[SeniorTaskForce-News] FW: ECIAAA Advocacy ALERT

[Rosanna McLain]

For your serious consideration.

 

Rosanna 

________________________________

From: Michael O'Donnell [mailto:MODonnell at eciaaa.org] 
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 2:07 PM
Subject: ECIAAA Advocacy ALERT

 

ECIAAA Advocacy ALERT

 

Aging services are on the chopping block.  This Wednesday, May 18th,
call your State Representatives.

 

Let them know that a vote for the current budget proposals will have
real impact on their older constituents.

 

You can call your State Representative by using AARP's toll-free line:
1-800-664-9903.

 

Several essential programs for older adults are at risk, including:

 

-         Illinois Cares Rx...current proposals would cut the program by
50% - by reducing income eligibility criteria, fewer older and disabled
persons will qualify, and enrollees will likely incur higher
out-of-pocket costs.

 

-         Home Delivered Meals... current proposals would cut funding by
over 9%, resulting in a loss of over 350,000 meals affecting nearly
2,500 older adults statewide.

 

-         Community-Based Services...current proposals would cut funding
by 20.8%, resulting in fewer transportation trips for nearly 4,000 older
adults and a reduction in Information & Assistance for nearly 23,000
older adults.

 

-         The Senior HelpLine operated by the Illinois Department on
Aging...current proposals would cut funds by over 44%, resulting in
80,000 fewer calls being answered by aging specialists.

 

-         The Community Care Program...current proposals would require
new applicants to be eligible for Medicaid and cut the Governor's
recommended increase in funding for CCP next year by half, resulting in
further payment delays to service providers.

 

Call your State Representative this Wednesday.  Tell them to stop cuts
to critical senior services.  

 

Cutting these services will force low-income older adults with multiple
chronic health conditions to make critical choices between food and
medicine.  Limiting access to home delivered meals, trips to the doctor,
and assistance in completing applications for benefits, will result in
increased hospital admissions and nursing home placements - at a much
higher cost to the State.

 

 

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