Tag Archives for Maureen Maigret

Advocates call for Governor to reject budget cuts they say would harm older adults

Published in RINewsToday on Oct. 28, 2024

As the state’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) holds its Revenue & Caseload Estimate Conference to discuss the economic and revenue outlook for the upcoming legislative session, the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI) warns of “onerous budget cuts” proposed by state agencies overseeing programs and services for Rhode Islanders. At press time, the state’s Medicaid and the Office of Healthy Aging offices proposed 7.5 percent budget cuts to be included in the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget. 

“It is unconscionable that at a time when our older population is growing – projected to reach one out of every four Rhode Islanders in a few years — to propose budget cuts for programs proven to keep them healthy and safe and that in the long term can save taxpayers money,” says SACRI Board Chair, Diane Santos.

According to Santos, the requests put forward by the Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) include a reduction in state funds for the Meals on Wheels home-delivered meals program projected to cause 13,000 fewer meals to be delivered to persons unable to shop and prepare meals; cuts in funding for local Senior Centers and programs for older adults; elimination of grants to provide security services in elderly housing; and decreased funding to support the Elderly Transportation program. 

Santos warns that proposed changes in Medicaid eligibility guidelines are projected to cause hundreds of vulnerable older adults and persons with disabilities to lose state Medicaid coverage for their nursing home care and cause nursing homes, many of which are already struggling financially and face critical worker shortages, to lose millions of dollars if implemented. In addition, changes in the Medicaid CNOM (Costs Not Otherwise Matchable) program could reduce federal dollars that match state funding and impact hundreds of persons receiving home care and adult day services that help keep them living at home, the proposed cuts could result in greater spending in other areas.

For example, says Maureen Maigret, SACRI Policy Advisor, “Brown University researchers have shown that funds spent on home-delivered meals can delay or even prevent costly nursing home care.”

Over the years, Maigret noted that SACRI has worked to boost state funding to communities to assist them to operate local senior centers and programs. These serve hundreds of older adults and families across the state with a wide range of programs that keep older adults healthy, informed and connected to their communities, she noted.

SACRI has called for the state’s budget to provide ten dollars for each person aged 65 and over to Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns, says Maigret, calculating that this amounts to about $20 per older adult. “The proposed cuts now being considered fail to recognize the increased need for these services due to the significant growth of our older population,” says Maigret.

Drawing a line in the sand

At press time, SACRI and its partners delivered a letter to Gov. McKee urging him to not balance the state budget on the back of Rhode Island’s older adults, stressing that the “potential ripple impact on families will be significant.

“Nonprofits and those who will be impacted need to know that SACRI and its partners are closely watching this process and are ready to advocate to protect programs and services which may impact our varied constituencies,” says Carol Anne Costa, SACRI Executive Director.

Costa continued, “The fastest growing demographic in RI is people over the age of 65. That is an obstinate fact. And cuts to the budget must be re-prioritized.” The Office of the State Ombudsman agreed, “If anything, OHA should be getting an increase, as they manage to complete all of their obligations on a shoestring budget. And kudos to Maria Cimini and her team at OHA for the outstanding work they do,” says Kathleen Heren, the RI Ombudsman.

Costa noted that OHA is Rhode Island’s designated state unit on aging. It serves as the chief advocate for older Rhode Islanders, adults living with disabilities, and family caregivers. “Prioritizing reductions in spending in areas not directly tied to OHA’s core mission or that would not harm vulnerable older adults and persons with disabilities dependent on Medicaid to meet their long-term care needs is clearly a place to start [in determining budget cuts]. Administrative expenses and the millions of dollars being paid out to consultants could be heavily scrutinized for budget reductions,” she says. 

Adds Mirelle Sayaf, Executive Director of Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL), “The proposed budget cuts pose a serious threat to the mission of the OSCIL, which is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Reducing funding, along with changes to Medicaid eligibility and essential programs, will harm those we serve. These cuts jeopardize vital services such as home care, nutritional support, and community engagement initiatives that empower individuals to live independently and maintain their quality of life.”

“Cutting the budget for the OHA when its resources are already extremely stressed to fully meet the needs of a growing older population is unjustified,” charges SACRI’s Maigret, who is also a former Director of the Department of Elderly Affairs.”

Maigret also opposes changes to Medicaid eligibility after advocates have spent years to ensure persons in need of long term supports and services have access to a range of affordable options, and avoidance of long wait lists for service. She calls for increasing resources to the Rhode Island’s cities and towns to help them support local programs for older adults and increasing eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program so lower-income persons on Medicare can afford needed healthcare.  But, Maigret also says that housing needs of older adults must be considered when allocating housing funds.

