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Thoughts from
AAA8 Director:
Rick Hindman
Campaign Says More In-home Care Can Save Ohio Millions
As Governor Kasich and legislators work on the state budget, Ohio's 12 Area Agencies on Aging have launched a campaign to show they have solutions for the estimated $8 billion deficit.
Called Fair Care Ohio, the campaign urges people to visit www.faircareohio.org to send a message to their state legislators and the governor asking that Ohio spend less on nursing homes and more on in-home care.
Ohio can save an estimated $500 million over the next two-year budget period by balancing its long-term care spending 50-50 between nursing homes and in-home care. Now we're at 58 percent for nursing homes and 42 percent for in-home and community-based alternatives. That's much better than it used to be, but Ohio's seniors and taxpayers deserve a better deal.
For more than 20 years Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging have administered Medicaid programs that help frail older adults remain in their homes and communities, including PASSPORT, the state's in-home care alternative, and the Assisted Living Waiver - saving the state millions of dollars by deferring unnecessary nursing home stays.
Through the programs in state fiscal year 2011, approximately 45,000 Ohioans will receive services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, and help with housekeeping and bathing. Without the in-home help, they would go to nursing homes where the cost to taxpayers is three times as much.
For years, the system has been so unbalanced that the most expensive long-term care option (nursing homes) has become the default. The way Ohio prioritizes long-term care dollars to nursing homes limits people's opportunity to live independently and make their own choices.
This is about seniors. Ohio limits their opportunity to be independent in their homes and that's wrong. But, it's also a message for taxpayers that most don't understand. Ohio spends more per person for long-term care than most other states. Given the aging of our population and the growing demands on Medicaid, our present system is unsustainable.
To date, folks have sent more than 4,500 emails to their legislators and the governor. The campaign's FaceBook page has more than 850 fans, some of whom have posted comments about the importance of in-home care for their elderly parents.
Legislators do support in-home care and, given the budget deficit, the time for change is now. But they need to hear from constituents. That's what Fair Care Ohio is all about.
We think Ohio's long-term care system should be fair to the taxpayer and to the elderly - if you agree, visit www.faircareohio.org and make your voice heard. |
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Farmers Market 2011 Applications Coming Soon!
Seniors who meet the eligibility guidelines, will soon be receiving some welcome relief from rising food budgets. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons worth $50 to buy produce.
The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a USDA program in which grants are awarded to provide coupons to low-income seniors.
In 2011, eligibility will be based on HOUSEHOLD income, NOT individual income. Individuals are eligible for the Senior Farmers' Market if they are 60 + and have an annual income of $20,147 or less as a single person ($27,214 or less for a household of two).
Program coupons may be exchanged for eligible foods from authorized farmers. Only fresh, locally grown fruits, herbs and vegetables are eligible to be purchased with the coupons.
Each eligible senior receives $50 per person; grant funding is limited and coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each person will receive a total of ten $5 coupons: five $5 coupons valid from May 1- July 31 and five $5 coupons valid from Aug. 1- Oct. 31. Coupons may only be redeemed by authorized participating farmers who sell produce at farmers' markets, or roadside stands. The program will end Oct. 31, 2011.
Program applications will be received ONLY BY MAIL. On April 1, applications will be available at the region's Senior Center locations, at the AAA8 office and online at www.areaagency8.org.
Applications must be returned by U.S. mail to AAA8 P.O. Box 370 Reno, OH 45773 postmarked no earlier than the following dates:
April 6 - Athens and Hocking
April 13 - Washington
April 20 - Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Noble & Perry
Applications will be checked for the appropriate postmark, date-stamped and processed for distribution on a first-come, first-served basis. Ineligible applicants will receive a letter indicating the reason for ineligibility. Once each county's allocations have been filled, waiting lists will receive a letter.
Local farmers are also needed to participate in the Market program. Farmer contracts are due by March 31. For more details on what products are included in the program or to become an authorized SFMNP farmer, contact the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) at 1-800-331-2644. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
March is National Professional Social Work Month
"Social Workers Change Futures"
Professional social workers believe there are no limits to human potential, and they serve others to help them lead rewarding lives. Individuals and families can find answers to their questions with the support of professional social workers. AAA8 is pleased to employ 12 Licensed Social Workers (LSWs). |
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Smarter State Spending
Join the Advocacy Effort & Help Save Ohio's Budget
Use your voice to help reform long-term care in Ohio. Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging want to ensure Choice for the elderly and Smarter State Spending with your hard-earned money!
Ohio's state spending has been nursing home-biased for too long. Let's even the playing field and give in-home care more of a chance.
We all want to stay in our homes as we age. You can help make that dream possible for thousands of vulnerable elderly by making in-home care a more viable option.Ohio is at a crossroads on this issue, but we have a very short time-frame to make our voices heard.
Ask that the 129th General Assembly be a good steward with your tax dollars.
A few clicks can change the course of history!
 Join the Effort at Fair Care Ohio.
