Budget for In-Home Services Protected

Despite some cutbacks in the state budget, AARP Michigan and other advocacy groups helped preserve state spending for services that help adults stay in their homes as they age.

The budget for fiscal year 2016, which began Oct. 1, expands the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and offers a range of in-home services to two new communities, Jackson and Traverse City.

Lawmakers also maintained 2015 funding levels for the Michigan Choice Waiver program, which channels Medicaid dollars to home- and community-based services. About $5 million earmarked for home-delivered meals also remains in the budget.

In many cases, these in-home services supplement the unpaid efforts of family caregivers—and can make a difference in whether the caregiver is able to remain in the workforce. For more information, go to aarp.org/mi.