Help protect funding for programs

Gov. Bobby Jindal has eliminated funding for the Louisiana Aging and Disability Resource Centers (known as LouisianaAnswers.com) and the Louisiana Senior Rx program, if that goes through.

As of July 1, these programs will no longer serve as a one-stop shop or “case manager” for adults with disabilities or aging issues. These programs, which are a free service through area agencies on aging and/or councils on aging, help adults find solutions to issues that threaten their independence or ability to live at home. This program is also responsible for enrolling seniors and adults with disabilities in prescription assistance programs, including Medicare Part D.

Loss of this program is a disservice, and harms seniors and adults, especially those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Often, this was the only place a family could go to get answers and services to help them remain at home and living an independent life.

As just one example, at the end of 2012, ADRCs/Senior Rx had helped nearly 77,000 adults save over $137 million on more than 1.1 million prescriptions by offering them enrollment services in drug assistance programs, including Medicare Part D or pparx.org.

How much does it cost to run this program throughout Louisiana? Just over $1 million! A real bargain for the state of Louisiana!

Help us save these programs today. Call Kristy Nichols, the Louisiana commissioner of administration, and ask her to restore funding to the Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers/Senior Rx program in the 2013-2014 budget for the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs.

cheron brylski, executive director

Louisiana Women’s Network

New Orleans

Comments

1) Comment by GardenVariety - 12/03/2013

Oh, yeah, most LA families are broke or near-broke; they help nonetheless. The lack of human sympathy (as in "common or fellow feeling) expressed in some of the comments posted here would be overwhelming if the hard, thankless work done by Brylski and others like her did not offset them a bit. (If it's a practically government-free, market-driven, dog- eat-dog utopia you want, consider emigrating to any number of Eastern European countries.)

2) Comment by GardenVariety - 12/03/2013

As if they don't already.

3) Comment by agagent - 12/03/2013

Maybe it is time for family and friends to help fill out those Medicare forms and deal with hospitals and insurance. The state is too broke after paying for its $7.7 billion Medicaid program.

4) Comment by DMJ - 12/03/2013

If Kristy Nichols doesn't tow the line, she'll get ousted like her 2 predecessors. Jindal only likes Yes Men and Yes Women.

5) Comment by crazycajun - 12/03/2013

There's a reason it's called the stupid party. Hell, even L'il booby agrees with that. LOL

6) Comment by Old Man Kensey - 12/03/2013

It is an investment. You know, when you get back more than you spend. A 1 m investment that keeps 137 million in our economy while keeping our elders with the meds they need. That js a great return on a 1m investment.. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But don't worry, I'm sure Bobby is already to slice it out, increase the cost on our elders, send the savings to the pharmicudical companies contract our economy, and call us a Christian nation all at the same time..

7) Comment by Attila - 12/03/2013

If not an "entitlement" program, just exactly what is it?

8) Comment by Old Man Kensey - 12/03/2013

Spending 1m to keep 137 million in our local economy and tradwinds thinks its an entitlement program. And that is exactly why our country is falling down around us. The right can't tell the difference between a cost and an investment.

9) Comment by tradewinns - 12/03/2013

another welfare program just begging to expand. as the nation every year spends over $1 TRILLION already on the useless, please lets expand even more programs so we can spend even more on the useless.