Published in RINewsToday on March 25, 2024
A few weeks ago, advocates for seniors gathered on Smith Hill, attending a Senate Committee on Health & Human Services hearing to push for passage of S. 2399. The legislation would expand income eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), helping many lower income seniors and disabled residents pay their $175/month Medicare Part B premium and covering co-pays and deductibles for those with very low-income.
Thousands of low-income seniors and persons with disabilities on Medicare, but not eligible to participate in the state’s Medicaid program, struggle to pay their Medicare Part B premiums and co-pay costs for services and prescription drugs causing many to forgo needed health care as they cannot afford to pay the co-payments.
S. 2399, introduced by Pawtucket Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket), would expand eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) by increasing the income limit to 186% of the federal poverty line and eliminating the strict asset limit. It also increases from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty line a part of the program that covers deductibles and co-payment.
S. 2399 was heard on March 12, 2024 and held for further study. At press time, H. 7333, introduced by Pawtucket Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls), has been referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration. No hearing date has been scheduled.
“With health care costs rising at an alarming rate, it is imperative that we make sure that no one goes without the care they need due to unaffordability. This bill adapts to the significant changes in our society and economy while also ensuring that our most vulnerable senior and disabled residents are able to access the care and medicine that is essential to their daily lives,” said Cano, who champions S. 2399 and in previous legislative sessions introduced legislation to expand the MSP.
“Too many of our low-income seniors and disabled residents are falling through the cracks and foregoing crucial health care services due to rising co-pays and out of pocket costs. This is unacceptable, but thankfully, we can do something about it. By passing this legislation, thousands or more Rhode Islanders will be able to receive the care that they desperately need while also keeping more money in their pockets that’s needed for daily living expenses,” said Alzate, who sponsored the House companion measure.
“We understand this is very important legislation. We had a very informative, thorough hearing on this bill, and I look forward to reviewing all the information we collected.” says Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence).
The Policy Problem and its Solution
Currently, the income limit of $20,331 leaves thousands of older Rhode Islanders and disabled low-income persons on Medicare with significant gaps in coverage and hefty out of pocket costs.
If the MSP income limit is increased to $28,012, as required by the legislation, an estimated 17,000 persons would be newly eligible to have their Medicare Part B covered by being enrolled in MSP. Anyone enrolled in the MSP receives automatic enrollment in Part D “Extra Help,” a federal program which significantly lowers out-of-pocket Medicare prescription costs at no cost to the State. The federal government establishes the minimum income and asset thresholds for the MSP, and states are permitted to increase these limits and many have done so.
Advocates of Cano’s MSP legislative proposal say it also particularly helps Rhode Island’s older woman and minorities. “Since women and people of color and persons with disabilities are disproportionately represented in low-income populations, increasing access to the MSP promotes equity,” finds an advocacy partnership’s analysis of the legislative proposals. “Poverty rates among older adult Hispanic women are two and one-half times that of older Hispanic men and persons age 18 and over with disabilities are twice as likely to live below 150% of the poverty level, said the analysis.
The advocacy partnership’s analysis also noted that significant numbers of older adults and those with disabilities enrolled in Medicare face financial challenges meeting basic needs. The number of older adults living below or near poverty has increased, housing costs have climbed dramatically, food cost have increased and many more rely on food pantries.
Covering the $175/month Medicare Part B premium for 17,000+ Rhode Islanders (at no cost to the State) and additionally covering co-pays and deductibles for thousands of very low-income adults and persons with disabilities on Medicare will give them much needed financial relief. And enrollment in the Extra Help program to reduce drug-related costs provides significant additional financial assistance and improves access to critical medication.
Testimony At the Senate Committee Hearing
Nine organizations either testified at this hearing or submitted written testimony to urge passage of S. 2399. AARP Rhode Island did not testify at the hearing but signed up in support in the committee room. There was no opposition to Cano’s legislative proposal.
“I first became aware of the need to expand the income eligibility for MSP quite a few years ago when an older man in my neighborhood contacted me to tell me he lost out on the program because he was just a few dollars over the income limit. As a result, the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI) has advocated for several years to increase the income cap,” says Maureen Maigret, SACRI’s policy Advisor.
