Bringing Long-Term Care Home

Transforming Pennsylvania's Long-Term Services and Supports System

PHA released its report, Bringing Long-Term Care Home, which outlines five changes that the association is recommending to the Corbett Administration and members of the General Assembly to revamp the way the state cares for and supports seniors and adults with disabilities. The report states that changes are needed so that spending is controlled, efficiency is embraced and services reflect the population's unwavering sentiment of wanting to remain at home.

"This 60-page report explains how the Medicaid program has evolved since its inception in 1965 and how our philosophy of consumer choice and control has changed; yet Medicaid regulations have not," explained PHA Executive Director Vicki Hoak.

"As providers of in-home care we have a responsibility to lead the charge of refining current Medicaid long-term care regulations that impede a person's right to receive home-based care and support."

Hoak continued by saying that timing couldn't be better. "We have a new Governor, new legislative session and several health care reform initiatives that incentivize states with increased financial matching funds to increase their use of home and community-based services.

"We also have a budget deficit that state officials must address and since 20 percent of the state general fund goes to long-term care, its incumbent on policymakers to analyze our spending and determine how to better manage our dollars," she said.

This report will be used over the next few years as the centerpiece for PHA's advocacy efforts. "These recommendations will not be adopted overnight, but we have a responsibility to the people we serve to highlight the barriers and advocate for change. We're also pleased that two other state organizations have endorsed the report's recommendations: Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Pennsylvania Providers Coalition Association. I encourage every member to read over the report and familiarize themselves with the Medicaid program so that each of us can become an advocate for older Pennsylvanians and adults with disabilities."