Local Nonprofit Speaks Out About Proposed State Cuts

The Granite State Independent Living issued a press release regarding the recent House Finance Division III Committee vote to stop funding “optional services” in the State Medicaid program. The GSIL claims the effect that this vote will have on independence for seniors and people with disabilities is devastating.

One of the programs losing its funding is the consumer-directed Personal Care program, which is operated by GSIL. Since 1980, GSIL has served as New Hampshire’s only Center for Independent Living, dedicated to helping seniors and people with disabilities live life as independently as they choose. The organization says the program empowers individuals with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs for mobility to live in their own homes.

“For people that receive these services, there is nothing optional about them at all,” stated Jeff Dickinson, GSIL advocacy director, in the press release.

The GSIL Personal Care program allows individuals to continue living the life they choose. However, this vote has classified the GSIL Personal Care program and the essential support it provides was deemed an optional service for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Without these (personal care attendant) services I am not sure how I would get out of bed, get dressed, fix meals, toilet, shower, and do all of those regular activities that most people usually take for granted,” reported Dickinson. “I would be forced to live in a nursing home.”

The GSIL says slashing this funding will not savie state dollars and may increase state costs when independent residents are forced to turn to nursing homes to receive the care they need where costs are higher.