Legislative Advocacy

Ombudsman Program staff is actively engaged in representing the interests of long-term care consumers before the Maine State Legislature. Whenever possible, we share data and information with legislators, the executive branch and state government officials concerning the first-hand experiences of consumers and their family members with the long-term care service delivery system. We work to educate legislators and policy makers regarding the needs and problems of long-term care consumers.

Our experience in resolving consumer complaints is the foundation for our testimony on long-term care legislation. We strive to provide a strong voice on behalf of consumers.

The Second Regular Session of the 124th Maine Legislature presented many advocacy challenges because of proposed cuts in long-term care services essential to the well being of Maine’s elderly and disabled citizens. Due to a significant budget shortfall, nursing facility, assisted housing, low cost drugs for the elderly as well as home and community based care services all faced substantial cuts. Both the advocacy and provider communities worked throughout the session in successful efforts to preserve these critically needed services.

The Ombudsman Program worked collaboratively with members of the Elder Issues Partnership and consumers to educate Legislators about the increasing need for home and community based services. A particular focus of our work was on the ongoing waiting lists throughout the state for the Independent Support Services Program ( homemaker program), Home Based Care and Adult Day Services. Funding for these services was restored along with an additional investment of $1,000,000 in state dollars for the Home Based Care Program . These additional funds will help to provide services to some of the elderly and disabled citizens who are waiting for services.

The voices of Maine’s elderly and disabled consumers and their families made a real difference in the efforts to preserve these vital services. Many came to testify before the Legislature sharing their stories about the help these services provide. Those who could not be there to testify, wrote letters, sent emails or made phone calls.

Streamlining Maine’s Home Care System

Public Law 2009, Chapter 279 (LD 1078) The Ombudsman Program participated along with thirty other interested parties in a workgroup led by the Department of Health and Human Services. This workgroup was established to review Maine’s home and community-based services system. This group met over a period of months to evaluate how to better serve consumers by simplifying the system. The workgroup issued a report including a number of recommendations to improve service delivery. Click here to read the report. The work of this important group continues with efforts to reach out to home care consumers throughout the state.

Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of Home-based care and Community-based Care (P.L. 2009, Chapter 420 – LD 400)

The Ombudsman Program partnered with the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging to obtain grant funding for the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of Home-based care and Community-based Care. The Maine Community Foundation and the Bingham Program provided funds for the work of this group. The Commission reviewed home and community-based services in this state and made a number of recommendations. Click here to read the report.

Legislative Web Site

To find State Senators and Representatives, check the legislative status of a bill, find the weekly schedule for legislative committee hearings, listen to audio of House and Senate Chamber proceedings and committee hearings, search Maine Statutes, and more. (Link)