Advocacy
Medicaid Needs You! Did you know that over 60% of older adults rely on Medicaid for long-term care? Medicaid is the only government program that covers long-term care for older adults. While Medicare may help with short-term recovery after surgery, Medicaid is the only option for long-term support. Medicaid is funded by both the federal and state governments. In Arizona, Medicaid is called AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System). Long-term care services are provided through ALTCS (Arizona Long-Term Care System). These programs help thousands of older adults stay in their homes, receive medical care, and get the support they need. What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.? In February, Congress approved a plan to cut $880 billion from programs such as Medicaid. Lawmakers are now
considering major changes that could reduce funding and limit who qualifies for care. Some of these proposals include: • Work requirements Some proposals would require Medicaid recipients to prove they work a certain number of hours. But many older adults and people with disabilities cannot work, and those who do often have low-wage jobs without benefits. In fact, 92% of working-age adults on Medicaid are employed, either full-time or part-time, many of whom are also caregivers for family members. • Changing federal funding formulas If the federal government reduces its share of Medicaid funding, Arizona will have to cover more costs, leading to severe program cuts. • Ending Medicaid Expansion Medicaid expansion was introduced as part of the Affordable Care Act and allowed many low-income adults who didn’t previously qualify for Medicaid to receive coverage.
If federal funding for Medicaid expansion is cut, Arizona could lose billions of dollars, and many people who gained coverage through the expansion could lose their health benefits. What This Means for Arizona If these changes happen, AHCCCS and ALTCS could face major budget cuts. This could mean: • Less coverage for older adults and caregivers • Longer wait times for services • Fewer home- and community-based care options Your Voice Matters! We must act now to protect Medicaid in Arizona. Call or email your Members of Congress today and tell them to protect Medicaid for older adults and caregivers. Visit advocate.pcoa.org to take action today!
Pima Council on Aging will be hosting a series of Where We Are Today Town Halls across Pima County beginning in June 2025. These events will offer an honest look at the current landscape for older adults in our community—and what may lie ahead. With potential changes at the federal level, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. Join us for insightful panel discussions featuring experts from PCOA and our trusted community partners. We invite you to be part of the conversation. Visit pcoa.org and watch for upcoming dates, locations, and details. COMING THIS JUNE: Where We Are Today Town Halls
Page 16 | May & June 2025, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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