AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted Thursday to move forward a measure from Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, to support older Maine residents by investing in coordinated community programming.
As amended, LD 1684 would increase the availability of case management services to help older Mainers access necessary services. The legislation would provide $2.5 million in one-time funding and $2.5 million in ongoing funding to build statewide infrastructure capacity, including developing interventions and delivering case management and navigation services to older Mainers.
"It is nearly impossible right now for an older person to find home care services and many older Mainers with low incomes cannot afford those services, even when they can find them," said Gattine. "This bill directs funds to Maine's Area Agencies on Aging and provides an important opportunity to improve the lives of Mainers as they age in their communities. It will give them the support they need to live independent lives for as long as they can."
At its public hearing on May 1, the bill was supported by numerous advocacy organizations, including the Eastern Area Agency on Aging and AARP Maine. Additional testimony can be found here.
"Older adults with modest means now experience chronic staffing shortages in their home programs and severe housing challenges whether they rent or own their home", said John Brautigam, an attorney with Legal Services for the Elderly. "Evidence shows that [case management services] can be very effective. By helping older adults deal with problems which, if left unattended, will only grow larger and more expensive to solve, it will make a major difference in their lives."
The bill will move to the full Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.
Gattine is serving his fifth non-consecutive term in the Maine House and represents parts of Westbrook, Scarborough and Saco. He is a member of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Housing.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Gattine], c. 305-965-2744