AARP, Partners Launch 'Stay at Home, Save at Home' Call-In Campaign

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Nov 16, 2010, 12:00 ET

Groups Launch Calls During Veto Session to Urge Legislators to Protect Critical Senior Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 16. 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the legislative veto session gets into full swing this week, AARP and several partner organizations have launched a call-in campaign to ensure that the needs of older adults are not forgotten as the state looks to address it's deep financial woes. The campaign has a clear message: home and community based services for older adults must be protected.

"In this time of budget crisis, we need our elected leaders to make the right choices for the citizens of Illinois," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "Home and community based services save tax payer dollars and allow older adults to live with dignity and respect in the environment they choose. It's a win-win situation."

In Illinois, the vast majority of all Medicaid dollars are directed towards institutional care, leaving a smaller percentage of funding available for less expensive home and community based services. For every one person that receives Medicaid funding in a nursing home, the state can serve three individuals living in the community. Illinois would actually save tax payer dollars if the funding balance was shifted so that a larger percentage of funding was directed towards home and community based services as opposed to institutional care.

"Our state spends too much on nursing home care because our elected leaders have not given community service providers the resources they need to help keep people in their homes," added Gallo. "Now, the state is further strangling these community service providers with a backlog of unpaid bills and threats of more funding cuts. It's time for a change."

Many community service providers in Illinois have as much as a six-month backlog of unpaid bills from the state – a situation that has forced some organizations to cut services, cut staff, or close their doors altogether.

AARP is urging Illinoisans to call their legislators toll-free at 1-800-664-9903 on November 16th, 17th, and 18th to tell them that older Illinoisans should be able to "Stay at Home, Save at Home!" We need to protect and invest more in home and community based services for the sake of seniors that rely on these services, their caregivers, and all Illinois tax payers.

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SOURCE AARP Illinois