Food & Shelter important, too

Gerontologist Deb Burton, Executive Director of RI Elder Info also has some thoughts about the state’s proposed budget cuts.

“Cuts to Meals on Wheels that cause our most vulnerable, at-risk, elders to go hungry are simply unconscionable. Taking meals away from our elders cannot happen,” says Burton.

“We must bring back the housing stabilization unit for older adults. Older adult homelessness has increased more than 400% since COVID hit and rents skyrocketed. Rising housing costs, fixed incomes, and wait lists of 2-8 years for affordable elderly housing have all contributed to this crisis. In addition to these challenges, the application process for getting an apartment is onerous and nearly impossible if one does not have access to the internet,” adds Burton.

Eviction prevention is critical in addressing the elder homelessness issue, says Burton, noting that private sector partnerships and philanthropic donations can support a housing stability unit for older adults, ensuring sustainable funding for eviction prevention programs.

“We must find the strength and compassion to provide the funding necessary for food and shelter for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. If we don’t, what does the future hold for ourselves?” asks Burton.  

A Final Call

“The November Revenue and Caseload Estimating Conferences will provide updated projections to inform budget development which will help set priorities. However, RI’s most vulnerable and fastest growing demographic must be prioritized in finalizing the FY2026 budget,” urges Costa.

Costa takes helm of SACRI, Crafts Vision for Upcoming Conference

Published in RINewsToday on September 9, 2024

The Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI), an independent and diverse coalition of over 20 agencies and individual members who advocate for older Rhode Islanders, gears up for the planning of its 16th Annual Conference and Expo with the recent appointment of its new Executive Director, Carol Anne Costa.

Bringing a Wealth of Experience to SACRI

According to Diane Santos, SACRI Board  Chair, Costa brings a wealth of experience from her positions in the Raimondo administration and most recently as the Constituent Service Coordinator for the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General. Her institutional knowledge at the state and federal levels gained in her past positions in the Rhode Island Judiciary, as well as Executive Director of National Utility Contractors of RI (NUCARI) and her managerial role at the Johnston Housing Authority, is a great asset.

“Most importantly, Carol is passionate about helping others, not only through her work but also through her volunteerism in the community. This commitment is exemplified by her serving on many Boards and committees, most notably as a member of the Board of Directors of Wiggin Village for the past 20 years,” says Santos.

The conference will bring together important voices: people from across the state together with the politicians who serve their interests at the levers of power, says Costa. “To achieve progress on any issue the participation of decision makers along with those they represent is the best way to meet budget, legislative and policy goals,” notes Costa.

SACRI Conference is Just a Month Away

In July, Costa stepped into the role of managing SACRI’s upcoming annual conference, “A Bridge to a Secure Future,” to be held on October 9, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Warwick-based Crown Plaza.  This major task remains on her desk as do many of the other tasks to move the organization forward to prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session.

We must embrace the future and respect the past,” says Costa, in developing strategies to advocate for legislative proposals that enhance the lives older persons.

 “My goal is to fill the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza to capacity with older Rhode Islanders, aging advocates, partners and coalition members to educate them about legislative proposals that SACRI supports during next year’s legislative session.

According to Costa, the conference theme, “A Bridge to a Secure Future,” focuses on the kitchen table issues facing older adults and adults with disabilities: economic security, healthcare, and housing. Presenting the keynote address is US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse who will be followed by a panel including US Congressman Seth Magaziner, RI Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and Housing expert, Julie Leddy, she says.

“The conference will be informative and opportune.” said Costa, noting that SACRI’s mission is helping to better the lives of older Rhode Islanders and adults with disabilities and the conference helps us to expand our outreach into the community.

“Empowering people by giving their voice to pertinent issues is something I value, and this conference is the perfect way to begin my tenure at the helm,” she continued.

“In Rhode Island, the healthcare system is under great stress. Older Rhode Islanders face a system rife with worker shortages, long wait times and a dwindling pool of doctors. Solving these problems requires the voices of our coalition and its partners to bring attention to them and the impact they have on people,” said Costa.

In speaking about housing issues, Costa noted, “The housing situation in the state is at a crisis point where new stock is virtually nonexistent and underfunded agencies tasked with building, managing, and easing rental spikes are the only bulwark to help ordinary folks.”

