Legislature(2011 - 2012)CAPITOL 106
02/22/2011 03:00 PM House HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Commission on Aging | |
| Long Term Care Ombudsman | |
| Community Care Coalition | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 22, 2011
3:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Wes Keller, Chair
Representative Alan Dick, Vice Chair
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Bob Miller
Representative Charisse Millett
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Sharon Cissna
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): COMMISSION ON AGING
- HEARD
LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
- HEARD
COMMUNITY CARE COALITION
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director
Alaska Commission on Aging
Division of Senior and Disabilities Services
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a PowerPoint during a
presentation by the Alaska Commission on Aging.
DIANA WEBER, Ombudsman
Long Term Care Ombudsman
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
Department of Revenue (DOR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a PowerPoint during discussion of
the role of the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
SANDRA HEFFERN, Chair
Community Care Coalition
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified about long term care in Alaska.
PAT HEFLEY, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Health and Social Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during discussion of long term
care in Alaska.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:06:13 PM
CHAIR WES KELLER called the House Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:06 p.m.
Representatives Keller, Dick, Herron, Millett, and Miller were
present at the call to order. Representative Seaton arrived as
the meeting was in progress.
^PRESENTATION: Commission on Aging
PRESENTATION: Commission on Aging
3:07:00 PM
CHAIR KELLER announced that the first order of business would be
a presentation by the Alaska Commission on Aging.
3:08:46 PM
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging,
Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, Department of
Health and Social Services (DHSS), presented a PowerPoint
entitled, "Findings from the Older Alaskans Survey and
Elder/Senior Community Forums." She spoke about slide 1, "Our
Purpose," and shared that the purpose of the Commission was to
plan, educate, and advocate on behalf of all Alaskans, 60 years
and older, and ensure that they had meaningful lives, had access
to necessary services, and remained in their homes and
communities as long as possible. She stated that the commission
had to provide information and recommendations about the needs
of older Alaskans to the governor and the legislature. She
shared that the commission was formed in 1982, and that the 11
board members were comprised of appointed Alaskan seniors, and
staff from DHSS, Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development (DCCED), and the chair of the Pioneer Home advisory
board.
3:12:09 PM
MS. DANIELLO moved on to slide 2, "Growth of Alaska's Senior
Population," and spoke about the growth surge of the senior
population in Alaska. She reported that there were about 85,100
Alaska seniors, with the majority having lived here for some
time.
MS. DANIELLO pointed to slide 3, "Comparison of Age Distribution
1977 and 2009," and compared the changes for age profile
distributions as the baby boomers aged.
3:13:41 PM
MS. DANIELLO shared slide 4, "The population of Alaskans age 85+
will grow by nearly 500% from 2000 to 2034." She noted how
quickly this age group would grow with the arrival of the baby
boomers. She reported that it was this group of seniors most in
need of health care services, and would have the highest health
care costs.
MS. DANIELLO reviewed slide 5, "Growth of Alaska's Senior and
Youth Populations," and compared that from 2001 to 2009, the
number of youth under 18 years of age, had increased by 4
percent, whereas the number of seniors 60 years and older, had
increased by 53 percent. Currently, about 12.3 percent of the
Alaska population is seniors, and she projected that seniors
would comprise 20 percent of the state population in 20 years.
3:14:45 PM
MS. DANIELLO furnished slide 6, "Senior Growth Rates Vary by
Region," and shared that Southcentral, Anchorage, and the
Fairbanks/Interior were the fastest growing regions. She
confirmed that every region of the state had a senior growth
rate of more than 20 percent in the past 8 years.
3:15:22 PM
MS. DANIELLO shifted to slide 7, "There are over 6,000 Alaskans
with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, based on
national prevalence rates." She observed that a consequence of
an aging population was an increase in Alzheimer's disease and
related dementias (ADRD). She estimated there were about 6000
Alaskans, age 65 and older, with ADRD, but that this number
could increase to 17,000 in 20 years. She stated that health
care costs were three times higher for those with ADRD.
