Save Oregon Seniors:
There’s a better way to balance the budget.

30 years ago, Oregon became the first state in the nation to commit to a home and community-based system of long-term care for seniors and people with disabilities based on independence, dignity and choice.

10 years ago, voters created the Oregon Home Care Commission to oversee the quality of home care services, establish a registry and referral system of qualified caregivers and improve pay, training and working conditions.

5 years ago, the state established new staffing ratios and quality standards for nursing homes so that those residents truly in need of such care are well treated in every respect.

But on January 1, 2012, cuts approved by the legislature and enforced by the governor reduced the hours of every home care recipient — and now legislators are considering substantial new cuts that threaten to destroy 30 years of progress and in providing humane, efficient long-term care for seniors and people with disabilities.

The Oregon model has been emulated across the nation as a way to provide seniors and people with inexpensive quality care largely financed through a federal Medicaid match of $1.67 for every dollar the state invests. It is worth protecting and preserving. There’s a better way to balance the budget. Click here to see how there is at least $100 million in potential savings that will balance the budget and protect services for Oregon seniors and people with disabilities.

Listen to a 98-year-old Oregon woman, Edna Jacques,  plead with the Governor to save her home care (mp3).

Read Health Management Associates report on methods to fund long term care.

Read the 2012 Moving Oregon Forward report.

Call 1-800-332-2313 today. Tell your legislators not to balance the budget on the backs of seniors and people with disabilities.