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Legislative Updates
FY'11 BUDGET PROCESS
MCOA Legislative Alert - 9c cuts to FY10 BudgetLegislative Alert — thanks to Al Norman/MHC for UpdateGovernor signs budget= FY2010 GAA=$7/elderJune 29, 2009: Governor Patrick signed the FY10 budget and vetoed two line items relevant to the Eldercare Network*.
Details can be found at http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/app_10/dpt_10/held.htm. The legislature can override any of his vetoes under two conditions: The process must start in the House; and both chambers must override the Governor by a two-thirds vote of its membership.
NISC Voice article on HR5484 filed by Barney FrankAs you may know, the Governor is traveling around the Commonwealth to communicate how the Massachusetts Economic Recovery Plan will make a difference in various industries and regions. While the Recovery website is the repository for more public information, we know that not everyone goes to the web for news and many people want to understand how the Recovery package will impact their communities and families.
To that end, we have developed a colorful, two-sided pamphlet that answers frequently asked questions about federal and state recovery spending, including nutrition and health care resources.
We think this might be a resource that could be on display at the 350 COAs, along with your other flyers on resources for visitors. We are placing these in public libraries, career Centers and other community institutions. Because of the huge number of COAs, it would be ideal if they had color printers and could print these directly, but we are happy to send some folded copies to offices if needed — please let us know what you think is best.
New Tax Facts At A GlanceThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, includes numerous provisions that directly impact Massachusetts' older residents. The Act provides much needed support to the states, many of which are dealing with unprecedented budget crises.
AARP Massachusetts has compiled a fact sheet that details provisions and aid distributions for Massachusetts from the ARRA. This anticipated aid will directly impact the 50+ population here in the Commonwealth, and the programs and services they rely upon — especially during these uncertain economic times.
AARP Massachusetts Fact Sheet on ARRA Legislation
AARP PPI Report on HCBSAttached for your information is a new PPI Insight on the Issues by Robert L. Mollica (National Academy for State Health Policy), and Enid Kassner, Lina Walker, and Ari Houser of PPI entitled "Taking the Long View: Investing in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services is Cost-Effective."
Summary:
Is it cost-effective for states to provide Medicaid home and community-based services or do they create a "woodwork" effect that increases public spending? Lack of good data to answer this question has been a major obstacle to advancing HCBS expansion. This paper compiles and analyzes the best available data and concludes that HCBS is cost-effective. Key findings include:
• Over time, states that invest in HCBS programs experience slower Medicaid spending growth than states with low HCBS spending. Although Medicaid spending generally increases during a transitional period, states that commit to comprehensive reforms can realize cost savings over time if they increase HCBS and, at the same time, decrease their reliance on nursing home use.
• LTC services do not drive Medicaid spending growth. Between FY 1997 and FY 2007, Medicaid LTC spending increased by 80 percent, while spending other than LTC increased by 102 percent.
• Vermont and Washington are examples of states that have successfully controlled their rate of Medicaid spending while serving many more people in HCBS.
The current fiscal crisis is causing many states to make deep budget cuts and optional Medicaid services such as these are in jeopardy. But cutting HCBS programs may have the undesirable effect of, ultimately, increasing overall Medicaid LTC spending.
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VOTE NO ON QUESTION ONEWhy Vote NO on the Income Tax Proposal?
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