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The Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska
takes an active interest in our state’s public policies,
particularly those that affect seniors and their caregivers.
From the very inception of this agency, we have been the voice
of seniors. As a grass-roots organization in 1985 we advocated
for state bill (SB 117) and house bill (HB 279) that provided
adult day care centers throughout the state, established an
Alzheimer’s Task Force and statewide services for the diagnosis
of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. Over 20 years
later we are still advocating for those affected by Alzheimer’s
disease.
During the legislative session, we urge you to join us in
contacting legislators concerning several issues outlined below.
Your voice, together with those of other caregivers, friends and
families, is a powerful tool for change.
How do you become an advocate? Simple! Call and speak with your
state senators and representatives. Send them a letter or an
email. Your comments DO matter. Your opinion will make a
difference. Your voice will be heard.
Keep
the Elders Home Initiative
Alaska’s population continues to age, with over 35,700 individuals age
65 and older.* This is an increase of almost 60% over the last ten
years. While this segment of the population has increased, the state’s
contributions to senior home and community based funding has decreased.
Alaska’s seniors have seen an overall reduction in the services
available to them.
Keep the Elders Home Initiative asks for an increase in state funds to
support core services to the elderly that help them remain independent.
Without these core services, such as respite care, transportation, chore
services, meals and other programs, seniors face institutional care,
which is more expensive and will be much costlier for the state. Keep
the Elders Home addresses the need for more funds now, before baby
boomers are in need of these services in increased numbers.
*2000 Census numbers.
Medicaid Waiver
Currently those individuals whose only
diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease do not qualify for the Medicaid Waiver,
which allows Medicaid to pay for frail elder’s care.
Alaska is one of only two states that does not include Alzheimer’s in
the Medicaid Waiver eligibility criteria. Alzheimer’s is a disease like
any other disease and should be included.
We strongly support changes to the Medicaid Waiver eligibility criteria
that recognize the importance of behavior, cognitive capacity and the
individuals need for supervision and cuing to perform activities of
daily living.
How
to Contact Alaska Lawmakers
For a full list of
legislators by district, go to:
Alaska
Legislators
How to address a legislator and where
to send the letter:
The Honorable...(Full
Name)
State Senate
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
The Honorable...(Full
Name)
House of Representatives
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
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