But the big question which looms is will the monies allocated for new development be proportionally distributed, particularly for our older adults as threats to Medicare and Social Security at the federal level compound the stress they feel?” asks Costa.

“This advocacy work is in my DNA, and I am enjoying every minute of it,” says Costa, stressing that she looks forward to moving SACRI forward to accomplish its legislative and policy goals that will impact Rhode Island’s older population.

“And I would be remiss if I did not ask everyone to join us on October 9, 2024,” she said.

Building on Last Year’s  Success

Looking back, over 300 people attended last year’s conference, says Maureen Maigret, SACRI’s Policy Advisor, who assisted its Board members to organize the 2023 conference.  After educating the attendees, the coalition mobilized its troops composed of older Rhode Islander, aging and health care organizations, educators, unions, and Medicare insurance providers to push for change. “

How did that conference impact SACRI’s lobbying efforts?

“Last year’s legislative agenda reflected policy issues discussed by the keynote speaker and panelists at the conference,” noted Maigret, a former Director of the State’s Office on Aging.   According to Maigret, SACRI’s lobbying efforts resulted in the General Assembly enacting SACRI’s legislative priorities that included increasing home and community service provider rates, increasing funding for the state’s senior centers and the streamlining of zoning requirements for the building of Accessory Dwelling Units.  Lawmakers also put a $120 million housing bond program on the November ballot, she said.

“Feedback from Conference attendees about the presentations was excellent and they liked the variety of exhibitors, too,” says Maigret, noting that some participants did say they would have liked more time to ask questions to the presenters. This year’s conference does build in additional time for Q&A, she adds. 

Maigret says SACRI’s Board took charge in organizing the successful event.  This year, Costa and her Board continue its efforts to organize and prepare for the upcoming legislative session, she says.

The cost of SACRI’s upcoming conference is $25.00 per person for Members and $35 per person for nonmembers.  And any organization who wishes to exhibit their work at the Expo, the tables are $350.00. To register go to  https://senioragendari.org/2024-conference-and-expo.

For more details about SACRI, to https://senioragendari.org/.

Strengthening the Safety Net for Seniors Living in Poverty

Published in RINewsToday on July 15, 2023

A recently released U.S. Census Bureau report should send a message to Congress and spur the efforts of aging advocates to protect older Americans from financial hardship and poverty.  Some consider the “golden years” to be age 60, or 65, and over.  But it’s not so golden for millions of retirees.

According to a recently released U.S. Census Bureau’s report, “Profile of Older Adults by Poverty Status: 2021,” 8.3% of the nation’s population age 65 and over are living in poverty.    

The Census Report, released on June 25, 2024, uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), to draw a profile of the 4.7 million older adults who lived in poverty in 2021. This longitudinal survey provides comprehensive information on the dynamics of income, employment, household composition and government program participation.

Poverty in your later years

Here are a few data nuggets from the latest Census Report’s findings…

According to the report, two-thirds of older adults living in poverty in 2021 were women. Limited time in the workforce, raising children or serving as a caregiver, have decreased Social Security benefits, leading to income insecurity in their later years. Older adults living below the poverty line were more likely than those “non-poor” to have never married, says the report, noting that this limits the chance of these individuals to accumulate financial resources with a spouse or to obtain financial incentives (such as tax benefits) associated with being married.

And yes, living alone can be hazardous to your pocketbook, notes the Census report. In 2021, most older adults in poverty (62.9%) lived alone, compared to only 26.3% of those not in poverty.

In addition, among older adults in poverty who lived with at least one other person, 65.5% lived with a spouse, 29.9% lived with a child and 11.2 percent lived with a grandchild, noted the report’s findings.

A snapshot of poverty in Rhode Island

According to Maureen Maigret, Policy Advisor for the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island,” the Census Bureau released a “significant and must-read report.”  

“The data shows that almost five million older adults across the nation are living in poverty, and details how gender and social characteristics contribute to poverty status and wealth,” says Maigret. “Two-thirds of the nation’s older adults living in poverty are women, which is like the poverty profile of older adults in Rhode Island, as are the higher rates of poverty for older persons of color.

Maigret noted that a comprehensive 2014 report on RI Older Women she researched for The Women’s Fund of RI documented the high poverty rate of older women in the state – 9.7% for men and 11.3% for women. The Women’s Fund report also found about 20% of older RI adults living in poverty were more likely to be Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black. 

