Long-Term Planning Directive for Senior Services Passes Senate Unanimously

SB 1061 directs Department of Human Services to create long-term plan.

Oregon State Capitol by: Tim King Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Continuing its commitment to supporting the needs of Oregon’s seniors, the Senate passed SB 1061 today by a unanimous vote. This bill directs the Department of Human Services to develop a comprehensive plan for long term care systems.

"This bill will allow the Department of Human Services to begin preparing for a tsunami of baby boomers that threaten to overwhelm the state’s senior services system," said Sen. Bill Morrisette (D-Springfield), chair of the Services to Seniors and People with Disabilities Committee.

"With the first post-World War II baby boomers starting to draw social security last week, the first wave of that tsunami has hit."

SB 1061 was introduced by the Services to Seniors and People with Disabilities Committee, which was appointed by Senate President Peter Courtney in response to the growing needs these communities. Oregon’s aging population is outpacing the growth of the nation as a whole. By 2025, projections indicate that one out of every five Oregonians will be over the age of 65.

"We have a moral obligation to this generation and future generations of Oregonians to plan for the needs of our aging population," said Senator Joanne Verger (D-District 5), a member of the committee.

Included in the provisions of SB 1061 are instructions for DHS to: plan for improving access to services with the least restrictive long-term care settings; creating a reimbursement structure that ensures access to services while controlling costs; and stabilizing funding for Oregon Project Independence.

Additionally, SB 1061 asks DHS to strengthen volunteer-based services for seniors, developing a model for a long-term care system that is not funded by Medicaid, and is based on early intervention and prevention services.

"The unanimous vote on SB 1061 this morning is a testament to the legislature’s dedication to supporting our seniors," said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin).

"With this important policy passed, we will now focus our efforts on increased support for seniors programs in the budget."