Call to Action to Save Vital Services to the Seniors of Connecticut from Legislative Funding Cuts

[David V. Hunter]

To Connecticut Legislators and Governor Malloy:
April 29, 2016

Urging You Not to Cut Long Term Services and Supports

The proposed cuts to nursing home rates and other long term services and supports funding will damage the network of services for aging adults and it will upset our state’s rebalancing effort.

The newly proposed budget plans to cut over $21.4 million in state and the federal match funding for long term services and supports. A $10.5 million cut to nursing home rates, a $10.5 million cut to home care medication administration funding, and a $400,000 cut to the state funded CT Home Care Program for Elders.

These cuts will be particularly detrimental to the thousands of older Connecticut residents who live at or below the federal poverty level of $11,800 a year. In fact, being a woman, a person of color, or a person in poor health increases the odds of poverty. Leadership in Connecticut must seek to combat elder poverty by promoting better access to affordable services and not vote for these cuts.

This will be extremely detrimental to Mary Wade, to the seniors being served by our services and programs, as well as individuals we employ. Mary Wade provides Home Care Services, Community Navigator, Medical and Social Transportation, Medical Model Adult Day Health Care, Residential Care, Skilled Nursing Care, including Short Term Rehab and Hospice Services.

I urge you to support the state’s rebalancing effort and to oppose the cuts to long term services and supports.

Sincerely, 
David V. Hunter
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Wade Home