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The coming implosion for area agencies on aging

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* From a Monday e-mail blast…

This morning several Directors of Illinois area agencies on aging informed the Illinois Department on Aging that they have developed plans to close down their region’s community senior services network this summer. This information was provided during a phone call where the Department explained that federal funding would stop after reimbursements covering the month of June. Unless there is a court order or an enacted state appropriation, no federal funds will be processed for July, August or September. Not all area agencies on aging are in the same situation this summer (AgeOptions would not have federal funding for community based organizations, but will continue state funds for home delivered meals, about half of the meals, if the Court Order continues into July, August and September). It is clear that many of Illinois’ 230 community senior service agencies will desist operations without federal support.

The biggest problem is that the federal dollars are in jeopardy that come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Administration for Community Living under the U.S. Older Americans Act. The federal appropriation is on a fiscal year that begins October 1, 2015, and concludes September 30, 2016. Under Illinois law, that funding will end on June 30. The Department stated that June reimbursement will come through in early July and then no additional funding is anticipated following that date unless there is a Court order or a state appropriation.

Federal Older Americans Act resources require state match. That match is combined with federal funds to process payments under the Beeks Consent Decree for meals. Home Delivered Meal funding alone is problematic since it may not be used for administrative purposes. Area agencies administer the court ordered dollars with their federal dollars and state match under Planning and Service Area Grants to Area Agencies on Aging. Not a penny of Planning and Service Area Grants has been provided this year.

Without the federal and state funding, there will not be a viable Aging Network. Federal law requires that the Illinois Department on Aging send the federal and state matching resources to the 13 designated area agencies on aging for distribution to community service provider agencies. It may not be proper under federal guidelines for the Department on Aging to send the court-ordered Home Delivered Meal funding directly to community agencies. Those agencies have contracts with area agencies on aging, and no contract with the Department. This is a legal, moral, practical, administrative and human mess! When will reason prevail and Illinois act responsibly to pass an agreed budget with adequate resources to meet its legal obligations under the Illinois Constitution?

If no federal dollars are released and no state administrative support to area agencies on aging is provided, the high stakes game of chicken being played out by elected leaders will result in the loss of independence, health and lives of older persons. It is time for politics to be put aside and for leadership and governance to prevail.

Jonathan Lavin
Chief Executive Officer
AgeOptions

* Lavin referred me today to Barb Eskildsen, Director of the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Eskildsen told me that her agency will “probably be closing either the end of August or the first or second week in September. After that, we will have no money to pay our staff.”

A few local services may be able to stay open, she said, because locals are “fundraising frantically” with donors.

During yesterday’s meeting, the area agencies were told that the governor’s office believes they will be getting state money through consent decrees. But Eskildsen said the only consent decrees are for home delivered meals. Medicaid services are also part of that mix, however.

“This whole thing is just one hot mess,” Eskildsen said.

I asked the Department on Aging for a response at about 1:30. They confirmed the meeting and promised to get back to me. I assume a response is forthcoming and will post it here when it arrives.

…Adding… And here’s the IDOA response…

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) understands the strain that’s been placed on our Aging Network due to the failure of the Majority Party to pass a balanced budget – a strain that will increase if the appropriation authority to pass through their federal funding ends.

The GOP Leaders have introduced SB3435/HB6585, which is a bridge that will pay for social services through the end of December and give the Agency appropriation authority to pass through federal funds. IDoA urges the Majority Party to work with the Governor to pass SB3435/HB6585 to protect our seniors and allow our provider network to continue caring for our most vulnerable.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:15 pm

Comments

Another example of Bruce Rauner’s superstar management!

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:19 pm
What did I tell you. Somebody is going to die. Dear God, seniors don’t take the heat well. It’s a heat index of over 100 down here. Our building is a cooling center but that’s assuming the aged can even get here. People are going to die. The horrid horrid shame is that the deaths aren’t directly attributable to one side of the other. Our blessed old ones are just going to die.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Another day, another provider closes with no one naïve enough to take their place. How is this possibly ok with any of our leaders?

