With statewide funding cuts on the horizon, Representative John Bradley of the 117th District visited Heritage Woods of Benton on Monday morning to talk with residents and discuss their concerns over Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposals.
“It’s important to keep in touch with all of my constituents, to see what’s on their minds,” the representative from Marion said, adding that cuts to Medicaid program will affect the livelihood of the residents who live in communities like Heritage Woods. “I’m fighting for the rights they live a dignified life.”
Under Rauner’s proposed fiscal year 2016 budget, supportive living communities like Heritage Woods would see an 8.85 percent cut.
Heritage Woods currently accepts payouts from Medicaid to support individuals who are unable to privately pay for services. According to the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition, the cost of an average stay in a supportive living community, 27 months, is about $60,000 less than the cost of living in a nursing home with specialized care.
“We’re worried about the budget and getting Medicaid reimbursements for the residents who can’t pay privately,” said Diane Simpson, administrator of the Benton supportive living community, which currently houses 94 residents employs about 40 full- and part-time employees.
The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition, a not-for-profit lobby group representing supportive living communities in Illinois, says Rauner's proposed cuts would also harm the staff who work in facilities like Heritage Woods.
"An 8.85 percent cut would be harmful to operators as they face significant increases in staff wages and other operating costs associated with providing the supportive services to residents," the coalition said in an informative brochure.
Bradley will return to Springfield on Tuesday to continue house committee hearings.
