Image provided by: SEIU Local 503; Salem, OR
About Dignity (Salem, OR) 200?-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2007)
Spousal Care Program Expands In February 2000, after a long fight to save the Spousal Care program, a fight which was organized by our union and led by spousal caregivers through out the state, the Legislature voted to reinstate the program after slashing it during the previous legislative session. It was a bittersweet victory because the Legislature capped the number of couples who could be on the program at one time to 198. Legislators also directed the Seniors and People with Disabilities agency direc tors to pursue approval from the federal government to expand Medicaid waivers to allow spousal caregivers to receive federal matching funds rather than having the program completely funded out of Oregon tax revenues. Here's the Good News We just received word that the spousal care program has been approved by the federal Medicaid agency and in January, SPD opened the spousal care program to any couple who meet eligibility, without a cap on the number who can be enrolled at one time. If you or someone you know might be eligible for the spousal care program, tell them to contact their local branch office to apply. To all the spousal caregivers and their loved ones who stood together in 2000 and fought back against a decision that threatened to tear families apart, congratulations. Your efforts have paved the way for those who will benefit from this expansion in the years to come. And to SPD officials who have worked diligently to gain federal approval, thank you as well. For more than five years spousal caregivers have stood together to fight for dignity and respect for their families. Their courage is the foundation for this victory. LOCAL 503 Si SEIU Stronger Together SEIU Local 503, OPEU 1730 Commercial St. SE, Salem OR 97302 Mailing Address: PO Box 12159, Salem OR 97309-0159 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 202 Salem, Oregon
