State budget cuts could hurt adult day health services in Medford
MassHealth is proposing to cut basic level Adult Day Health (ADH) services from $116 to $106.32. And while some might say it’s only $10, advocates and legislators point out that money makes a real difference in the lives of those who need it.
MassHealth is proposing to cut basic level Adult Day Health (ADH) services from $116 to $106.32. And while some might say it’s only $10, advocates and legislators point out that money makes a real difference in the lives of those who need it.
“People don’t fully appreciate the margins non-profits operate on or the margins people themselves operate on,” said Sen. Jamie Eldridge. “If you’re paying a certain amount for a program, any change in funding is a problem. That small amount can keep people from getting the care they need.”
On Tuesday, Eldridge joined Rep. Paul J. Donato, Rep. Sean Garballey and Rachel Clinton from Sen. Pat Jehlen’s office on a tour of Community Family on Washington Street, which would be one of the ADH facilities affected by the cuts.
The Community Family is a non-profit ADH and Alzheimer’s Day Health organization with centers located in Everett, Medford and Wakefield. The company’s website states its mission is to provide “high-quality adult day health care to keep adults in their homes as long as possible.”
Executive Director Stacey Minchello said the MassHealth rollback for basic services would be unsustainable. Currently, Community Family provides full-day nursing with a 1 to 4 ratio for care, two full meals, a snack, activities and caregiver support. Transportation is separate.
Plus there’s the cost of rising utilities and maintenance, Minchello added, especially since the pandemic when buildings and transportation vans just sat empty and unused for months.
“We also pay our workers a living wage,” Minchello said. “So this would be devastating to have to make these cuts.”
Julie Contoni, left, gets ready for music therapy class. Janet O'Neil, center, uses a drum during music therapy activites. Rep. Paul Donato, left, and Stacey Minchello watch as a group does an activity nearby and Program Director Kevin Barry looks on. GOTTA KNOW MEDFORD STAFF PHOTOS/NELL ESCOBAR COAKLEY
Minchello added more than 8,000 people lost their ADH services during the pandemic and 35 programs closed, about 21% of the 164 that existed pre-COVID.
In a memo written for the March 4 meet and greet with legislators, Minchello pointed out “ADH programs were ordered closed for five months in 2020, losing most of their clientele and many staff members. Capacity/attendance caps (45% pre-COVID) remained in place through June 2021.”
The state cuts, she added, would further jeopardize an already iffy situation for many facilities and families.
Not a done deal
The MassHealth cuts are part of Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which is ironic considering just two years ago, Healey and the Legislature implemented the very rates now at risk.
“These cuts would have a negative impact,” said Garballey, while watching a group of seniors taking a music therapy class. “Our budget is handed in by April and it will look vastly different.”
Donato agreed with Garballey, saying the House will most likely vote to put the money the governor is suggesting be cut back into the budget.
“I have explained how important that is to the members of the Ways and Means Committee and the speaker,” Donato said. “This facility is not just for Medford. People from the surrounding area use it. You can see all the activities for seniors who need that activity.”
Studies have also shown that aging in place has been cost effective, allowing families to keep loved ones home longer and out of nursing facilities that end up costing the state more money.
Eldridge pointed out there’s also the added benefit of giving families a respite.
“These folks do God’s work,” he said. “They help people stay active and they offer relief for families. They make sure everyone gets the proper care they need and they help save the state money.”
It’s a win-win, as far as legislators are concerned. And it’s something they promised to fight for in the coming budget cycle.
“I am very proud of the work that goes on here at Community Family,” Donato said. “They, along with all their volunteers, provide day care for the elderly and families who don’t have a lot of opportunities. And more importantly, they provide an important respite for those who are caregivers.”
Following Tuesday’s tour, Minchello said she was pleased by what the meet and greet accomplished.
“It was great,” she said, of the genuine connection legislators seemed to make with staff and those in the program. “We want them to remember us when they review the budget.”
