The SCAN Foundation

The planned budget would decrease General Fund spending in the Health and Human Services Agency by $4 billion, significantly affecting programs that currently serve California’s senior population.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — The SCAN Foundation today released a fact sheet outlining the senior-related program reductions contained in the 2010-2011 California state budget proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Jan. 8. The planned budget would decrease General Fund spending in the Health and Human Services Agency by $4 billion, significantly affecting programs that currently serve California’s senior population. The fact sheet is available on The SCAN Foundation web site, which re-launched today after undergoing a complete redesign of its features and functionality.

“Shoring up the state’s ever-increasing budget deficit is undoubtedly a top priority,” said Dr. Bruce Chernof, President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “However the proposed cuts have the potential to eliminate long-standing programs that provide the state’s growing senior population with critical services to remain independent in the community.”

The fact sheet highlights the proposed program reductions that will impact seniors and their caretakers. Examples include cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services program (IHSS), elimination of the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program, and reductions to the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP).

The fact sheet also explains the “Trigger” mechanism, which would lead to further reductions and permanent elimination of some programs if additional federal funds do not materialize.

As the California Legislature considers cuts and other solutions in the course of the budget session, The SCAN Foundation developed the fact sheet in an effort to help the public better understand the proposed budget changes, and specifically what programs would be affected that serve seniors. To review The SCAN Foundation California Proposed Budget fact sheet in its entirety, visit www.thescanfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE SCAN FOUNDATION

The SCAN Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing the development of a sustainable continuum of quality care for seniors that integrates medical treatment and human services in the settings most appropriate to their needs and with the greatest likelihood of a healthy, independent life. The SCAN Foundation supports programs that stimulate public engagement, develop realistic public policy and financing options, and disseminate promising care models and technologies. For more information about The SCAN Foundation, visit www.thescanfoundation.org.