As a provider of high-quality aging services at Valley Cares Inc. in Townshend, I am concerned about proposed changes to the Medicaid program.
I recently sent a letter to Representative Peter Welch and to Senators Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy urging them to preserve its present structure and financing and to leave its expansion in place as Congress considers the future of the Affordable Care Act.
Medicaid is the most important financial resource available for families who need help in covering the cost of long-term services and supports, whether in their homes and communities or in assisted living or nursing homes.
Medicaid has become the default payer for long-term services and supports because there are no significant alternative sources of payment, other than private pay. As of 2013, over one-third of all Medicaid expenditures went towards paying for long-term services and supports.