Letters to the editor may be sent to [email protected]. All opinions stated in letters to the editor and guest columns are those of the author and should not be construed as an endorsement by Lowell’s First Look.
To the editor:
Slashing $880 billion from Medicaid could jeopardize the well-being of Kent County seniors who rely on this federal program for their health care. I say NO CUTS to Medicaid and strongly urge Sen. Peters, Sen. Slotkin and Rep. Scholten to preserve funding that protects the elderly and those with disabilities.
If enacted, these cuts would threaten the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE ®. In Kent County, Care Resources is the PACE program that provides wrap-around support services for those 55 and older, enabling them to stay safe and independent in their own homes – and keeping them out of nursing homes.
Care Resources serves nearly 400 seniors each day, both in their homes and at two day centers in Kent County. We coordinate care to ensure participants have the resources they need, from prescription medication and physical therapy to convenient primary care and opportunities to socialize and stay active.
PACE costs pennies on the dollar compared to the expense of a nursing home placement. Cutting Medicaid could force Michigan to eliminate or reduce PACE services, which would have a disastrous effect on the most vulnerable in our community. Our elected officials must stand up for our friends and neighbors who count on Medicaid.
Kimberly Smith
CEO, Care Resources PACE®
Serving Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia and Ottawa counties
Editor’s Note: This letter references cuts some expect to be necessary to meet the requirements of a budget resolution recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. More information can be found here.
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