3:16:01 PM
MS. DANIELLO offered slide 9, "Needs Assessment Efforts for
State Plan Development Process," and reported that this was
required for all states using federal funds. She listed these
programs to include home and community based services funded by
Title III of the Older Americans Act, funds for vocational
training for low income seniors, funds for elder protection, and
funds for nutrition, transportation, and supportive services for
tribal organizations. She presented that the needs assessment
would be done at community forums and by statewide survey.
3:18:09 PM
MS. DANIELLO referred to slide 10, "Senior Survey Methodology"
and the 2010 Survey of Older Alaskans [Included in members'
packets] and explained that the survey had been widely
distributed. She shared that 3,222 responses to the survey had
been received. She stressed that, as this was not a random,
statistically-valid sample of Alaska seniors, precise
conclusions could not be drawn from it. She pointed out,
however, that the large number of responses and widespread
representation did offer valuable information.
3:19:46 PM
MS. DANIELLO turned to slide 12, "The great majority of survey
responders were seniors (age 60+). We received responses from
every senior age group. The oldest respondent was 107." She
noted that more women responded, even though the population was
equal, and that the ethnicity tracked comparable to the general
profile of Alaska.
3:20:46 PM
MS. DANIELLO supplied slide 14, "We received survey responses
from every region of the state," and slide 15, "The majority of
seniors who responded have lived in Alaska for 40 years or
more." She shared that 56 percent of the respondents had lived
in Alaska for more than 40 years.
3:21:28 PM
MS. DANIELLO pointed out the findings of the survey on slide 17,
"Alaskan seniors are very happy here. More than 9 out of 10
older Alaskans (94%) would recommend their community as a good
place to live for seniors," and on slide 18, "Research shows
that social engagement is an important correlate of both mental
and physical health for seniors," which indicated that 33
percent got together four or more times each week.
3:22:15 PM
MS. DANIELLO directed attention to slide 19, "Senior centers are
an important key to senior community involvement. Nearly six in
ten seniors visit a local senior center at least occasionally."
She reported that only 9 percent reported that there was not a
senior center in their community.
3:22:48 PM
MS. DANIELLO indicated slide 20, "Many older Alaskans are
struggling financially. One in five cannot make ends meet, and
another two in five are just getting by." She compared this to
the 2005 survey, which had a similar response.
3:23:35 PM
MS. DANIELLO move on to slide 21, "More than half of the older
Alaskans who responded to the survey indicated that they live in
a household with $2,000 or less of monthly income," and she
stated that this was 176 percent of the federal poverty
guideline for a one person household, or 131 percent for a two
person household.
3:24:11 PM
MS. DANIELLO indicated slide 22, "Three out of five older
Alaskans surveyed have an illness or disability that limits the
range of activities they can enjoy." She said that many of
these were physical disabilities.
3:24:50 PM
MS. DANIELLO summarized slide 23, "Seven out of ten responders
live in a home they or a family member own. Two in ten live in
a rented home or apartment."
3:25:13 PM
MS. DANIELLO commented on slide 24, "One in three seniors say
their home needs some sort of modification-such as ramp
installation, grab bars, or insulation-in order for them to be
safe and comfortable."
MS. DANIELLO reviewed slide 25, "Most older Alaskans (69%) are
not having trouble finding a primary care doctor. Of those who
are, Medicare payment issues are the most often-cited reason."
She stated that the majority of seniors having difficulty were
in the Anchorage area, but that Fairbanks, the Aleutians, and
Southcentral were also areas of difficulty. She pointed out
that these seniors with difficulties reflected an increase from
the 2005 survey.
3:26:40 PM
MS. DANIELLO assessed slide 26, "More seniors rated "health
care" and "financial security" as important issues than any
other topic. These two issues were also the top concerns listed
in our 2005 senior survey." She listed other concerns to be
fuel costs, housing, enough food to eat, in-home services, and
transportation.
3:27:34 PM
MS. DANIELLO spoke about slide 27, "Most seniors have not used
any of the available senior services. Of those who have, most
are satisfied with the service they received." She noted that
only about 33 percent used any of the services, similar to the
results of the 2005 survey. The two programs which gathered the
highest satisfaction rating were adult day programs and home
delivered meals. She opined that the services were only being
used when needed, and that they fulfilled the basic needs.