 Find Fair Care Ohio on Facebook.
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Join the Community Conversation
You are cordially invited to join the Buckeye Hills AAA8 Regional Advisory Council as it hosts a regional Community Conversation on Friday, March 25, from 10 a..m. to noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 308 Gilman Ave. in Marietta.
In partnership with member food banks, the Ohio Job and Family Services Director's Association and Advocates for Ohio's Future, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks has invited local social service agencies, local legislators and program participants to community conversations across the state. During the community conversations, those in attendance will have the chance to speak about the impact of programs administered by Ohio's safety net network in their lives as well as how continuing these programs and supports is vital to Ohio's most vulnerable populations.
- Hear recent regional reports on the state of Ohio's struggling economy and what this means for social services.
- Share the importance of social services in your community and speak to changes in need.
- Learn how you get involved in the larger conversation about Ohio's future and how to have an impact in the critical months ahead.
- Share your vision for Ohio's future! Join the conversation.
- Seating is limited, please RSVP to 1-800-331-2644
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AAA8 Joined Hearts in Giving Nominees Honored
Joined Hearts in Giving honors long-married Ohioans who share a commitment to volunteerism. Eligible couples have been married at least 40 years and at least one of the spouses must be age 60 or older. Couples were honored by the Ohio Department of Aging and the First Lady of Ohio at a reception held in observance of Valentine's Day at the Governor's residence in Columbus.
 Norman and Margaret Cohn, Athens
Norm and Peg Cohn, married almost 55 years, were instrumental in creating the Athens Village, a concept that enables senior citizens to remain in their own homes as they age. Mrs. Cohn now serves as secretary of the Athens Village and as the Board's liaison to its public information team, and Mr. Cohn heads two of the Village's interest groups. Thanks to the Cohns and their group, Athens has the only independent Village in Ohio and one of only three "rural" villages in the US. Mr. Cohn also has been involved with the Ohio Valley Summer Theater and Athenian Berea Community Players as actor, director, board member and music consultant. He helped the Athens Mediation Service and participated in various fundraisers for local causes. Mrs. Cohn volunteered in Athens city government for more than 30 years, as a member of City Council, the Planning Commission and the Police Review Board.
 Ted (deceased) and Sue Foster, Athens
Married almost 55 years, Ted and Sue Foster worked continuously for the benefit of the city and county of Athens and the Southeast Ohio region. They helped launch the Athens Village, which enables senior citizens of Athens County to remain in their own homes as they age. The founding group, with Mr. Foster as vice president and Mrs. Foster as treasurer, worked for more than a year to establish the Village. It is one of only 50 "Village" groups in the country, the only independent one in Ohio, and one of only three "rural" ones in the nation. The Fosters worked together on a variety of projects, including the Athens County Plan, for which Mrs. Foster was co-chair of the Steering Committee. They served on the Hocking River Commission, a land trust purchasing tracts along the Hocking River. Mr. Foster served on the Ohio Council of Higher Education Retirees (OCHER) and served for eight years on the Friends of Athens Children's Services, becoming treasurer and helping promote four levies passed for the benefit of children in Athens County. He was appointed to the Children's Services Board by the county commissioners from 1998 to 2008. Mrs. Foster has served on the Consortium of Health Education in Appalachian Ohio since 1979 and has been both its president and secretary. She also served for 10 years on the O'Bleness Memorial Hospital Board, on the Athens County Community Improvement Corporation and on many ad hoc planning and levy committees.
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Getting the Word Out on Medicare "Extra Help"
A Program That Can Save Seniors up to $325 a Month
In the eight county Area Agency on Aging 8 region, it is estimated that there are thousands of seniors eligible for the Medicare "Extra Help" program not taking advantage of the savings - leaving nearly millions in benefits untapped.
So, staff are being creative with ways to get the word out. Fliers with "tear off" phone numbers are available, as well as placemats for restaurants and congregate meal sites and tear-off prescription pads for physician offices or pharmacies. The placemats have been accepted by more than 30 restaurants around the region.
If you have an event planned and would like us to do on-site applications, please call us. If you can assist in your community with getting the word out, please call 1-800-331-2644.
Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some with limited incomes and resources are also eligible for "Extra Help" with the costs of monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments for a Medicare plan.
AAA8 has more details on this "Extra Help" available in Ohio as well as other programs that may assist those who are 60+ and on limited incomes.
Annual income (single) is $16,245; married is $21,855. Some resource limits also apply - (single) $12,510 and (married) $25,010. Seniors can all 1-800-331-2644 for application assistance. |
Federal Advocacy Needed for Ohio's HEAP Program!  As U.S. Senators to Help Seniors with Costs of Home Energy
Home energy costs particularly affect Ohioans on fixed or low incomes.
Energy Assistance Programs sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development help low-income Ohioans of all ages deal with the high costs of heating or cooling their homes are at risk of a current year 50% reduction at the Federal Level.Contact Senator Sherrod Brown 202-224-2315 and Senator Rob Portman 202-224-3353 - Today!
