Includes funding for Adult Day Health and Home Heating Assistance
January 19, 2012
BOSTON – State Representative Jen Benson joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a supplemental budget for FY'12, including additional funding for the Adult Day Health and Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs.
"As the Co-Chair of the legislature's Elder Caucus, I am particularly pleased that this budget includes much needed funding for Adult Day Health and home heating assistance," said Benson. "These programs have been drastically cut over the past few years and this additional assistance will go a long way in providing necessary services for our elders. I am grateful to Speaker DeLeo for recognizing these needs and advocating for these crucial programs."
The bill provides $35 million to the MassHealth Senior Care Adult Day Health program. Adult Day Health centers are assistance centers that provide care for seniors during the day when other family members or caregivers may have to work or handle other responsibilities. This funding will extend adult day health services until July 1, 2012.
The legislation also directs $21.2 million to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. During the cold of winter, this funding appropriated to LIHEAP will heat the homes of low-income elders, working families, and many other households.
