senate Subcommittee issued its recommendations, and it agreed with the $1 million cut to community services, increased the cuts to volunteer programs to $700,000, but restored the $800,000 cut in senior meals.  A House Subcommittee also issued its recommendations, and it significantly increased the OSA cuts to $8 million.  The House would cut nutrition by $1.6 million, community services by $1.8 million, and would totally eliminate all state funding for senior volunteer programs - $4.5 million. 

The Subcommittees are just the beginning – the next step takes place in the full Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate.  Legislators need to hear loud and strong from seniors, caregivers, providers and other advocates how these cuts will hurt frail older Michiganians, and will increase the use of costly nursing homes. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Contact the Chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees listed below and express your concern about the devastating cuts to the Office of Services to the Aging in the Department of Community Health budget bills.  Also contact Governor Rick Snyder to express your opposition to the OSA cuts.

Senator Roger Kahn, M.D.                 senrkahn@senate.mi.gov                   866-305-2132

Representative Chuck Moss  chuckmoss@house.mi.gov                877-707-6677

Governor Rick Snyder                       Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov

Here are some talking points:

• OSA services prevent seniors from going on Medicaid.

• OSA services are extremely cost-effective.  The average annual cost of OSA services (meals-on-wheels and home care) was $1,000 in FY 2010.  In contrast, a nursing home cost an average of $68,000.

• There are over 6,000 seniors on waiting lists for OSA services like meals and home care.
  
  
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