3:28:43 PM
MS. DANIELLO discussed slide 28, "Many seniors included open-
ended comments on a wide range of topics." She reported that
more than 1,300 comments had been received, which included
thoughts on the increase in rental and fuel costs, problems with
health care, senior housing and transportation, and home care.
3:29:31 PM
MS. DANIELLO summarized slide 30, "Findings from the ACoA's
elder/senior community forums held in Anchorage, Fairbanks,
Juneau, Kotzebue, Bethel, and with the Alaska Native Tribal
Health Consortium Elders Committee highlighted similar
concerns:" She said that each forum was conducted in the same
format, with the same questions focusing on health care and long
term supports, financial security and housing, and healthy
lifestyles and social wellbeing. She listed participants to
include elders, seniors, family care givers, and senior
providers. She stated that the issues raised at the forums were
similar to the senior survey, and included: access to primary
care and geriatric specialists, and the need for increased long
term support services. She shared that the rural forums stated
a need for the same services as in the urban areas. She cited a
need for hospice service and family care giver training in rural
communities. She reported that transportation, senior housing,
and culturally appropriate living facilities were issues at all
of the forums. She declared a need for a "one-stop shop" for
information and referral services.
3:35:15 PM
MS. DANIELLO concluded the PowerPoint with slide 32, "Future
priorities for addressing senior needs and concerns include:"
She stated the highest priority to be resolution of the primary
health care access for Medicare recipients.
3:36:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked for some strategies to provide this
necessary access.
3:36:43 PM
MS. DANIELLO, in response, said that two new senior facilities
in Anchorage would provide services to Medicare beneficiaries.
She pointed to legislation regarding financial incentives for
health care personnel to accept Medicare patients. She declared
that a too small health care workforce was a big issue. She
advocated legislation for both loan repayment and forgiveness,
and recruitment for health care providers to Alaska.
3:37:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked for details of the administration's
strategy to create opportunities for providers to interact with
customers. In response to Chair Keller, he explained that he
had hoped that Ms. Daniello, as a professional, "had the magic
wand." He agreed that Medicare was a challenge for seniors.
3:40:06 PM
MS. DANIELLO, returning attention to slide 32, emphasized the
need for a statewide long term health care plan, which would
guide the development of quality senior care. She stated the
need for a well-trained workforce, more quality senior housing
with supportive services on site, expanded transportation
service, a senior friendly environment, and financial assistance
programs for seniors.
3:43:28 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked about senior centers and transportation
services in the members' communities. He opined that there was
more federal funding than state grants.
3:44:38 PM
MS. DANIELLO, in response, said that the state did receive
federal funding for transportation services, as well as spending
state general funds for senior services.
CHAIR KELLER suggested that efficiencies were a necessary part
of the long term care program.
3:45:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON explained that Homer and Cooper Landing
had a senior van, with plans for the development of a small
private bus system. He noted that a voucher system, contracted
with the local taxi companies, had been another senior
transportation solution.
MS. DANIELLO pointed out that seniors contributed more than $1.7
billion to the state.
3:47:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON, reflecting on an earlier presentation to
HHSS on prevention and disease, suggested working with the
senior community on these issues.
3:48:17 PM
CHAIR KELLER reflected that he had read that one dollar spent on
health prevention saved three dollars.
3:48:37 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:48 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
^Long Term Care Ombudsman
Long Term Care Ombudsman
3:50:36 PM
CHAIR KELLER announced that the next order of business would be
a presentation from the long term care ombudsman.
DIANA WEBER, Ombudsman, Long Term Care Ombudsman, Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority, presented a PowerPoint entitled "Office
of the Long Term Care Ombudsman," [Included in the members'
packets]. She explained that the Office of the Long Term Care
Ombudsman (OLTCO) was a small program with a small budget and a
big mission. She referred to slide 1, "Authority" and explained
that the federal Older Americans Act of 1965 gave the office its
authority. She reported that the job was "to investigate and
resolve complaints on behalf of seniors in long term care," with
the idea of protecting elders who were not able to speak for
themselves. She directed attention to AS 47.62.015, which
authorized OLTCO to investigate and resolve complaints made by
or on behalf of older Alaskans in long term care, if the
complaint relates to a decision, action or failure to act by a
provider or by a public agency or social services agency that
may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of
an older Alaskan. She explained that, as her office
investigated complaints in all agencies, it could not be
administered in Department of Health and Social Services.
