State Senator Finney on Plans for Aging and Disability

State Senator Lowe Finney has outlined recent and upcoming developments in helping senior citizens in Carroll, Gibson and Madison counties.  “We are making progress to help the more than 700,000 seniors in Tennessee who can benefit from a simpler and more efficient government,” Finney said.

“Our state already offers numerous services to our older loved ones and neighbors, but it is often difficult to know whom to call or where to go to access those services.  My long-time goal is to move those various services into one agency to improve customer service and save taxpayer money.  Streamlining and consolidating services, cutting waste, and improving the quality of care should be our priority.”

In June, the General Assembly passed a resolution by Sen. Finney to create a special committee to study the benefits and possible implementation of such a plan. The Joint Committee to Study the Creation of a Department of Aging and Adult Services is convening its first hearing Nov. 4, Sen. Finney said.  (Coalition Update:  The next meeting will be December 7th at 8:30am in Legislative Plaza)

Finney also indicated progress in the development of legislation passed last year to improve long-term care options so more seniors can stay in their homes longer when they need additional medical care. 

Pushing for Quicker Improvements to Long-Term Care

Sen. Finney, Secretary of the Joint Committee on Long-Term Care Oversight, criticized Bureau of TennCare officials at a recent committee hearing for its lack of swift effort to implement the program authorized by the General Assembly and for planned delays in bringing the program to West Tennessee. 

“I can’t imagine why the Bureau would not want to have providers from all across the state engaged in this process sooner rather than later,” Finney stated during the hearing.  Chairman and East Tennessee Representative Dennis Ferguson (D-Midtown) stated that the original plan was “simply unacceptable”.

Following Sen. Finney’s criticism, TennCare officials reported back with an expedited timeline, stating the program would be implemented statewide by the end of the current fiscal year and, specifically, that program staff would begin meeting with West Tennessee providers about the program in late October and early November. 

TennCare officials planned to meet with long-term health care providers beginning Oct. 29 in Humboldt and Union City to discuss how the program would operate.

“The needs of West Tennessee families are as urgent as those in Middle Tennessee.  The Bureau’s original plan to set up the program in Middle Tennessee first is woefully deficient and unsatisfactory” Finney said.  “I’m glad we were able to move the program forward in a more timely fashion for our region of the state.”

Sen. Finney represents Carroll, Gibson and Madison counties in the State Senate. He is Vice-Chair of the State and Local Government Committee and also serves on the Transportation Committee. He and his wife Tiffany live in Jackson.  Reach him at 731 424 0461 or www.lowefinney.com.

Source:  NWTN Today at http://www.nwtntoday.com