It’s a win-win for both older Rhode Islanders and for the Rhode Island General Assembly, says Maigret. “S. 2399 would help Medicare beneficiaries to access care along with putting money back in their pockets to pay for food, rent and their basic needs. By increasing the Medicaid income to $28,012, the federal government will pay the full cost of the newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries,” she told the lawmakers.
Strongly supporting S2399, Karen Malcolm, of Protect Our Healthcare Coalition, noted that the legislative proposal is modeled on the MSP changes enacted in New York last year and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Rhode Island should take advantage of the opportunity to expand access to affordable coverage for seniors and people with disabilities and bring new [federal] revenue to our state.”
H. Phillip West, Jr. lobbyist for the Village Common of Rhode Island, states MSP already makes an enormous difference for many beneficiaries. But, “Rhode Island’s low threshold for eligibility and low allowable assets leaves thousands of our needy neighbors out. The good news is that Senator Cano’s legislation address these defects,” he said.
In submitted written testimony, Heather Smith, MD, president of the Rhode Island Medical Society stated “From our perspective as physicians, we witness firsthand the adverse effects of financial barriers on patient health outcomes. Too often, individuals are forced to forgo or ration medications, delay necessary treatments, or skip preventative care due to concerns of affordability. These delays can exacerbate health conditions, lead to complications, and ultimately result in higher healthcare costs down the road.”
Alex Moore, political director of SEIU 1199NE, stressed the many benefits of passing S. 2399, specifically enhancing access to care, providing needed financial relief, leveraging federal funds, and strengthening the health care workforce. By supporting the legislative proposal, “we demonstrate our commitment to health and well-being of our state’s most vulnerable populations,” he stated in written testimony.
Even with the strong support of the aging community, the state’s Office of Healthy Aging has not yet taken an official position on S. 2399. “As with any other bills at this stage of the session, we are reviewing the impact of H 7333 and S 2399 on Rhode Islanders. We will continue to follow these bills as they make their way through the legislative process,” says Director Maria Cimini.
Samuel Salganik, JD, executive director of RIPIN, which offered testimony in support for S.2399, said, “This is one of the best investments available right now for our state government. At a cost of just over $5 million, the State can draw down more than $40 million in federal support to assist low-income seniors in Rhode Island,” says Salganik. “It’s a great deal for the state. I think that’s a deal that most of us would happily take,” adds Salganik.
Gov. Dan McKee’s recently released FY 2024 Budget does not include funding for to expand the state’s MSP. Now the ball is in House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi’s (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) court as his chamber collaborates with the Senate to hammer out budget resolution to be approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly to be sent for the Governor’s signature. Hopefully, Shekarchi will see the expansion of the state’s MPM as a win-win for lower-income and disabled persons on Medicare and the state. As supporters of S 2399 and H 7333 say, “it’s a no brainer.”
The Advocacy Partners for MSP Expansion was established to push for the passage of S 2399 and H 7333 during this legislative session. They are: the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Organizing Project, RIPIN, the Economic Progress Institute, the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition and the Ocean State Center for Independent Living.
To access the bills under consideration: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2399.pdf – http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/HouseText24/H7333.pdf
Expanding the income eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is one of the legislative priorities of the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island. These policy issues will be discussed at its upcoming Legislative Leaders Forum scheduled on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 601 Greenwich Ave,, Warwick, RI.
The Senior Agenda Coalition of RI’s Annual Legislative Leaders Forum is this week:
Tag Archives for Medicaid
Congressman Magaziner takes baton on bringing back House Aging Committee
Published in RINewsToday on March 4, 2024
Over 30 years ago, the US House Democratic leadership’s belt-tightening efforts to save $1.5 million resulted in the termination of the House Permanent Select Committee on Aging. Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-2) has picked up the baton from former Congressman David Cicilline who sought to bring back the House Aging Committee during the 114th-117th Congresses.
At press time, Magaziner’s H. Res. 1029, introduced Feb. 23, 2024, has been referred to the House Committee on Rules for mark-up, and if passed, will be considered by the full House.