Comment by CCP Hostage Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Are we sure we are not in Kansas?

Comment by independent Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:25 pm
Bruce has shuttered many a home for the elderly. What’s a few more, really from his perspective.

Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:26 pm
He sure knows how to respect his elders.

Comment by Me too Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:27 pm
“…area agencies were told that the governor’s office believes they will be getting state money through consent decrees.”

That’s a glimpse into Rauner’s strategy.

If you aren’t P-12, or covered by a consent degree or a federal act, heads up!

The Superstars and their Shake Up Springfield under-qualified supervisor are preparing for a long stretch.

All the “reformers” out there, cheering this grand “reformation,” will some day realize that what they have been promised is not worth the cost.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:28 pm
It’s worse than Kansas. At least there was a method to their madness. The only things that get funded here are seemingly random things or portions of them that someone can link to a consent decree.

I say that knowing how awful Kansas is. We are more -$#%@&!

Comment by Me too Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:31 pm
what he going to do, go to court for them, so they operate under a court order also, instead of doing a budget? He already proposed to make have of seniors receiving services to get some other kind of services that will save 2 million I think, but how much services must be reduced,
just lining his pockets and his rich friends pockets

Comment by 13th Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:32 pm
Sorry, my comment came out sounding wrong. I so so so pray that we don’t lose anyone this summer. I’m just afraid that any death that does happen will not effect the outcome. Both sides will blame each other and the horrific stalemate will continue.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:33 pm
“Hey I just got here, what do you want me to do about it?”

Comment by Just Arrivin' Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:34 pm
–He already proposed to make have of seniors receiving services to get some other kind of services that will save 2 million–

He doesn’t even have to cut if the senior services agencies have already been destroyed.

The Perfidy is astounding. The moral and ethical void it takes to do something like this. It’s what in part contributed to the mess, “he would never do such a thing”. Well he’s doing it. He’s done it.

Now “what are you prepared to do” as OW says.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:36 pm
–How is this possibly ok with any of our leaders?-

Only one “leader” is holding up the emergency approp. for social service providers with state contracts. For the last month or so.

Every Democrat and Republican who voted in the General Assembly voted for it (except a few “present” bravehearts). There was not a dissenting vote.

Given that, how can anyone not see that this destruction is intentional on the part of the governor?

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:37 pm
Hey trolls?

Where are you?

What have you to say about this?

Illinois Bob?

John Rawls?

A Guy?

Speak to this please. Or are you to cowardly to give account for the necessity of reforms before a budget.

Reforms before Grandma is it?

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:39 pm
Who will stand up for the seniors whom can not stand up for themselves? Not providing full funding for meals on wheels is a sin!

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:42 pm
Honeybear - I think you have it right, and I’d even take it a step further. I’d be surprised if there haven’t already been a number if deaths indirectly resulting from the impasse. With social services being decimated, there’s a number of situations where this could have occurred. You’re a lot closer to this than a technology worker like me, but I can see it in the increased number of folks who are homeless, and as the obvious result of everything I read in the news. We have a social safety net for a reason, and it’s reasonable to expect grave consequences when that safety net is being dismantled.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:44 pm
“Every Democrat and Republican who voted in the General Assembly voted for it (except a few “present” bravehearts). There was not a dissenting vote.”

If this too is vetoed, it could possibly be the beginning of an uprising in the statehouse.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:49 pm
If I wanted to live in Kansas I would have moved there. Indiana’s even closer.

Comment by James Knell Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:56 pm
Honeybear - I defer to you, your passion and expertise in this discussion.

Loved the challenge to the trolls!

Yet another sad day for our State.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:56 pm
–If this too is vetoed, it could possibly be the beginning of an uprising in the statehouse.—

Nope, it’s a battle to the death…

other peoples’ death.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:57 pm
@OswegoWilly @SenatorRadogno #SqueezetheBeast

Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:07 pm
- Juvenal -

I’m waiting for the Administration’s response to Rich…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:09 pm
Dept. on Aging response - Because Madigan.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:14 pm
CK is writing their response as we speak…

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:19 pm
Is this the “Official” IDOA response? It seems partisan.

