House votes to widen home care access

Low-income senior citizens and disabled state residents would have broader access to state-funded home care under a landmark bill that was approved last night by the House.

The bill seeks to counter the state's historical preference for placing people in nursing homes, by guaranteeing that seniors can get care in the ``least restrictive setting" that meets their needs, including their own homes.

The unanimous House vote follows approval of a similar bill by the Senate last March. Before it becomes law, the revised bill must be passed by the Senate and signed by the governor. A spokeswoman for the Senate president, Robert E. Travaglini, declined to comment on the revised bill. The governor's office did not respond to a request for comment. The legislative session ends on Monday.

``This totally changes the state's approach and gives seniors themselves the choice" of getting care at home, said Representative Michael Festa, a Melrose Democrat.

Festa, who pushed for passage of the bill, said the final version has the approval of Governor Mitt Romney's administration.

The main provisions of the measure apply only to those on Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor and disabled. The bill also requires the governor to apply for federal permission to expand eligibility to people with more assets and income.

``It's an important civil rights victory for the elderly and disabled," said Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care.

Mass Home Care, an association of nonprofit home care providers, has been pushing the legislation for five years.

Last year, the state Medicaid program spent $2.2 billion on long-term care, 72 percent of which went to nursing homes. The bill is expected to save money as seniors opt for home care, typically less expensive. But the nursing home industry, which fears cuts in funding, and some health policy analyses suggest that so many more people would apply for care at home that costs could rise.

ALICE DEMBNER