For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.
For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.
The 33rd Alaska Legislature concluded its first year of the two-year session on May 18th -- one day after its 121-day constitutional regular session limit. The Governor called the special session, asking the Legislature to agree to a balanced budget funding state services and permanent fund dividends (PFD) for fiscal year 2024 which begins July 1, 2023. The budget impasse during the regular session focused on the size of the PFD.
Marge Stoneking is the Associate State Director for Advocacy at AARP Alaska. Marge has more than two decades in non-profit leadership in Alaska, with strong advocacy and volunteer engagement experience with American Lung Association and Girl Scouts. She is interested in social determinants of health and equity issues and is an active community volunteer.
The Alaska Legislature began its 33rd session on January 17. The session will run for two years, (2023 and 2024). The Legislature has 121 days to conduct their regular session each year.
Alaska has the fastest growing senior population in the nation, which means an increasing number of Alaskans are living with dementia. Our state needs to be prepared to address the needs of aging Alaskans, and the passage of House Bill 308 was a big step in the right direction.