“Older Americans deserve a seat at the table, particularly when it comes to important issues such as protecting Social Security and Medicare,” said Magaziner in a statement announcing his legislative efforts to pass H. Res. 1029. “I am proud to introduce legislation to re-establish a House Permanent Select Committee on Aging, which will advocate for America’s aging population and ensure seniors’ voices are heard when it comes to federal policymaking,” he says.
Every day 12,000 Americans turn 60. By 2030, nearly 75 million people in the U.S. — or 20% of the country — will be age 65 or older. As our country’s aging population grows, the need for support and services provided under programs like Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act increases.
“Ensuring that seniors can thrive in our communities should always be a priority for the House of Representatives,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-1) one of 15 original cosponsors of H. Res. 1029, who initially called for bringing back the House Aging Committee during his campaign to win former Cicillini’s vacant seat.
“That is why it is essential that there is a dedicated committee for lawmakers to focus on the issues that impact seniors’ quality of life. From preserving and expanding Social Security and Medicare to reducing the cost of prescription drugs to keeping seniors in safe and stable housing, there are so many issues to address under the leadership of a Special Committee on Aging. Seniors in Rhode Island and across the country deserve nothing less,” says Amo.
The House can readily create an ad hoc (temporary) select committee by approving a simple resolution that contains language establishing the committee—giving a purpose, defining membership, and detailing other aspects, says EveryCRSReport. Salaries and expenses of standing committees, special and select, are authorized through the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.
Putting a spotlight on aging issues
H. Res. 1029 simply amends the Rules of the House to establishes a Permanent House Select Committee on Aging, noting that this panel shall not have legislative jurisdiction, but it’s authorized to conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the aging issues, such as income maintenance, poverty, housing, health (including medical research), welfare, employment, education, recreation, and long-term care.
The 213-word resolution would have authorized the House Aging Committee to study the use of all practicable means and methods of encouraging the development of public and private programs and policies which will assist seniors in taking a full part in national life and which will encourage the utilization of the knowledge, skills, special aptitudes, and abilities of seniors to contribute to a better quality of life for all Americans.
Finally, the House Resolution would also allow the House Aging Committee to develop policies that would encourage the coordination of both governmental and private programs designed to deal with problems of aging and to review any recommendations made by the President or by the White House Conference on aging in relation to programs or policies affecting seniors.’
Aging organizations, advocates call for passage of H. Res. 1029
According to Max Richtman, President and CEO of the Washington D.C.-based National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), jurisdiction over many programs affecting seniors is shared by multiple standing committees, which can make it difficult for them to fully explore solutions that do not fit squarely into a single committee’s expertise. Such issues include a variety of intergenerational concerns that merit attention, such as the growing demands on family caregivers and our intractable retirement security crisis. “An inter-disciplinary approach to these issues can best be advanced by a Select Committee with broad jurisdiction,” he says.
“Re-establishing a Select Committee on Aging in the House would also complement the strong bipartisan work of its counterpart in the Senate,” says Richtman. “In recent years, the Senate Special Committee on Aging has effectively promoted member understanding on a range of issues,” he says, noting that these issues include concerns of grandparents raising grandchildren, elder abuse and fraud, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older Americans and their families, the importance of financial literacy in planning for retirement, and the costs associated with isolation and loneliness.
“Historically, the House Select Committee on Aging served as a unique venue that allowed open, bipartisan debate from various ideological and philosophical perspectives to promote consensus that, in turn, helped facilitate the critical work of the standing committees. We believe that issues affecting seniors would be best advanced by the re-establishment of such a Committee in the House,” adds Richtman.
NCPSSM will endorse H. Res. 1029 and plans to promote it to House lawmakers. If the Democrats take control of the House next November, the organization will approach the Democratic House Speaker when he is crafting rules to operate and request that the rules include reestablishing the HSCoA.
Nancy Altman, President of the Washington, DC-based Social Security Works, strongly supports Magaziner’ efforts to bring back the HSCoA. “Social Security is a critical issue for older Americans. “There’s so much misinformation out there about Social Security, and as a result many people aren’t confident they’ll get the benefits they’ve earned. More accurate information coming from Congress would help,” she says.
