Gov. Jim Doyle, D-Wis., issued the following news release:
Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that Racine County will receive $1.4 million to fund the opening of their Aging and Disability Resource Center. Expanding ADRCs is the first step in Gov. Doyle's plan to expand the Family Care program statewide within five years, so that seniors and people with disabilities can get long term care in their community, rather than being forced into nursing homes.
'We are taking the next steps to expand the highly successful Family Care initiative into a statewide effort, which eliminates waiting lists for long-term care options, saves taxpayers money, and helps seniors and people with disabilities live more dignified lives in their homes and communities,' Governor Doyle said.
'Many older adults and people with disabilities prefer to get care in their home or community. Aging and Disability Resource Centers make it possible for seniors and people with disabilities to make informed choices about their long-term care options and get more help to live independently within their community,' said Secretary Helene Nelson, Department of Health and Family Services.
There are 191 people on waiting lists for community care in Racine County. An ADRC offers a single, convenient place get information about long-term care choices and access to services. There are currently 18 ADRCs across the state.
Expanding Family Care Statewide
In addition to the funds for the Racine County ADRC, Governor Doyle has awarded $3.8 million in grants to counties around the state to expand Family Care statewide within the next five years, eliminating waiting lists for community based programs. About 11,500 people are on waitlists for community care statewide. The grants will help develop partnerships between multiple counties and private partners to lay the groundwork to implement Family Care programs and eliminate waiting lists for community-based long term care.
Family Care is a successful pilot program in Fond du Lac, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Portage and Richland counties, and it allows seniors and people with disabilities the choice to receive long-term care services in their own homes and communities. Family Care provides an entitlement to long-term care, using Medicaid dollars flexibly and not just earmarking dollars for nursing home care.
An independent assessment found that Family Care saved an average of $452 per person, per month in total Medical Assistance expenditures during 2003 and 2004.
For more information about Family Care, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/LTCare/Contact: Carla Vigue, 608/261-2162; Eva Robelia, 608/266-1683.
Carla Vigue, 608/261-2162; Eva Robelia, 608/266-1683.