3:54:41 PM
MS. WEBER, referring to slide 2, "OLTCO Enforcement Authority,"
clarified that her office was not a regulatory agency, and did
not have enforcement authority. She declared that the OLTCO had
broad powers to investigate, but did not take away licenses or
enforce changes. She added that the Older Americans Act (OAA)
offered a broader mandate which allowed for the monitoring of
conditions in long term care facilities. She reflected on the
difficulty of monitoring all of the long term care facilities in
Alaska on a regular basis.
3:56:51 PM
MS. WEBER referred to slide 3, "OAA Mandate to OLTCO" and stated
its charge of advocating for vulnerable seniors, which could
include legislative advocacy, and the raising of public
awareness to the needs of elders. She pointed out that Alaska
included OLTCO to be responsible for investigating long term
abuse and neglect in long term care facilities.
3:57:08 PM
MS. WEBER addressed slide 4, "Administration," and explained
that the OLTCO was a part of the Alaska Mental Health Trust
Authority operations, and was represented in court by the state
Attorney General.
3:57:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked if the Attorney General always came
to its defense.
MS. WEBER replied that although the Attorney General was the
lawyer for the OLTCO it was her responsibility to ensure that
the Attorney General had reviewed the policies and procedures,
and that OLTCO was not going beyond its mandate.
3:58:42 PM
MS. WEBER returned attention to slide 4, explained the sources
of funding, and stated that the OLTCO funding was not
increasing.
3:59:14 PM
MS. WEBER, summarizing slide 5, "Staff and Volunteers," conveyed
that the five OLTCO staff were responsible for unannounced
"friendly visits" to monitor facilities, consultation with the
public, and training for providers and volunteers. She reported
that there were 12 volunteer ombudsmen in 23 facilities.
4:00:38 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked for more information about the provider
training.
4:00:52 PM
MS. WEBER, in response to Chair Keller, said that the assisted
living provider training was supplied under the OAA mandate.
4:01:59 PM
MS. WEBER reported that the OLTCO was busier, as the average
number of complaints had increased, as shown on slide 6,
"Complaints and Cases." She clarified that these could be
multiple complaints about the same incident. She pointed to the
increase in average number of cases opened each month as a
better indicator of the number of people served.
4:02:59 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked if the complaints typically came from the
family.
MS. WEBER replied that the complaints were received from every
possible source.
4:03:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON reflected that this report indicated that
the ombudsman was doing their job.
4:04:05 PM
MS. WEBER shared that complaints to OLTCO had dropped in other
states, and she attributed this to a larger number of volunteer
ombudsman.
4:04:42 PM
MS. WEBER referenced slide 7, "Complaints FY 2011," and stated
that 90 percent of the complaints were about assisted living
facilities, and the top three complaints were: poor medication
management practices; falls and improper handling of residents;
and shortage of staff.
4:05:50 PM
MS. WEBER directed attention to slide 8, "Resolution of
Complaints July 1, 2010-January 31, 2011," and stated that
outcome data was important to review. She stated that OLTCO had
resolved 67 percent of the complaints to the satisfaction of the
resident or the complainant. She noted that OAA had mandated
that resolution be to the satisfaction of the senior.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked to clarify how many of the
complaints were just a need for attention.
MS. WEBER replied that these were real complaints, and that she
was impressed that the elder generation did not ask for more
than they needed. Returning to the resolution of complaints,
she reported that 23 percent of the complaints were referred to
another agency for resolution, while only 1 percent were not
resolved to the satisfaction of the residents or complainants.
4:08:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked for a distinction between cases and
complaints.
4:09:07 PM
MS. WEBER, in response, said that the cases opened referred to
the people served, and could include many people experiencing
the same problem. She explained that the computation of cases
and complaints was determined by the OAA. She agreed that this
was complicated. She replied that many people could have the
same complaint, or one individual could have many complaints.
She clarified that the number of cases reflected the number of
people making complaints.
