Ohio Department of Aging
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2006
COLUMBUS - Governor Bob Taft; Merle Grace Kearns, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging; members of the Ohio General Assembly and advocates for people with disabilities gathered today in the Statehouse Atrium to discuss successful initiatives to expand choice in long-term care. Legislative Briefing: "Benefit of Independence, Value for Ohio" also explored ways Ohio and the nation can continue to reduce institutional bias in care for the elderly and people with disabilities.
"More than six years ago, I asked key agencies responsible for services to people with disabilities to help me re-shape Ohio's approach to long-term care and reduce our reliance on institutions," said Governor Bob Taft. "Our mission was clear: take immediate steps - large and small - to transform the Medicaid system to empower consumers and give them real choice."
Most Ohioans, if given the opportunity, would choose to remain in their own homes and communities as long as possible. The vision of Ohio Access was to enable people of any means to access the long-term care services they need in their homes and communities. Bypassing institutional care promotes independence and allows the state to serve more consumers with the same money. In June, 2001, Taft launched Ohio Access for People with Disabilities, an initiative to expand home- and community-based services, redesign existing systems and reduce the state's reliance on facility-based services.
"Governor Taft recognized the institutional bias in Ohio's long-term care system early in his term and vowed to do something to reduce and ultimately eliminate it," said Kearns. "Through his leadership, Ohio has expanded existing programs, created new initiatives and responded to the changing needs of its citizens."
On behalf of the Ohio Access partner agencies, boards and commissions, Director Kearns presented Taft with a special Legacy Award.
For more information on the briefing, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/conference.
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.
About Ohio Access
Ohio Access is a comprehensive plan to give individuals meaningful choices, get the best value from taxpayer investments and align systems to improve quality and outcomes. Partners include state departments responsible for services to people with disabilities, state councils and task forces on disabilities and disability advocates. For more information, visit ohioaccess.ohio.gov.
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Ohio Department of Aging