Jan. 4, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Lauren Shaham, AAHSA, (202) 508-1219

Statement from Larry Minnix, President & CEO American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) on the Medicaid Commission Report

"We are disappointed that a commission charged to "advise on ways to modernize the Medicaid program so that it can provide high-quality health care to its beneficiaries in a financially sustainable way," did not recommend policies that would reduce the aging-services field's reliance on Medicaid to ensure quality care and services for older adults.

Although the commission's report calls for a "study of policy options for alternative insurance models for the provision of long-term care services," their recommendations for improving long term care financing focus solely on proposed tax incentives for long-term care insurance.

Research shows, however, that insurance alone will not cover the cost of care and services of America's aging population. AAHSA is advancing a framework for more rational and effective financing for long-term care. This framework is a social insurance model would revolutionize the way our nation cares for its elders. It promotes personal responsibility, encourages consumer choice and creates a sustainable funding stream that is not contingent on federal programs or state budgets.

AAHSA will work with the new Congress and the administration to advance this framework and ultimately, empower all seniors to receive the services they need, when they need them, in a place they call home."

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About AAHSA
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,800 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.