According to Altman, the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee does incredibly important work, but Ways and Means has such a broad jurisdiction that Social Security and other aging related issues don’t always get the attention they deserve. “A House Aging Committee could shine an important spotlight, informing the public, the media, and fellow members,” she notes.
Altman offers suggestions to the Rhode Island Congressman to increase the chances for passage of H. Res. 1029. “If he doesn’t already have Republican co-sponsors, he should try to get some since they’re more likely to convince Speaker Mike Johnson to create the committee,” she says.
In addition to working for passage of H. Res. 1029, this Congress, Altman recommends that Magaziner start working now to line up Democrats to push for the reestablishing the House Select Committee on Aging at the beginning of the next Congress, where there is likely to be Democratic control.
Robert S. Weiner, now President, Robert Weiner Associates News, was House Aging Committee Chief of Staff under Chairman Claude Pepper, from 1976 to 1980, when the Florida lawmaker headed the HSCoA, as a force to be reckoned with in his advocacy of America’s seniors.
“I saw first-hand the power of that committee when we met with Presideent Jimmy Carter and he endorsed the HSCoA’s efforts to abolish mandatory retirement,” says Weiner, noting that the bill passed 359-2 in the House and 89-10 in the Senate, and signed into law by the President.
According to Weiner, the Carter Center recently invited him to pen an article this fall, for their “last print edition of the “Carter-Mondale Newsletter,” entitled “Carter, Pepper Strike Blow Against Age Discrimination.”
“We also held high-powered hearings on nursing home abuses, cancer insurance fraud, the need for expanded home health care (which ultimately became law), elder abuse, and pensions,” adds Weiner. As to Social Security, the Pepper-O’Neill-Reagan deal guaranteed the solvency of Social Security through 2034.
As to legislative strategy, Weiner suggests that Magaziner get 100 plus sponsors – Democrats and Republicans – by bringing a copy of the resolution to the House floor and getting cosponsoring significantly efficiently and quickly by first-hand recruiting action. He might even ask to address the House for a one-minute speech about the importance of passing H. Res. 1029.
“Both parties are nuts if they don’t help seniors by having a dedicated House Select Committee on Aging,” asserts Weiner.
“This is a significant opportunity for the Congress to take a comprehensive view as to how we as a country wish to better support the aging of America. Older adults suffered the most during the COVID pandemic — more than 90% of the deaths were individuals over 60. Many older adults are still suffering from loneliness and social isolation. Such a bipartisan effort led by Congressmen Magaziner and Amo would be historic,” stated Vincent Marzullo, who served 31 years as a career federal civil rights and social justice administrator at the National Service Agency, and a well-known aging advocate. He serves on Magaziner’s he RI-02 Seniors Advisory Committee.
The clock is ticking. With the upcoming presidential elections taking place in about 246 days, Magaziner must quickly work to get House Republicans cosponsors to get House Speaker Mike Johnson to allow a vote in the House Rules Committee. Without support of his caucus, he is likely to say no.
Magaziner must convince Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), co-chairs of the “Problem Solvers Caucus,” consisting of essentially an equal number of 63 Republican and Democratic lawmakers, to push for passage of H. Res. 1029. This may be the only way to pass a resolution to reestablish HSCoA in a Republican-controlled House.
Rhode Island’s 5-year plan to support persons with Alzheimer’s, related disorders
Published in RINewsToday on February 19, 2024
Last week, state and federal leaders, and the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island, gathered at the East Providence-based PACE Rhode Island to announce the release of the latest Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) 2024-2029 State Plan. This 25-page strategic plan, details 36 recommendations to improve the quality of life and accessibility of care for Rhode Islanders with ADRD by the end of this decade.
The 5-year plan provides Rhode Island a “Rhode map” to channel its resources to provide care for a growing number of persons with ADRD. In 2020, an estimated 24,000 adults in Rhode Island ages 65 and older were living with ADRD (being cared for by over 36,000 unpaid caregivers). This makes Rhode Island the state with the third highest percentage of Alzheimer’s disease in New England. And this number is expected to increase by nearly 13% over the next few years, with state officials calling it a growing public health crisis.
