Rep. Antani Discusses Senior Services with Area Agency on Aging Staff

Ohio Representative Niraj Antani visited the Dayton Area Agency on Aging office yesterday to speak with staff about the agency’s role in supporting Ohio seniors living independently in the community, including not only management of in-home support services, but also being a resource to seniors, disabled adults, and caregivers seeking information about long-term care options.

Staff took the opportunity to advocate on important issues currently being deliberated in the Ohio House related to the biennium budget, including the Governor’s proposed expansion of managed long-term services and supports in Ohio. This expansion would shift responsibilities for PASSPORT and the Assisted Living waiver from Ohio Area Agencies on Aging to managed care insurance companies. Area Agencies on Aging have successfully managed these programs statewide for over 20 years, and staff noted that without an evaluation of the current MyCare Ohio demonstration, there is no evidence that such a move is good for older Ohioans and good for the state budget.

Staff also spoke in support of increased funding for Adult Protective Services and the Senior Community Services Block Grant that supports community services such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and home repair.