AARP Ohio Celebrates Wins in the State Budget

Gov. Mike DeWine signed the 2024-2025 state budget, and in doing so included several wins that are very important for Ohio’s 50-plus population.

We know that most Ohioans want to remain in their own homes and communities as long as possible. However, when nursing home care is the best option, they deserve a long-term care system with quality choices. This budget contains meaningful measures directed at improving the quality and consumer experience in Ohio’s nursing homes.

AARP has consistently called for more accountability in nursing homes to ensure that increased public funds are directed towards improving the safety and security of Ohioans.

• Infection prevention technical assistance.
• A private room incentive.
• Minimum and maximum civil monetary penalties.
• Funding to expand state ombudsman.
• Funding to add surveyor positions at the Ohio Department of Health.
• Funding to develop quality control and consumer information resources.
• Require full disclosure of ownership, operation and management of nursing homes.
• Increase resident transfer and discharge rights.
• Require nursing homes to fully disclose a change of operator.
• A veto of a provision that would have allowed Medicaid-waiver, assisted living residents to share a bathroom.

Offering safety and security for Ohioans 50-plus is something we will always fight for. We were happy to see a number of provisions that do just that, a few of which we highlight below:

• $40 million community-based Healthy Aging Grants program.
• Adult Protective Services funding support.
• Maintaining limits on marketing and solicitation from Medicare supplemental plans.
• Protecting from unfair right-to-list agreements.
• State low-income housing tax credits for affordable housing, critical to allowing older adults to live in their homes as they age and help maintain their independence.

We will continue to work with our legislators to ensure the 50-plus, Ohio’s most consistent voting bloc, is heard at the Statehouse. Get involved with our advocacy work and learn about our efforts!

Note: Article updated November 17, 2023

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