Governor Schwarzenegger

State Capitol Building

Sacramento, CA 95814

Fax: 916-445-4633

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I am writing you on behalf of low-income seniors who are forced unnecessarily into skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) each year not because they need care by a nurse but because they are poor and because the state does not pay for any other 24-hour care option.

The Supreme Court Olmstead decision mandates states realign their health care delivery systems to allow low-income SNF patients the right to use their medi-cal dollars to receive care, should they choose, at home or in community based care settings, such as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs).

Calfornia is in the process of applying for a 2007 Money Follows the Person (MFTP) grant from the federal government, a pivotal step in creating the template which eventually would allow tens of thousands of low-income SNFs patients the right to transfer with their medi-cal dollars to home and to community based settings, like RCFEs.

As a member of Olmstead Now Coalition, I support:

1. The Olmstead Now Campaign's Money Follows the Person (MFTP) plan (see www.carehomefinders.com/mftpplan.html).

2. MFTP public policy that is open and transparent and developed with significant stakeholder and RCFE contribution.

3. MFTP measures that are prudent, cost-efficient and which allow for maximum consumer choice and RCFE participation.

4. A state-wide standard uniform assessment tool that distinguishes between SNF patients who require nurses vs. custodial care patients who could reside at home or in RCFE settings without nurse supervision.

5. Olmstead policies that are not related to the Assisted Living Waiver Pilot Program (ALWPP) opposed by many senior advocacy groups. ALWPP wastes medi-cal dollars, restricts provider participation, limits consumer choice and, according to the author of the enabling legislation (Aroner, AB 499, statutes of 2000), “reflects an institutional bias that creates rather than removes barriers to Olmstead reform in California".

6. Olmstead measures that do not create any unfunded mandates. For RCFEs willing to accept MFTP eligible patients, medi-cal reimbursement should include a tiered base rate for custodial care and a supplemental payment for nursing expenses associated with patients who require these services.

7. An Olmstead medi-cal global budgeting system where MFTP cost savings could be used to offset new medi-cal dollars needed to allow nursing home diversion and aging in place. 

8. California's adoption of an up-to-date webpage specifically devoted to Olmstead Reform in California for easy access by state and consumer stakeholders.

Thank you.

Sincerely,