Elders in Action: Latest News

Elders in Action Commission Chair Lorraine Griffey, Michael Eagan, Commission Advocacy Coordinator and Mary Shortall, Director of Aging and Disability Services are joined by Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish in the presentation of a Proclamation from the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners recognizing May as Older American's Month.

Join the Elders in Action Commission in Supporting HB 2391 and HB 2069

Providing investment to keep Oregon's older adults & people with disabilities independent

6-2-2009

FINDING SMART SOLUTIONS FOR TOUGH TIMES

For over forty years the Elders in Action Commission has supported legislation that provides independence, dignity and choice for long term living options for older adults in Oregon. In 1975 Oregon passed landmark legislation to fund Oregon Project Independence. This positive program allows older adults living in low income circumstances to stay in their home with supportive care options. Oregon Project Independence is at great risk in the 2009 Oregon Legislative Session. The Elders in Action Commission is asking people to contact their legislators to support HB 2391 and the companion funding bill HB 2069 that would provide a long term dedicated funding source.

HB 2391 creates a partnership between seniors and the State which will enable older adults and their families to better utilize their own resources to address their long term care needs. It proposes an increase in Oregon Project Independence (OPI), our State's proven cost effective program to help people stay out of more costly long term care facilities. Investing in prevention based services in long term care is a key strategy to Oregon's budget issues. Services through OPI cost the State approximately $250 per month compared to Medicaid funded services which cost Oregon approximately $600 per month for in home care and upwards to $2,800 per month in nursing facility care.

HB 2069 the Senior Medical Deduction bill is a clear revenue source to support HB 2391. The current deduction is being reviewed with proposals to phase it out for households at the highest income levels and to offer to those with moderate to low income households who need these deductions. The savings of up to $25 million would fund the critically needed long term care services for seniors and people with disabilities.

With the age wave upon us, now is the time for smart solutions in maximizing resources to help ensure quality services for seniors and people with disabilities. Call Maria Micozzi Jones, Advocacy and Volunteer Manager at Elders in Action at 503 235-5474 or Maria@eldersinaction.org to get involved. Find out additional information and ways to contact your legislator by Click Here

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