Texas 82nd Legislative Session A Case for Long Term Care Reform

* Texas faces a major budget crisis during this Session. People with disabilities are facing the very real possibility that their services will decrease or be cut altogether. Those on Medicaid Waiver waiting lists have little hope of additional funds for more slots. Community services and supports are at risk as funding for State Supportive Living Centers (SSLCs) continues to grow.

* The system of long term care services is fragmented and inequitable. With 100,000 people on waiting lists and about 4400 people in SSLCs. The cost of 16,000 people who receive services in the community through Home and Community Based Services (HCS) is about as much as the 4400 people living in SSLCs.

* In a recent report updating SSLCs prepared by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, (DADS) projected taxpayer costs just to maintain SSLC facilities will reach almost 475 billion dollars over the next five years while the population at these facilities is projected to decrease to about 3500 people by 2013.

* It is critical to maintain quality, safe care for people who choose to live in SSLCs. The Department of Justice continues to find ongoing, chronic health and safety issues at all 13 facilities as a part of routine monitoring efforts. The SSLCs with the largest populations continue to show patterns that lead to abuse, neglect and poor health care.

* During the 81st Legislative Session, an unprecedented number of bills were filed calling for the development of a long term strategic plan to re-balance long term care to create equity in choice and balance to a grossly unbalanced system.

* Long term care reform is not about taking the choice and opportunity for people to live in a SSLC, it is about honoring the choice of all people with disabilities, including those who languish on waiting lists.

* Community Services for people with disabilities consistently cost less money than state institutions or SSLCs. This is evidenced by the Texas State Auditors’ Report in 2007 and the Legislative Budget Board’s report on state schools in 2007. As Texas makes difficult decisions during this fiscal crisis, it is not only important to value the choices people make about where they want to live, but to balance our limited resources.

For More Information contact: David Wittie at 512-557-8982 or Cindi Paschall: 817-281-6730