Not sure that was appropriate.

Comment by Try-4-Truth Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:23 pm
===IDoA urges the Majority Party to work with the Governor to pass SB3435/HB6585 to protect our seniors and allow our provider network to continue caring for our most vulnerable.===

Interesting.

Interesting the choosing of those Bills.

Interesting.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:24 pm
Norseman was right - Because Madigan.

Where have we heard this before?

Comment by illini Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:24 pm
Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I think all they are after are their Federal Appropriations.

That should be an easy bill to pass. They did it last year. Just pass a fed approp pass through bill. Why has that not been done?

Comment by Try-4-Truth Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:25 pm
===all they are after are their Federal Appropriations===

Can’t get those without the state matches.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:27 pm
So the adult day programs (not covered by consent decree) will close and older adults will be forced into nursing homes.

Can you smell the savings?

Comment by crazybleedingheart Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:29 pm
The state match problem is significant not only for seniors but for a range of other human services grants. The situation facing the senior agencies is the canary in the coal mine. This is big. And it could get far bigger if the state fails to make that FY 16 GRF appropriation happen by June 30.

Comment by Quill Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:31 pm
===all they are after are their Federal Appropriations===

Not having them makes a really bad situation even worse.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:32 pm
Part of the funding for adult day programs is covered by the Beeks consent decree. The portion of their funding that is federally reimbursable through the Medicaid waiver is being paid. We’ve lost 8 adult day programs so far. Others are barely hanging on. Most won’t make another year of no budget as Medicaid is only about 50% of their funding.

Comment by CCP Hostage Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:32 pm
=== Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:39 pm:

Hey trolls?

Where are you?===

Ms. Bear, I guess I should weigh in since your request was so jam packed with couth, referring to me as a “troll”. For my part, I’m part of that group that is “frantically raising money” through my involvement at Catholic Charities. We’re working extremely hard these days trying to keep things going.

Now, I see that your state agency is a “cooling center”. That’s good. So are many of the regional malls, township offices, and some municipal offices. I know how passionate you and your brothers and sisters are about your compensation issues, because you say so every day, many times a day. Did I miss the part about your local, or the larger union group raising funds for keeping some of these NFPs afloat while this stalemate continues?

Did I miss something where you’ve encouraged the side you agree with more to look at some options that might end this stalemate?

I know in your mind, and many others that the Governor is at fault for everything here. I also know that you not only excused, but supported your brother in arms shouting obscenities at the Governor and Senator Rezin.

I know you’re passionate. I appreciate where you’re point of view comes from. I’ve said nothing (until now) to disparage you….yet you are comfortable calling me out as a “troll”.

Bad form ma’am.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:35 pm
Definitely not going to see a retirement tax after this summer senior debacle. You’re home is gone and you will now pay more taxes!

Comment by BK Bro Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:35 pm
quite a few associations have been standing up for the seniors in this state but are overall ignored. It is a shame that the representatives of this state do not do as they promised. most all of us will continue to advocate for the seniors in this state! maybe someone will come to their senses!!

Comment by deep in IL Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:36 pm
There have been over 10 CCP providers surrendered their contracts. only a matter of time if this continues before more boards will say we have had enough!!

Comment by deep in IL Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:38 pm
===We’re working extremely hard these days trying to keep things going.===

- A Guy -

@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate. - Ron Sandack, 9/28/15

Food for thought, as you’re raising money… frantically.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:46 pm
And OW…Catholic Charities has been loaning the state $2M a month to keep services going. I’d say that’s pretty frantic. You?

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:55 pm
Did I hear someone from the Palace of Versailles say, “Let them eat cake?” Maybe that was from the governor’s mansion.

Comment by WETHEPEOPLE Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 4:58 pm
===Catholic Charities has been loaning the state $2M a month to keep services going. I’d say that’s pretty frantic. You?===

Sandack is frustrated for everyone.

