AARP Maine Supports the Older Mainers Act (LD 814)

Join AARP in Supporting LD 814: The Older Mainers Act.

The official bill name is AN ACT TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO AREA AGENCIES ON AGING FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT OLDER ADULTS.

Why the Older Mainers Act is Critical:

• Support for Basic Needs: Provides direct support for food, fuel, housing, and home repairs.
• Aging in Place: Helps 87% of Mainers over 45 who want to age in their homes.
• Preventing Hospitalization: Provides additional support for programs that are proven to reduce hospitalizations and institutionalization.
• Economic Benefits: Saves the state of Maine money by reducing Medicaid-funded nursing home care and helps older Mainers save through Medicare services.

Check out these incredible videos about some of the services provided through the Area Agencies on Aging including Meals on Wheels and Money Minders.


Current Challenges:

• Many older Mainers struggle to meet basic needs.
• Agencies on Aging provide essential services statewide but face funding limitations.
• Over 600 Mainers are on waiting lists for Meals on Wheels, which has been proven to keep people in their homes and communities.
• Limited staffing in case management, Medicare counseling, and other services reduces the number of older Mainers who can access these preventative and critical services.

What the Act Provides:

• Statewide case management services to help older Mainers navigate the system to access benefits, supports, and more.
• Nutritious meals, eliminating waitlists for Meals on Wheels.
• Programs to save money through Medicare counseling and support.
• Resources for family caregivers.
• Expanded access to information and referrals.

Economic Impact:

• Keeping just 103 older Mainers out of nursing homes annually would offset the $9.75 million increase.
• Meals on Wheels costs less than $10 per day compared to $258.55 per day for nursing home care.
• The act would keep over $3.6 million in Mainers’ pockets annually through Medicare counseling, information, and education.
  

Q&A:

• How can I support LD 814?
  
  • Share your story at the hearing at 10am on March 28th, or contact your legislators to let them know you support LD 814: The Older Mainers Act.
• What services do the Agencies on Aging provide?
  
  • Home-delivered meals, Medicare support, healthy living programs, personal finance support, wellness classes to reduce falls, and more.
• How does the act benefit the economy? 
  
  • Invests in preventative and early intervention supports, which reduces the number of individuals entering Medicaid-funded nursing home care. 
  • Helps save Mainers money through programs such as Medicare counseling and MoneyMinders.
  • Provides resources and respite, enabling caregivers to stay in the workforce.

• How does the act address social isolation?
  
  • Expands services and programs to reduce social isolation.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Share your story at the hearing at the State House in Augusta at 10am on March 28th, or contact your legislators to let them know you support LD 814: The Older Mainers Act.