November 14, 2008

Resolution Second Economic Stimulus

Adopted November 14, 2008

Whereas the current economic deterioration has caused increased fiscal distress for states resulting in cuts and reductions to health care coverage for millions of older adults; and

Whereas the current economic deterioration has caused a sharp increase in older Americans experiencing home foreclosures; and

Whereas an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the economy and prevent states from taking action that would jeopardize the health care and services needed by millions of older adults and people with disabilities; and

Whereas rising food and fuel costs are reducing the underfunded Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and services to key vulnerable older Americans at the community level, even as those same costs drive increasing numbers of older Americans to seek assistance; and

Whereas supportive services funded through the OAA, such as home-delivered meals and energy assistance, rides to doctor’s appointments, home health visits an the many other supports that allow seniors to live independently in their homes and communities face grave fiscal crises as the needs of older adults increase; and

Whereas additional emergency funding for OAA will stem the tide of service reductions to seniors who otherwise risk going hungry, deteriorating health, becoming isolated, and being unnecessarily institutionalized.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Alliance for Retired Americans supports an increase in the FMAP and emergency funding for the OAA as a part of a second economic stimulus bill.

Be it further resolved that the Alliance for Retired Americans calls upon Congress to enact as soon as possible an economic stimulus package that includes providing state fiscal relief by temporarily augmenting the current level of federal support for state Medicaid programs.