The Sandack tweet says he’s frustrated… but… well, you know…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:01 pm
–Did I miss something where you’ve encouraged the side you agree with more to look at some options that might end this stalemate?–

You missed the part where 167 legislators from both parties passed a $700 million emergency appropriation to partially pay social service providers the money they’re owed under the contracts they signed with the Rauner administration.

And the part where Rauner refuses to sign it or veto it and allow for an override vote.

Kind of an oversight on your part, don’t you think?

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:07 pm
- Wordslinger -, well said.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:14 pm
I have to say I’m not accustomed to such partisan state agency statements. I don’t think in 30 years I’ve ever seen anything like that IDOA statement.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:15 pm
Come on Mr. Madigan, let’s get a balanced budget in place that includes funding for these agencies. Many states find this fairly easy to do; but they don’t have the Chicago thugs to please.

Comment by Big Mike Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:19 pm
- Big Mike -

… or Rauner could sign the stopgap on his desk.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:21 pm
-So are many of the regional malls, township offices, and some municipal offices-

Are these places open at 10 PM when it’s 88 degrees outside? How about the fact that people have to get out in the heat to travel to get cool. And, there is no reason Catholic Charities should be raising money for something the state should be doing. It should be a supplement rather than primary financing for these things. If you don’t agree with that, you need to discuss with your local Bishop.

Comment by OurMagician Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:23 pm
Jeez… I don’t think the Archbishop squeezes that much mileage out of his association with Catholic Charities.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:36 pm
This is bad. Rauners nursing home businesses are a direct beneficiary of this nonsense. Surprised it isn’t being called out.

Comment by Biker Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:39 pm
MrJM, you’ll have to ask A Guy about that, I’m sure he just got off the phone with him.

Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:41 pm
CK wrote that IDOA response didn’t she?

Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:08 pm
” people who forget their history are doomed to repeat it” said some famous person whose name escapes me right now…

picture it …Chicago … Many years ago… When we lost of elderly due to no fans, no air conditioning, no money, and a heat wave.

I have had it. I declare that I won’t vote for a single Republican this election, Federal or State. Some day soon, I will see what I need to do to officially change from a Republican to an Independent.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:26 pm
Lost a lot of elderly

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:27 pm
I noticed that the IDoA statement failed to mention “reforms.” I hope Someone got their hand slapped for campaigning with state resources. The gov’s call for passage of the TA has also beem removed from IL.gov.

Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:45 pm
“Are these places open at 10 PM when it’s 88 degrees outside? How about the fact that people have to get out in the heat to travel to get cool.”

That right there.

Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:48 pm
The IDoA seems to have misplaced their copy of the constitution and newspaper.

$700 million would help a lot . Governor, any word on that?

Governor, any time you want to submit a detailed balanced budget I will call my legislators and urge them to pass it.

But thanks IDoA.

Thanks Honeybear for your passion.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 9:05 pm
“Somebody is going to die. Dear God, seniors don’t take the heat well. It’s a heat index of over 100 down here.”

Blame Madigan and the fiery sun he controls…

Thank God my dad doesn’t need these services

Combined with his nursing home record, Bruce doesn’t seem to have much empathy for the eldery

or the poor

or wards of the state

or the disabled

or…heck, he might have you back if you make over $250K and lets leave it at that

what a sad, sad excuse of a man

Comment by Morty the Monopoly Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 9:22 pm
Money is gone. Pensions need to be paid, cuts are inevitable

Comment by Tone Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 10:00 pm
How can profiting from filling his own nursing homes, with seniors who were intentionally displaced, be legal?
I already know the immoral,unethical part of the answer is he really DOES NOT CARE.

Comment by Property of idoc Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 10:24 pm
Seniors are a huge voting block and we are in the era of the baby boomer seniors so there are lots of them. Seniors vote accordingly.

Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 10:37 pm
Tone, absolutely rational post

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Jun 15, 16 @ 12:24 am