Dan's Dispatch

House Bill 96, “Pioneers Home and Veterans Home Rates” passed the Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The goal of the bill is to adjust rates for our Pioneer Homes to reflect the level of service provided while protecting the Pioneer Home residents.

The rate increases proposed by Governor Dunleavy last year were painful and ineffective. With HB96, we adjusted rates for inflation that hadn’t been accounted for since 2004. Residents’ rates will go up from 2018, but in most cases decrease significantly from last year. By linking future rate increases to the most recent Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment, we ensure that rate increases will not outstrip resident’s income. This provides certainty for residents and their families as they plan for their future. Importantly, the bill also followed the Department’s need to create more nuanced levels of care.

Alaskans are living longer, while also experiencing Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. The bill accommodates the more detailed levels of care for these residents, and simultaneously lowers the age for entrance into the homes from 65 to 60. Studies show that a diverse mix of residents is beneficial to emotional and physical well-being for those living in the homes. Finally, the bill also allows the Department to rent or sublet empty rooms for respite care, something that the Agnew Beck Report suggested as a key reform for District 36’s Ketchikan Pioneer Home. HB96 represents sound bipartisan collaboration for our Pioneer Homes. It was sponsored by Rep. Zack Fields, had multiple co-sponsors including myself, and received unanimous yes votes in both the House and the Senate.

It will bring certainty and reassurance to the residents and their families and includes many ideas that will increase the health and well-being of residents.