EQUAL CHOICE PROMISES CARE AT HOME

Low-income senior citizens and disabled state residents would have broader access to state-funded home care under a landmark bill that was approved last week by the Massachusetts legislature. The main provisions of the measure apply only to those on Medicaid. Before going into effect the bill must be signed by the governor. The bill also requires the governor to apply for federal permission to expand eligibility to people with more assets and income.

The bill seeks to counter the state's historical preference for placing people in nursing homes, by guaranteeing that seniors can get care in the ``least restrictive setting" that meets their needs, including their own homes. Last year, the state Medicaid program spent $2.2 billion on long-term care, 72 percent of which went to nursing homes. The bill is expected to save money as seniors opt for home care, typically less expensive.

``This totally changes the state's approach and gives seniors themselves the choice" of getting care at home, said Representative Michael Festa, a Melrose Democrat. Festa, who pushed for passage of the bill, said the final version has the approval of Governor Mitt Romney's administration. ``It's an important civil rights victory for the elderly and disabled," said Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, an association of nonprofit home care providers, that has been pushing the legislation for five years.

07/06