AARP Responds to Governor Quinn's Budget Address

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Feb 22, 2012, 05:32 ET

Commends Governor's Focus on Community Based Care Options

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from AARP Illinois Senior State Director Bob Gallo:

"There is no question that the State of Illinois is in a fiscal crisis and that lawmakers will be forced to make tough decisions to get the state back on solid financial footing. Today, Governor Quinn offered his thoughts on the state's top budgetary priorities. AARP commends Governor Quinn for recognizing the need to reform the state's Medicaid system in a way that focuses on home- and community-based care options as a cost-effective and preferred alternative to institutional care.

"The Governor's proposed budget recognizes the importance of several home- and community-based programs including home-delivered meals. These programs are critical to ensuring that older Illinoisans can age with independence and dignity in their own homes and communities, while avoiding significantly more costly institutional care. However, AARP is concerned about proposed reductions in other areas, particularly the Community Care Program and other optional Medicaid-funded programs.

"The Community Care Program is a bedrock Medicaid program in Illinois that keeps seniors in their own homes and out of costly institutions. It is also a program that sees increased demand and utilization every year as the population continues to age. The budget proposal increases eligibility criteria for the community care program, making the criteria more stringent – meaning fewer people will have access to the program.

"The proposed budget is also vague on funding for programs like Illinois Cares Rx and other Medicaid-funded pharmaceutical assistance programs. Optional programs like Illinois Cares Rx could be subject to cuts under the rubric of "Medicaid savings." However, any cuts to these optional programs must be considered in the context of how those cuts will subsequently increase Medicaid costs overall, for example, for hospitals and nursing homes.

"AARP will continue to monitor budgetary developments in Springfield closely and will fight to ensure that older Illinoisans have access to the cost-efficient programs and services they need to age with dignity in their homes and communities. Illinois must find a way to balance our long term care system in a way that recognizes the value of home and community based services."

SOURCE AARP Illinois