Lawmakers in Sacramento are considering a range of cuts to programs that serve older Californians as budget negotiations draw to a close.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May budget revision would trim funds for in-home care. It also would make victims of elder abuse eligible for help at age 65 instead of 60.

Karen Joy Fletcher, communications and marketing director for the nonprofit California Health Advocates, said the state’s rapidly aging population means California should expand programs, not shrink them.

“We need to raise more funds,” Fletcher said. “One in four Californians will be over 60 in just four years by 2030. So we really need to keep these programs strong, and cutting is not the answer.”

Legislators are also considering significantly lowering the asset test to previous low levels for people who qualify for both Medi-Cal and Medicare, known as “dual eligibles.” That would mean people could have only $2,000 in savings and still qualify for Medi-Cal to pay their Medicare cost-sharing.

California is not facing a budget deficit right now, but lawmakers are bracing for a steep drop in federal funding. The California Health Care Foundation predicts the state could lose up to $30 billion a year once federal Medicaid cuts take full effect.

Tatiana Fassieux, an education and training specialist with California Health Advocates, advised people who risk losing coverage to call their local representative of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, or HICAP.

“Don’t succumb immediately to those questionable television commercials targeting dual eligibles,” Fassieux said. “Call your local HICAP so that they can evaluate what best coverage would meet the Medicare beneficiary’s needs.”

The Legislature has until June 15 to pass a balanced budget.

Source: Public News Service