(SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - Nineteen members of the Alaska House of Representatives signed a letter to Health Commissioner Adam Crum and Pioneer Home Director Clinton Lasley urging the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to reevaluate the Dunleavy Administration’s proposed rate increases. 

In the letter, the representatives suggest using House Bill 96 as a guideline for changes made to the Pioneer Home rates. The bill provides a structure for reasonable, regular rate increases in order to keep pace with the cost of care. It uses the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment as a benchmark. 

“HB96 passed the House with broad support, after immense research and discussion during the legislative process. It is a strong guideline moving forward,” said Rep. Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan). “We made a commitment to provide for our aging population, and we are standing by that.” 

The department also held public testimony at Pioneer Homes across the state on Tuesday to gather input on the proposed rate increases. Quoting a news release from the Alaska House Majority, Alaskans yet again spoke strongly in opposition to the steep rate increases.

“We heard from people all over the state that steep increases in Pioneer Home rates will result in a higher number of seniors relying on Medicaid, leaving the state, and being forced to absorb a huge shock to their retirement plans,” said Rep. Zack Fields (D-Anchorage).

“The governor’s proposed rate increases are deeply concerning to me, Sitkans, and Alaska elders in the Pioneer Home, many of whom I consider friends and mentors,” said Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D-Sitka). “I join my colleagues in encouraging the Dunleavy Administration to take a more moderate approach setting rates by regulation, at least while the legislature considers revising the legal framework around Pioneer Home rates.”

The letter stated: "Increasing Pioneer Home rates above and beyond those proposed in HB 96 will result in an increased number of seniors going onto Medicaid and other public assistance. Our seniors may have to absorb a shock to their retirement plans while living on fixed incomes provided by Social Security. Many may choose to leave Alaska, taking their families, wisdom, and history with them. Many of these seniors helped establish our state, often through sacrifice and with the risk of dangerous occupations."

"We ask that the State of Alaska stands by our historic commitment to provide for our aging population. We understand the need for increased revenue to effectively provide services but implore you to limit any increase in rates to those outlined in House Bill 96," stated the 19 members who signed the letter.

On the Web:

May 28, 2019 letter representatives sent to Commissioner Adam Crum and Director Clinton Lasley (PDF)

House Bill 96

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska House Majority
www.akleg.gov

 

 

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