The cost to support a person in an institution cost far more than supporting that person in the community. There are talks that more cuts to community based services are pending. There are clear reason not to do this.
First, Cutting home and community based services can cost the state more in the long run. On average, home and community based care costs one-fifth as much per person per year as nursing home care. In addition, average costs for home and community based services are rising at a slower pace than costs for institutional care. It is important to know that states that spend more on home and community based services see a decrease in Medicaid long-term care spending over time.
Second, Cutting home and community based services are bad for the economy. I supervise over 80 employees. The employee are from various background, but one common thread is that each work very hard for the salary they receive. Bias? Not at all. Medicaid brings new money into states in the form of federal matching dollars. These new dollars create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Cuts to home and community based services reduce the amount of federal matching dollars that states receive, resulting in lost jobs and reduced business activity.
Third, Cutting home and community based services increases the burden on informal caregivers, which has implications for U.S. businesses and state economies. Over the course of a year, it is estimated that more than 50 million people nationwide provide informal care to those who need long-term services. They are vital sources of support for people needing care and a critical supplement to existing care delivery systems. Many of these family members loose their own income to care for their loved one.
Support us to communicate this important message to those who cast their vote. Eliminate any potential cuts to home and community based services. visit us on the web http://www.mosaicinfo.org/south_central_texas/
It is obvious that the people making the decision to cut funding to services such as the HCS program have never spent a day with the people whose lives they are drastically affecting with such a decision. That is why it is so important for those of us who care about people with IDD to speak up and get the message out there!
ReplyDeleteUntil you walk in the shoes of the PEOPLE who desperately need these services you cannot truly understand the impact cutting funding has on the lives of so many! Local and federal law makers have no personal interest and continue to ignore their collective cry! Fifty years ago people with developmental disabilities had no rights; forty years ago they could not attend public schools; today we find ourselves retreating to a time when they had no hope! Speak out, speak loudly, demand change!
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