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Louisiana Governor Signs Bill to Establish Trust Fund for In-Home Services for Seniors

Posted on 06/14/23

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:  
LaTonya Scott, communications director                                             
(225) 252-1192, lsscott@aarp.org
_________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2023

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Baton Rouge, LA – Today, Governor John Bel Edwards signed SB 39, a bill to establish a funding source dedicated to keeping older adults in their homes for as long as possible. 

SB 39 creates the “Community Options Waiver Trust Fund” for seniors and adults with disabilities, which aims to expand and improve Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provided through the state’s Office of Aging and Adult Services.

The bill was passed unanimously by Louisiana lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session.

Under the bill, 12 percent of any excess state revenue will be directed toward the fund, and monies would be eligible for federal matching funds.

“This is a major milestone for seniors, and funding for HCBS options will be crucial as the population of older adults expands over the next decade,” said Andrew Muhl, AARP Louisiana advocacy director.

Currently, nearly 8,000 older adults in Louisiana are waiting to receive these services– with wait times as long as 10 years. 

“Historically, dedicated trust funds have been used to increase HCBS for other groups that use these services, and we are thrilled to see this policy now being replicated for seniors,” said Muhl.

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

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