Ohio's Energy Assistance Programs are an integral part of the social safety net for Ohio's older citizens. Many older adults with limited incomes rely on this assistance, and would not be able to get through the winter - or the summer - without it. This frail population is extremely vulnerable to temperature extremes; they are the first to succumb to respiratory illnesses and other ills due to freezing temperatures or deadly heat. For them, a lack of resources is a health issue as well as a financial one.
- Home Energy Assistance Program - HEAP helps low-income Ohioans of all ages pay heating and cooling bills.
- Emergency HEAP - Emergency HEAP assists households that have had their utilities disconnected, face disconnection, or that have a 10-day supply (or less) of bulk fuel.
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan - PIPP is an extended payment plan for qualifying customers that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of household income.
- Home Weatherization Assistance Program - HWAP helps qualifying low-income homeowners and renters reduce energy consumption while increasing the comfort of their homes.
For more information on these programs, call toll-free 1-800-331-2644.
Number of elderly households in AAA8 Region (by county) that received Regular HEAP during the last heating season. (from ODA)
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Elderly |
Disabled | |
Athens |
942 |
1,052 | |
Hocking |
605 |
797 | |
Meigs |
702 |
688 | |
Monroe |
392 |
280 | |
Morgan |
442 |
365 | |
Noble |
273 |
252 | |
Perry |
728 |
705 | |
Washington |
991 |
1,049 | |
State of Ohio |
120,063
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126,664
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Office of Health Transformation Launches Web Site
 The governor recently created the Office of Health Transformation, led by Greg Moody, who is to devise a plan to restructure health and human service agencies. With 20 years of experience working with Medicaid program design and cost containment, Moody has worked with both private and public sector health systems. He served in the administration of Governor Bob Taft, and in 1991, served as a budget associate on then-U.S. Representative John Kasich's House Budget Committee.
The Office of Health Transformation (OHT) has launched its new Website (www.healthtransformation.ohio.gov). The site will serve as a portal for information about Ohio's health transformation initiatives. It also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to sign up for email updates and to share ideas about how to modernize Medicaid. |
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National News
Administration on Aging (AoA) Launches Facebook Page
The Administration on Aging (AoA) now has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/aoa.gov. AoA's Facebook pages feature a variety of shareable content (including e-cards, widgets and videos) with health tips and resources. AoA is pleased to expand its online presence and further provide an opportunity to connect with aging network colleagues and the people they serve. Visit AoA's Facebook pages and view a welcome video from Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, click on "like", and post comments on the Wall.
National Day of Recognition for Long Term Care Physicians - March 20
March 20 is the National Day of Recognition for Long Term Care Physicians. This initiative started with an American Medical Directors Assoc. (AMDA) resolution from the Georgia Medical Directors Association honoring the memory and work of AMDA founder William Dodd, MD, CMD. Dr. Dodd was a community physician who recognized that residents of nursing homes were patients with complex medical problems and that physicians needed to be involved in establishing the standards of management and clinical care for the frail elderly and other residents in long term care facilities.
"Having a day to recognize long term care physicians is a wonderful recognition of what we do," noted 2010-2011 AMDA President Paul Katz, MD, CMD. He added, "There are so many talented, committed, and passionate physicians in this field, and it is only appropriate to honor these practitioners for their work in long term care." Visit www.amda.com for more information.
2011 Poverty Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released the 2011 Poverty Guidelines, which affect financial eligibility for federal and state programs such as the Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and more. For an individual in the 48 contiguous states and DC in 2011, the poverty level is $10,890 ($13,600 in Alaska, $12,540 in Hawaii); for couples, it is $14,710 ($18,380 in Alaska, $16,930 in Hawaii). For more information on the guidelines, visit http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/11poverty.shtml. |
| Functional Needs Registry Project
The Noble County Health Department and the Noble County Sheriff's Office are partnering in a Functional Needs Registry Project. This is a project in which individuals within the county who have a critical health or medical condition can be listed in a database with the Sheriff's office in case of an emergency or disaster. The information provided to this database will allow emergency responders to develop a more effective response to these individuals. The individuals in the database will be offered personal education on disaster preparedness and assistance in developing their own personal emergency plan.This registry is not for individuals in a care facility such as a nursing home or congregated living facility. The individuals must meet the following criteria to be listed in this registry:
1. Individuals whose daily living is restricted by immobility causing them to be dependent on other people to meet their basic needs and those people may be unavailable during an emergency or disaster.
2. Individuals that require specialized medical equipment and need assistance in moving equipment if required to relocate during a disaster.
3. Individuals who may not be able to respond to emergency instructions due to language or cognitive barriers.
The Noble County Health Department will be providing training to community service providers so that providers can assist individuals with registering for this service.For more information, please contact the Noble County Health Department at 732-4958.
A similar program is also available in the Athens County area. Contact your local 9-1-1 or Sheriff's Office to inquire if your local area has the service. |
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