The State Plan was developed by the RI Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and statewide partners consisting of researchers, advocates, clinicians, and caregivers. This public process resulted in identifying dozens of strategies to empower all individuals impacted by dementia to achieve their best quality of life. (Editor’s note: Weiss serves on the Rhode Island ADRD Advisory Council).
To ensure that the State Plan was community-led and inclusive, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) hosted an in-person strategic planning session at PACE-Rhode Island in July of 2023 with nearly 50 attendees representing community-based organizations, people with lived experience, health system partners, academia, and social service agencies.
The released State Plan also calls for the creation of accessible neighborhoods with walkable sidewalks, greater access to healthy food options, and safer public spaces for people living with dementia. It highlights the importance of convening a workgroup focused on elevating and addressing issues of health equity in dementia care. It even recommends working closely with Rhode Island cities and towns that have a high prevalence of ADRD to develop action plans that promote age and dementia friendly resources and information that identify local supports for people with dementia and their caregivers.
From the Plan: Goals for the next 26 years in staffing call for adding 15 more gerontologists and 2,069 aides by 2050 – or on average: .58 gerontologists and 80 aides per year. (Editor’s Note)
The announcement and launch
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and RIDOH, joined by Gov. Dan McKee, Sen. Jack Reed, Office of Healthy Aging Director Maria Cimini, and the Alzheimer’s Association of RI, along with Kate Michaud of Congressmen Gabe Amo’s Office, gathered on Feb. 15 at PACE Rhode Island, to launch the release of Rhode Island’s road map to coordinate resources to combat the growing incidence of ADRD cropping up throughout Rhode Island communities.
“This State Plan brings together every part of our government to support Rhode Islanders whose lives are affected by ADRD,” said Lt Gov. Sabina Matos, kicking off the 30-minute press conference. “Under this plan, we’re connecting federal, state, and local government resources to build strong communities where people with dementia can thrive. I’m grateful to be able to serve alongside the community leaders and experts on our state’s Advisory Council on ADRD in coordinating these efforts and carrying on the work started by Gov. McKee,” she said.
“The Plan is our state’s promise that you will never face these things alone – because Team Rhode Island is behind you,” pledged Matos.
“Rhode Islanders and their loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s or related disorders are at the heart of this new state plan,” said Gov. McKee, who as Lt. Governor finalized and distributed the previous five-year ADRD STATE Plan in 2019.
“Giving them the necessary resources and information to enhance their health and well-being is critical,” said the Governor, stressing that a cure is possible. “We all can play a role, and one of the most important roles people can get involved in is through clinical trials,” he says.
Gov. McKee recognized the efforts of Matos, the ADRD Advisory Council, and the researchers, advocates, and caregivers across our state for crafting, he said, “a very comprehensive plan that promotes inclusion and support.”
Under McKee’s previous five-year plan and its update, the state has accomplished the main goals of dedicating a full-time employee (funded with federal dollars) to coordinate ADRD strategy and promoting ADRD research opportunities in Rhode Island, and including brain health in the state’s other chronic disease management activities.
Sen. Jack Reed, who serves on the largest and most powerful committee in the Senate responsible for crafting bills that fund the federal government and its operations, left Capitol Hill to travel back to the Ocean State for the press conference, to assure the attendees that he will continue pushing Congress to invest in finding a cure for ADRD.
Last year, Reed noted that Congress increased the NIH budget to $47.5 billion, and set aside $3.7 billion specifically for Alzheimer’s disease reach. “I’m working hard to raise that total by at least $100 million this year,” he said.
Reed stressed that it is “critical for state officials to continue to focus on effective ways to improve the quality of life for those impacted by dementia and deliver caregiver support.” But, when it comes to brain health studies, Rhode Island-based researchers are on the “leading edge of the fight against Alzheimer’s.”
Sandra Powell, Deputy Director at the Rhode Island Department of Health called launching of the State Plan a “big deal” stressing this work is so critical.
According to Powell, the State Plan takes a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modifications, supporting healthcare professional engagement to increase early detection and diagnosis, building a workforce to deliver person-centered dementia care, and using data to drive decision-making and to tackle health disparities.
