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AARP AARP States Florida

Investment in Home and Community-Based Services Can Save Taxpayers' Money

Home care

AARP Florida released the following statement regarding a new Florida TaxWatch report titled, “Aging in Place: The Economic and Fiscal Value of Home and Community-Based Services.” The report shows that Floridians and taxpayers could exponentially benefit from investment in and expansion of long-term care home and community-based services (HCBS).

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said, “It’s encouraging that this new analysis reaffirms the economic and fiscal benefits of providing long-term care for aging in place. We already know that millions of Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. A recent AARP survey showed that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term – a number that has been consistent for more than a decade. Florida can save taxpayers’ money by increasing its investment in long-term care HCBS.

“Let’s be clear: our state cannot afford to continue sinking millions of taxpayer dollars into an expensive, outdated, and dysfunctional long-term care system that will never provide the high-quality care that older adults desperately need. We need a better investment strategy to ensure that seniors have the best long-term care HCBS options available throughout their aging journey. The fundamental outcomes of this analysis show that investment in these programs would benefit millions of Florida families and caregivers who are providing uncompensated medical and personal care to loved ones.

“Now is the time to act. We know that for individuals who need nursing home level of care, HCBS can provide quality care at less cost than a residential facility, and HCBS care can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults. AARP Florida is calling on lawmakers to reevaluate how spending can be increased for long-term care HCBS. These programs cost less per individual, and they are a wise investment for Florida taxpayers, caregivers, and, most importantly, for older adults.

AARP Florida urges state legislators and policymakers to review the TaxWatch report and support investment in long-term care HCBS. It’s time to recognize the immense benefits of these programs and put Florida on a path to realize them.”

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