Call Congress to Ensure Quality Healthcare for Older Adults

By Allison Lee June 16, 2009 On Tuesday, June 23, PHI will join other members of the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA), in a National Call-in Day to send a clear message to Congress that a strong eldercare workforce is essential to real health reform. As an advocate for quality long-term care, your Member of Congress needs to hear from you! What Does a Strong Eldercare Workforce Mean for You? By 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, 75% of whom will have one or more chronic conditions. Many older adults and those with chronic diseases do not receive the care they need because of an inadequately trained healthcare workforce, clinician and faculty shortages, and poor working conditions for direct-care workers. How Can We Strengthen the Eldercare Workforce? By urging Congress to include the following measures in health reform:

• Increase the federal match (FMAP) for all long-term care services funded under Medicaid, which will give states incentives to increase these vital services.
• Expand the Geriatrics Health Professions Education and Training Programs under Titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the supply of essential healthcare professionals.
• Extend greater federal minimum wage and overtime protection under the Fair Labor Standards Act to 1,500,000 home care workers.
• Provide loan forgiveness for professional training in geriatric care.
• Support appropriate care coordination services under Medicare and Medicaid.
• Provide training and support for direct-care workers and family caregivers.

Please Mark Your Calendar for June 23 and watch for upcoming posts on the National Eldercare Workforce Alliance Call-in Day which will include more instuctions. Visit the Eldercare Workforce Alliance for more on their work and legislative priorities. Thank you for your help. Allison Lee National Campaign Manager Health Care for Health Care Workers alee@phinational.org