Alameda County Seniors Protesting Cuts to Adult Day Health Care, IHSS
On Friday, about 100 seniors and eldercare advocates gathered in Oakland to protest Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) proposed cuts to health and social services for older residents, the Oakland Tribune reports (Sutton/Gonzalez, Oakland Tribune, 6/19).
In his revised budget plan, Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting:
- $750 million from the state's In-Home Supportive Services program; and
- $532 million from Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program (California Healthline, 5/17).
Schwarzenegger also has proposed cuts to adult day health care and Supplemental Security Income.
Alameda County Supervisor Gail Steele said the proposed cuts would place more strain on the county's already overburdened services. During recent budget cycles, thousands of Alameda County seniors have lost optional benefits for various specialized medical services, as well as Medi-Cal assistance to cover Medicare premiums.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has gone on record to oppose the governor's proposed cuts (Oakland Tribune, 6/19). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.