FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 21, 2025

Contact: Sheree Muse, smuse@aarp.org, 803.403.5071

COLUMBIA, SC— AARP South Carolina applauds Governor Henry McMaster for prioritizing aging-related initiatives in his 2025-26 Executive Budget proposal, but urges lawmakers to take additional steps to further support seniors and improve their quality of life.

Charmaine Fuller Cooper, State Director of AARP South Carolina, issued the following statement:
“We are pleased to see that Governor McMaster’s budget places a strong emphasis on aging and includes key investments that address the needs of seniors, caregivers, and veterans in South Carolina. These provisions are crucial for helping our aging population live with dignity and independence. However, more must be done to tackle persistent challenges, including prioritizing the needs of nursing home residents and increasing tax relief for caregivers. We urge lawmakers to build on these proposals to ensure all South Carolinians can age with the care and support they deserve.”

Highlights of the Governor’s budget that AARP supports include:

• $10 million for Home and Community-Based Services: This funding will reduce the waiting list for seniors needing in-home resources, creating 1,000 additional service slots.
• $100 million to address the impact of strokes: Funds will support a new neurological hospital with critical care and rehabilitation units, operated by the University of South Carolina. This builds on last year’s investment in the Brain Health Network and a diagnostic brain imaging center, offering vital support to patients and caregivers.
• $20.6 million for veteran nursing homes: Continued funding will enhance care in facilities located in Anderson, Cherokee, Colleton, Florence, and Sumter counties.
• $1.5 million to reduce inspection backlogs at healthcare facilities: This investment will improve oversight and help ensure quality of care for patients and residents.

A Call for Additional Legislative Action
As the state legislature considers the Governor’s budget, AARP South Carolina urges lawmakers to build on these proposals by adopting additional measures to protect and improve the health and financial security of South Carolina’s seniors, including:

• Increase the state’s nursing facility personal needs allowance:  Seniors in South Carolina who cannot afford to pay over $100,000 annually out of pocket for their nursing home facility care, rely on Medicaid to supplement the cost of their care. When that happens, they can only keep $30 per month of their own money for personal expenses like clothing and toiletries—the lowest amount in the nation, tied with Alabama.  This amount is the lowest in the nation and tied only with Alabama.  By comparison, seniors in Georgia and North Carolina can keep $70 per month. Raising the allowance would give nursing home residents more dignity, enabling them to afford essentials such as socks, underwear, or shoes without saving for months.
• Enhance the state tax credit for family caregivers: This would help offset the cost of providing unpaid care to seniors and loved ones facing aging issues and health challenges.
• Enact a tax credit for essential direct care workers who assist seniors both at home and in facilities.

South Carolina’s Path Forward
“South Carolina’s ranking of 49th in the nation for long-term care services highlights the urgent need for action,” Fuller Cooper said. “These additional budget measures are critical to improving the lives of seniors, families, and caregivers. Additionally, as South Carolina continues to grow and attract more new workers and businesses, aging supports are essential for work-life balance and supporting business needs. We urge lawmakers to make the changes that will truly make a difference.”

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.