Carter Wrenn posted on July 09, 2009 11:33
Congressman G.K. Butterfield submitted this letter to the editors of several newspapers in his district:
July 8, 2009
Unkind and Unwise Cuts for the Elderly and Disabled
Given these difficult economic times, vitally important programs are facing cuts. I am particularly concerned about cuts to programs that help more than 36,000 elderly or disabled North Carolinians stay in their homes by providing hospice and home health care assistance.
Hospice and home health care helps bridge that gap so the elderly and disabled can remain in their homes and live independent lives, retaining their dignity and pride. And, in the long run, home health care saves money.
Unfortunately, proposed state budget cuts could have a devastating and compounding effect on home health care services because the federal government matches every state dollar with two dollars. The Association for Home and Hospice Care in North Carolina (AHHCNC) estimates the proposed cuts could cost 15,000 home health care workers their jobs and leave 20,000 patients without the care they need.
The AHHCNC also indicates the cuts could actually cost the state more money in the end as more people are forced into nursing homes. While nursing homes can cost upwards of $4,000 a month, home care costs the state a maximum of $750 a month per patient.
A recent study shows more than 80 percent of North Carolinians oppose budget cuts that affect home health care. They oppose drastic cuts to health services and education. We must find ways to manage budget shortfalls, but we cannot sacrifice care for our most vulnerable citizens. While these are difficult times, we must remember to always put families first.
Congressman G. K. Butterfield, First Congressional District, North Carolina