June 18, 2019
In May, during our inaugural Convening on Aging and Long-Term Services and Supports, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced a new initiative aimed at improving care and services for older Mainers and adults with disabilities.
Under this new initiative, DHHS has formed an Aging and Long-Term Services and Supports Advisory Group, which will advise the Department on how to reform and improve Maine's system of services. This work will include establishing long-term priorities such as expanding the workforce as well as short-term objectives, such as expanding access to services in residents' homes and communities and improving coordination of care for beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicaid (MaineCare) and Medicare. It builds on the budget signed into law yesterday by Governor Mills which restores health care assistance to 1,800 low-income Medicare enrollees.
DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced today the appointment of 16 members to the Advisory Group. This group consists of individuals representing consumers, legislators, providers, and experts. It will meet three times between July and October 2019 and produce a report this fall that proposes specific reforms.
| Aging and Long-Term Services and Supports Advisory Group | |
|---|---|
| Name | Organization |
| Jess Maurer | Maine Council on Aging |
| Glen Cyr | North Country Associates |
| Brenda Gallant | Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program |
| Betsy Sawyer-Manter | Elder Independence of Maine/SeniorsPlus |
| Tom Newman | Alpha One |
| Leo Delicata | Legal Services for the Elderly |
| Laurie Belden | Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine |
| Dawn Palmer | Home Care for Maine |
| Mike Stair | Care and Comfort |
| Don Harden | Catholic Charities Maine |
| Lori Parham | AARP |
| Jessica Fay | Representative |
| Marianne Moore | Senator |
| David Winslow | Maine Hospital Association |
| Ken Albert | Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice |
| Barbara Crowley | MaineGeneral Health |
The Department also will coordinate public listening sessions with the Advisory Group across the state to gather perspectives on Maine's aging and long-term services and supports system. Further details, including dates and locations, will be announced on the DHHS website.