Print Article 04/08/2011
Dona Fitzgerald, Home Nursing Agency’s Private Duty Home Care Aide and a 26th year employee, made a significant impact with her recent presence and remarks at PA Homecare Association’s (PHA) State Advocacy Day in Harrisburg.
Dona's purpose was to provide a frontline account of how her care represents quality and cost-effectiveness. Dona was broadcasted on Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) http://www.pcntv.com/ and was featured in the Capitol Recap for May 4, 2011. As our Commonwealth comes to terms with rapidly increasing Medicaid spending, our industry’s cost-effectiveness, quality and capability are welcomed messages.
Dona, along with the Agency’s Legislative Director, joined nearly 200 PHA members and advocates for seniors and adults with disabilities and met with legislators. Members also participated in a news conference to launch the Bringing Long-Term Care Home campaign and PHA's report that examines the long-term care system in PA and outlines specific changes to state policies, legislation and Medicaid regulations to improve access to homecare, streamline eligibility and services, and support families who are caring for a loved one.
Members asked legislators to:
1. Pass House Bill 210/Senate Bill 639 to adopt the federal criteria for the Family Caregivers Program that supports families who are taking care of a loved one.
2. Add an amendment to the state Medicaid Plan to provide for a "spend down" that would allow individuals to pay a portion of their monthly cost for homecare to become Medicaid eligible. Currently, the "spend down" is only available for nursing home residents, not for people wanting to remain at home.
3. Add chronic care management and preventative services to the state Medicaid Plan.
Advocacy must continue. Members are encouraged to meet with legislators in their district offices and to share the Bringing Long-Term Care Home report. For more info, please visit www.bringcarehome.org.