“Unfortunately, things have not improved,” she says, noting that the poverty rate for older Rhode Islanders has increased to 12.3% (US Census ACS 2022 estimates) which is higher than the 10.9% national poverty rate for older adults.

“Providing data on the poverty status of older adults is important for our state policymakers. It is also critical for them to understand the notable gender differences as women outnumber men in the state’s older population (56% vs 44%), have greater healthcare expenses, are more likely to live alone and need long term supports,” states the former Director of the state’s Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA), now referred to as the Office of Healthy Aging.  Older RI women also have lower Social Security benefits than men (about $5,000 less) and 37% less pension benefits, she says.

Maigret notes that most older Rhode Islanders are not wealthy with  many falling into what is termed the “forgotten middle.” A specifically, term used to describe those individuals with income not low-income enough to be on Medicaid but not enough to meet basic needs–estimated at $30,000/year for a single renter in good health (Elder Index). 

Twenty-seven percent of our older households have income below $25,000 (US Census) which is not sufficient to meet basic needs. This is why we must both improve some of the programs that can help them financially and better inform them of available benefits, she says. 

Tackling poverty in the Ocean State

According to Susan Sweet, founder of the Rhode Island Minority Elder Task Force (RIMETF) (riminorityeldertaskforce@gmail.com), a 501 © (3) nonprofit, established in 1992 after a survey found that elders from minority groups were not being serviced by aging network providers, “The survey revealed that Senior Centers, Adult Day Centers, and other state and local programs had almost no staff who were able to communicate with clients who had limited or no English language skills, and paid no attention to cultural differences in different populations,” she noted.

“While there has definitely been some improvement, most older Rhode Islanders of different cultures and/or languages must seek assistance from the few programs that are specifically directed to them,” says Sweet, a former state associate director of DEA, and advocate for seniors facing hardships and low-income difficulties.

“But they are not the majority of those who barely survive because of a lack of funds and support. Coming from all backgrounds, many poor elders are struggling to meet basic needs such as shelter, food, medicine, medical care, utilities and other necessities”, says Sweet.

“Older adult needs appear to be much worse than they were in the early 2000s. Inflation, Covid, lack of adequate housing options, as well as difficulty in accessing existing assistance programs are pushing these individuals to an existence that threatens their health and their life,” warns Sweet.

State programs that exist for the purpose of helping poor, older adults often have long application periods and stringent rules that create very little ability to respond to emergency situations,” according to Sweet.

Sweet says that RIMETF’s most extensive work is in direct assistance to poor elders for basic needs. “We provide mini-grants , generally in the range of $200 – $400, to low-income elders in dire circumstances by paying directly to providers of goods and services such as rental entities, utilities, fuel companies and gift cards for items such as food, clothing, medicine, and household goods. “Our members also assist to get people on payment plans, programs, services, and better situations that may prevent future emergencies and enable longer-term solutions,” she says.

RIMETF has no paid staff and its Board membership consists of a diverse group of health and social work representatives, program administrators, community members, Senior Center and Community Action staff members, housing specialists, and advocates from other aging programs. The older adults who need help are identified by the group’s membership and demographic information and records are kept by the organization.

The nonprofit group is funded by private foundations such as Nursing Placement Foundation, Rhode Island Foundation, Tufts, Harriet Boucher Foundation, Dexter Fund as well as municipalities including the Cities of Providence, East Providence and Pawtucket.

Both Maigret and Sweet call for more to be done by the Rhode Island lawmakers next session to strengthen the safety net for struggling older Rhode Islander’s to protect them from poverty.

“Yes, absolutely more work needs to be done,” says Maigret. ”Data from the national profile and corresponding state data provide strong evidence of the need to continue advocacy to fight for policies to ensure Rhode Islanders enjoy economic security in their older years.” 

“Policies are a necessary part of the work, but oversight and quality control of state and private programs and services is vital to ensure that actual help is available in a timely manner; currently, oversight is lacking,” says Sweet, calling for state programs and policies to be better monitored and evaluated by those who deal with poor older adults and know the hardships suffered by them.  

“The reality of increasing poverty among elders requires a grass roots understanding of the lack of support actually available to meet their needs,” says Sweet.

To get a copy of the Census Bureau’s report,  “Profile of Older Adults by Poverty Status: 2021,” go to https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2024/demo/p70-193.pdf

To read “Older Women in Rhode Island: A Portrait, Woman’s Fund Rhode Island 2014,” go to https://wfri.org/assets/older-woman-rhode-island.pdf