4:11:41 PM
MS. WEBER moved on to slide 9, "Improving the System of Care."
She explained that volunteer ombudsmen received about 20 hours
of training and practicum, and were assigned between two and
five homes. She noted that they visited residents once or twice
each month in order to identify problems and resolve them before
someone was hurt. She listed some of the problems that
volunteers resolved: home too cold, medications not managed
properly, meals not adequate, and dirty bathrooms.
4:13:21 PM
MS. WEBER considered slide 11, "Collaboration," and informed the
committee that OLTCO was reaching out to the Filipino American
ALH Provider Association for mutual problem-solving.
MS. WEBER indicated slide 12, "FY 2012 Budget," and explained
that the OLTCO operating budget was in the Department of Revenue
(DOR), and in the Mental Health bill, also under DOR. She
requested a continuance of funding for an existing investigator
position, which would allow OLTCO to pursue its statutory
mandate.
4:15:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked about the length of tenure for the
volunteers.
MS. WEBER replied that the tenure had not been longer than one
year, possibly because there was not enough support. She
established that she had reorganized to add more support and
supervision for the volunteers.
4:16:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON, referring to the OLTCO website, asked
about the catalyst for "Watch Your Language."
MS. WEBER explained that this was a gentle reminder to respect
the seniors' dignity.
4:16:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON offered his opinion that "Watch Your
Language" implied that staff in the assisted living homes spoke
languages other than English.
4:17:24 PM
MS. WEBER, in response, said that "Watch Your Language" was
developed prior to her arrival, and she did not know the reason
for its creation. She acknowledged an ongoing concern that
staff did not speak English well enough to respond in an
emergency, and she pointed to the necessity of understanding the
elders and being able to respond.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked to clarify that this referred to the
caregivers.
MS. WEBER confirmed that it was a licensing regulation for
caregivers to have the [language] ability to make a coherent
emergency report.
^Community Care Coalition
Community Care Coalition
4:18:44 PM
CHAIR KELLER announced that the next order of business would be
a presentation by the Community Care Coalition.
SANDRA HEFFERN, Chair, explained that the Community Care
Coalition was a newly formed coalition of trade associations,
which included: Alaska Association on Developmental
Disabilities, AGENET, and Personal Care Assistant Provider's
Association. She summarized that the common issues for these
organizations allowed for the efficiency of collective
representation. She identified the primary problem to be the
need for long term care plan, as it was a complex fragmented
system which needed to become comprehensive and viable. She
pointed out that the highest single cost for providing health
and human services was labor. She reflected on the need for
additional labor support as the Alaska population aged. She
reported that the retirement industry brought $1.7 billion to
the state economy. She opined that the infrastructure of an
efficient long term care system was necessary for people to stay
in the state. She offered her belief that enough studies had
been done and she reflected on the history of human services in
Alaska. She spoke about the waiver system for individuals,
normally going into a nursing home, to choose a community based
setting. She pointed out that the cost was less to serve people
living in the community.
4:26:44 PM
MS. HEFFERN endorsed the jobs provided by community based
services and personal care assistant services for people with
disabilities. She referred to page 3 of the handout "Brief
Overview of the Long Term Care System in Alaska: We need a Plan"
[Included in members' packets]. She listed the groups which
comprised the current long term care system to include: home
and community based grantees, Medicaid home and community based
providers, private pay provider companies, Veteran's
Administration, and mental health providers. She also pointed
out the boards and commissions, which included the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority and the Alaska Commission on Aging.
4:31:01 PM
MS. HEFFERN offered her belief that all of these groups needed
to be coordinated. She directed attention to the recent
studies, page 4 of the handout, and elaborated on the Lewin
Group: Long Term Forecast of Medicaid Enrollment and Spending in
Alaska: 2005-2025; and the Public Consulting Group-Alaska Long
Term Care and Cost Study February 2006. She declared that long
term care was not only about aging people, but included patients
with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, physical disabilities,
and developmental disabilities. She ascertained that none of
the reports offered a vision of direction: "where it is that we
are going, so that we can actually get there. What is it that
we want, what is it that the system needs to have and then have
a road map for how we're going to actually get there."
