The Raleigh Report
from the office of Representative Marian McLawhorn
October 16, 2008

During uncertain economic times, retirees and people with fixed incomes are often hit the hardest. Many of these people are senior citizens. During the past biennium, we have worked in the General Assembly to ease their burden by providing tax relief, affordable health care and housing. We also continue trying to make them feel safer and more secure when they have to live away from home.

This week, I want to share a few of our successes in these areas. Thank you as always for allowing me to communicate with you. Please contact me if I can be of any service.

Taxes

_We expanded the state’s homestead exemption by increasing the income cap and the value of the exemption. Income eligibility has increased from $18,000 to $25,000, and those who qualify can reduce the tax value of their home by up to $25,000. That’s $5,000 more than the law previously allowed. This change allows them to reduce their tax burden. The bill also allows qualified residents to defer a portion of what they owe for property taxes.

_ We established a state tax credit for the purchase of long-term care insurance. The credit allows married couples who earn up to $100,000 to claim a credit of up to $350 when they purchase long-term care insurance. Single people who earn up to $60,000 are also eligible.

Health

_We appropriated $1.2 million to implement and provide staff for a ratings and certificate program for adult care homes and to expand the Health Care Personnel Registry.  The registry will now include those workers who have indirect contact with residents or clients and who have been found guilty of neglect, fraud, abuse, drug theft, or misappropriation of patient or facility property. We have also set aside $75,000 for a program to improve direct care worker recruitment and retention.

_Legislators created a high-risk insurance pool for people who do not have access to affordable private health insurance. The program should be available by 2009 and will immediately benefit about 2,000 people.

_ North Carolina now guarantees insurance parity for people who receive mental health services. The new law (H973) requires insurance companies to cover major mental illnesses just as they cover physical illnesses. Other mental health conditions must be covered for up to 30 inpatient/outpatient days and 30 office visits.

_ We set aside $250,000 in grants for local organizations helping seniors enrolling in the NC Rx program and Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

_The Department of Health and Human Services agreed last year to not issue licenses for new home care agencies before 2009. The department is using the extra time to ensure that existing agencies comply with the new home care rules. Another bill (HB 424) directed the department to study ways to improve respite care for people with dementia, chronic or terminal illness, disabilities, and the elderly.

_ A new law (HB 554) increased the penalty for assaulting a patient in a health care facility.  It is now a Class H felony to assault a resident of a residential or health care facility if the assault shows a pattern of behavior that is negligent or causes bodily injury to the resident.  Another law (HB 1294) prohibits smoking in long term care facilities.  A violation can result in a fine of up to $200.

_Legislators passed a bill (HB 748) that allows pharmacies to override time restrictions on prescriptions during a state of disaster or emergency.  People who live in these areas can get one refill of a prescription if there are any more authorized refills or as a replacement for one that was recently filled.

Housing

_The NC Housing Trust Fund has grown over the past two years as the state tries to do more to provide safe and affordable housing for people with low incomes. The fund also assists seniors with necessary repairs and renovations. The fund now receives $10 million annually, up from $3 million in 2006. The fund received an additional $15.5 million to increase the number of independent-and supportive-living apartments for people with disabilities. Another $8 million has been set aside to pay for the operational costs of these apartments. The General Assembly also appropriated $3 million to expand the state’s Home Protection Program statewide.

Miscellaneous

_ My colleagues and I created the Silver Alert System in the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons to share information about missing persons with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Like the Amber Alert System, this system will work in cooperation with broadcasters and the Department of Transportation. The new law (HB 38) authorizes caretakers at a care facility to request the alert and allows emergency medical workers to help search for them.

_ The funding for Home and Community Care Block Grants has increased by $2.5 million a year. The money is used to help some seniors remain in their homes while they receive services such as home delivered meals, home care and adult day care.

Please remember that you can listen to each day’s committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select “audio,” and then make your selection – Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. You can also use the website to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information.