Funding state program will save money in the long run

, Mar 25, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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I understand how difficult the economic situation is this year; however, I do not understand why the legislature is so reluctant to fund a proven program that will actually save the state money.

The Oregon Project Independence is a state funded in-home program that serves as a lifeline for low-income people over the age of 60. This program began 32 years ago, has a proven cost-savings track record of helping people with in-home services such as cleaning, cooking, shopping and personal care, so they can remain in their homes. Without these services, many would require long term care in foster homes, assisted living and nursing home facilities.

Consider the following regarding the importance and value of OPI: Over 3,600 individuals are being served statewide by OPI, and the average age of a client is 82 years old. Most of the clients live on less than $1,133 per month, well below poverty-level income limits that qualify individuals for Medicaid. And in-home care is an estimated $2,000 cheaper than the cost of serving a Medicaid client in a nursing facility.

If OPI services are terminated, a wide array of care workers will lose their employment, compounding the already high unemployment rate. Supporting these workers could drain state resources further. Clearly, there are some seniors who will struggle to stay in their homes without OPI; but others, and we have no way of knowing how many, will be forced into a long-term care facility at a much higher cost to taxpayers.

In 2007, the legislature transferred support for OPI from general fund dollars to the tax deferral program. Unfortunately, the TDP fund will be depleted by the end of June 2009. Without more funding, OPI will cease to exist.

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