4:34:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DICK asked for a definition of the government
role and the individual role and he reflected on personal
responsibility.
4:35:47 PM
MS. HEFFERN agreed that the acceptance of personal
responsibility was important. She reflected on long term care
insurance as one piece of the system that needed to be
redesigned.
4:37:37 PM
MS. HEFFERN referred to the HCBS Strategies: Recommendations for
the Alaska Long Term Care Plan, 2008 Report. She indicated that
the study had good recommendations and guidance, and she pointed
out the necessity of "knowing who you're serving, who is it that
belongs to the long term care system." She suggested a review
of this study as a start for a comprehensive long term care
plan. She expressed her concern that none of the studies
contained a vision statement for "what the system needs to look
like." She directed attention to page 8 and page 9 of the
handout, and spoke about the current considerations in the long
term care industry. She spoke about the Department of Labor &
Workforce Development Alaska Economic Trends report, which
declared that health care and social assistance was expected to
experience the largest amount of growth of any industry, 26.5
percent or 9,400 jobs, through 2018. She reviewed another
analysis by the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development, which identified community and social assistance as
an economic driver, and a key area for additional attention.
4:41:03 PM
MS. HEFFERN summarized that the Alaska Health Workforce
Development Plan, Health Workforce Coalition, May 2010 reported
that health care was one of the largest and most dynamic
industries in Alaska, with a payroll of more than $1.4 billion
in 2008. She noted that the Health Care Commission was also
exploring long term care, and that the Medicaid task force was
reviewing cost containment for long term care.
4:42:20 PM
MS. HEFFERN, referring to page 10 of the handout, issued a
challenge from the Community Care Coalition to the Department of
Health and Social Services, Department of Commerce, Community &
Economic Development, Department of Labor & Workforce
Development, Department of Education and Early Development, and
the Administration to work in concert for a long term care plan
to "address a vision for quality, accessible, available, and
sustainable services." She opined that a long term plan would
include cost containment, as it would be a more efficient
system.
4:44:37 PM
MS. HEFFERN, in response to Representative Herron, said that two
weeks prior she had met with the governor's office, and
presented this challenge to them, as well.
4:45:00 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked what percentage of long term care was
Medicaid.
4:45:47 PM
MS. HEFFERN replied that 30 percent of the Medicaid budget was
for long term care.
4:46:18 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked how this cost would project in the next five
to ten years. He declared that it was necessary to define who
was being served.
4:47:04 PM
MS. HEFFERN agreed that it was necessary to define who was being
served in the long term care system.
4:47:32 PM
CHAIR KELLER announced that the final order of business would be
a response from the Department of Health and Social Services.
PAT HEFLEY, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Health and Social Services, said that there was
not a magic wand to increase access to primary health care, and
he stated that Alaska was not the only state with this problem.
He detailed the need for a skilled work force, a balanced demand
for providers, and more community health centers. He stated the
need to resolve the financial issues around the Medicaid budget.
He stated that DHSS was ready to address a long term health care
plan, and he agreed with the suggestion to review the existing
plans for recommendations.
4:53:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DICK asked why the health care costs were rising.
4:55:25 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked if the earlier description to the make up of
the long term health care system was comprehensive.
4:56:42 PM
MR. HEFLEY agreed that the existing studies would offer the
"backbone to start from."
4:56:53 PM
CHAIR KELLER asked for a defined break down of all the providers
in the current long term care system, and the related costs. He
opined of the difficulty for making decisions without knowing
who each was affecting.
MR. HEFLEY replied that he would get those provider costs. He
reflected on the difficulty of recognizing the impacts of budget
cuts.
4:58:47 PM
MR. HEFLEY, in response to an earlier question from
Representative Dick, explained that until a financial cap was
put on the insurance industry, the provider system, or the
customer base then costs would continue to rise.
4:59:47 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Health and Social Services Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 4:59 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| OLTCO Feb 2011.pptx |
HHSS 2/22/2011 3:00:00 PM |
|
| ACoA House HSS Presentation 2011.ppt |
HHSS 2/22/2011 3:00:00 PM |
|
| Outline for HSS Presentation(a)Community Care Coalition.docx |
HHSS 2/22/2011 3:00:00 PM |