Since receiving funding in 2020 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “we’ve done a lot to connect with partners and advocates to leverage resources for persons with dementia,” says Powell.
“Although most Rhode Islanders and Americans likely know somebody who is living with Alzheimer’s, if people think it’s not their concern, consider these facts. 1 in 3 senior citizens will die as a result of Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Alzheimer’s disease costs the government more than $350 billion per year for care and more, and by 2050, this disease is expected to cost the government alone 1 trillion dollars,” said Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of RI. “So, think again if you believe it’s none of your business. This killer is all of our business!” she says.
“With the great progress and improvement, the plan has seen, our focus remains on creating the infrastructure and accountability necessary to build ADRD-capable programs and services,” says McGowan. With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approving drugs, like Leqembi, that are proven to effectively slow down the progression of the devastating disease for those living with early onset Alzheimer’s, she calls on Medicare to cover most of the costs. “At the moment, the $26,000 cost copayment for the drug makes access largely prohibitive,” she notes.
“It is high time that the discrimination against those living with Alzheimer’s stops,” says McGowan, stressing the Medicare covers most of the costs for drugs and treatment of major disease, specifically cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, heart disease and COVID.
According to Joseph Wendelken, RIDOH’s public information officer, funding from the CDC, for a five-year implementation grant, $500,000 for each year of the grant cycle from Sept. 30, 2023, to Sept. 29, 2028, has been secured to support the development and implementation of the State Plan. And state funds allocated to key partners such as the Office of Healthy Aging, will help to advance the work of the plan,” he says.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, attending the Munich Security Conference, and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, at the Capitol expecting a vote, couldn’t attend the press conference. The federal delegation sent its support for the newly released Alzheimer’s State Plan.
A Final Note…some ideas left in the “parking lot”, but can be included in other plans
“The new 5-year State Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders Plan builds nicely on the prior Plan from 2019,” observes Maureen Maigret, Policy Advisor for the Senior Agenda Coalition, who also serves on the state’s ADRD Advisory Council. “The five-year plan continues to be based on a strong public health approach emphasizing education about brain health, information on available resources, early detection, training of the healthcare workforce across care settings on the care and service needs of persons dealing with dementia, caregiver supports and includes a strong focus on equity,” she says.
According to Maigret, a former Director of the former state’s Department of Elderly Affairs, it includes some new areas of focus for community involvement and attention to ‘age-friendly’ issues. “The next step — developing the Action Steps needed for Plan implementation is critical as it requires collaboration among many parties,” she says.
“The fact that we have a federal grant and dedicated staff should ensure the Plan will be a working document and guide development of needed actions moving forward. There are also a number of concrete ideas and suggestions contained in a “parking lot” that merit consideration,” says Maigret.
As to the phrase “contained in a parking lot,” Maigret noted that ideas were generated by participants in the Strategic Discussion that took place in July 2023. Some of the input that was provided did not fit into the existing plan objectives and strategies and was placed in a “parking lot,” she says.
“Many of the “parking lot” suggestions could be addressed in other State Plans such as the Rhode Island State Plan on Aging or the Rhode Island State Plan on Caregiving. As the current strategies are achieved, these ideas may be considered for inclusion in the plan, with input from stakeholders,” says Maigret.
The 2024-2029 ADRD State Plan is available for all Rhode Islanders to read online by going to https://health.ri.gov/publications/stateplans/2024-2029Alzheimers-disease-and-related-disorders.pdf, or read or downloaded, below.
This is the second in-depth policy report developed and released by Lt. Gov. Matos’s policy councils, following the 2023 release of Meeting the Housing Needs of Rhode Island’s Older Adults and Individuals with Chronic Disabilities and Illnesses from the Long Term Care Coordinating Council.
If you or someone you know needs supported related to ADRD, call 1 800-272-3900. The Alzheimer’s Association website (www.alz.org) offers a wide range of dementia and aging related resources that connect individuals facing dementia with local programs and services.
Herb Weiss, LRI-12, serves on the state’s ADRD Advisory Council and is a Pawtucket-based writer who has covered aging, health care and medical issues for over 43 years. To purchase his books, Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly and a sequel, compiling weekly published articles, go to herbweiss.com.
Herb Weiss 