NEWS RELEASE
JULY 15,1998

Governor Engler's Budget Would Have Expanded Choice for Seniors

Representative Ciaramitaro's Inaction Leaves Seniors in the Lurch

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today criticized Representative Nick Ciaramitaro for his failure to pass the department's budget and his misrepresented and unwarranted attempts to distort Governor John Engler's clear and sound record on behalf of Michigan seniors.

"Ciaramitaro's inaction is the only reason that the Home and Community Based Waiver will not be enacted as soon as the seniors of Michigan want," said Haveman. "Because of his failure to pass the Department's budget--more seniors who want to remain in their own homes will be forced into nursing homes. His callous disregard for the seniors of Michigan and cheap attempts for his own publicity are a disservice to the people of Michigan."

Governor John Engler announced the expansion of the Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly and Disabled Waiver program last November. It is part of the MI Choice initiative which will coordinate and improve long term care services. MI Choice will enable persons seeking long term care to choose these services, according to their values and preferences, from a variety of settings and through a variety of providers.

The Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly and Disabled Waiver program provides home and community based services to aged and disabled individuals over 18 years old who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. This level of care in a nursing home is reimbursed under the current Medicaid State plan. The waiver allows payment for this level of care at home and in the community.

"This waiver is one of the most innovative programs in Michigan history," said Haveman. "It's easy for someone standing on the outside looking in to criticize, but everyone knows that when you grow a business or a program you have to do it in a responsible manner. The taxpayers of the State of Michigan demand that type of responsible judgement and accountability."

"Mr. Ciaramitaro's proposal would have limited the choice of seniors as to who would serve as their care provider. He wants a monopoly on the contract for those special interests who are his close friends. We will not guarantee 'sweetheart' contracts with only the groups supported by a single legislator," said Haveman.

"In light of the changing times and the aging of the population there are more demands on long term care than ever before. Because of that, we will continue to examine the ever evolving role of the Long Term Care Ombudsman and will ensure that the recipient of that contract can meet these important demands."

The current Long Term Care Ombudsman, Citizens for Better Care, has had this contract since 1972. Last year they received more than $800,000 from the Department of Community Health. "We are currently reviewing our contract procedures to make sure they are fair and open to all. There will always be a Long Term Care Ombudsman in the State of Michigan, and this does not exclude Citizens for Better Care from bidding on the contract. This is a resonable process to assure the taxpayers of Michigan are getting their money's worth," said Haveman.

"The expansion of the Home and Community Based waiver, under leadership of Governor Engler, is one of the most innovative and consumer friendly programs in Michigan history," said Office of Services to the Aging Director Lynn Alexander. "Seniors across the state should be outraged at Mr. Ciaramitaro's inattention to their needs."

"Mr. Ciaramitaro forgets that last year the legislature voted for boilerplate language in our budget to give the Department of Community Health more latitude to do innovative long term care plans," said Haveman.

"The fact is this year, it was the Engler Administration that proposed a working group to be formed including the Department of Community Health and representatives appointed by the Chairmen of the Department of Community Health House and Senate Appropriations Committees to work together on a long term care plan. We also proposed this open process in order to hold hearings around the state, before any new long term care plan was implemented."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
July 15, 1998 (517) 241-2112