Rep. Pavalock-D’Amato and Colleagues Request Financial Assistance for Essential Caregivers

HARTFORD – In an effort to bring more attention to the financial need of the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, State Representatives Cara Pavalock-D’Amato (R-Bristol), William A. Petit Jr. (R-Plainville), Whit Betts (R-Bristol), and Holly Cheeseman (R-East Lyme) submitted a request to DSS Commissioner, Deidre S. Gifford, and OPM Secretary, Melissa McCaw, to assist Essential Caregivers by closing a gap in their reimbursement.

In their letter, the lawmakers request the DSS commissioner and OPM secretary authorize a minimum of $10 million in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funds be used to address the critical shortages of essential caregivers that seniors rely on for assistance in their homes.

Representative Pavalock-D’Amato said if this fiscal shortage isn’t addressed, providers like M.R. Homecare in Bristol and several others could be forced to close their doors and the essential services they provide lost.

“Home Health Care agencies like M.R. Homecare in Bristol provide essential services to seniors in Bristol. If this fiscal shortage isn’t addressed, the elderly could face cuts in much needed services,” urged Representative Pavalock-D’Amato.

In July 2021, Rep. Pavalock-D’Amato joined with representatives from the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home to warn of the impending cuts that would happen if the rate increases to HCA’s weren’t made.

The lawmakers are hopeful their request will be accepted as the amount being requested aligns with the funding recommended by the Appropriations Committee in the state budget for the next fiscal year.

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