AG 2002 11 18 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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There are two issues that~ur committee would like to bring to your attention. 1) Prescription Drugsifor Seniors. As you may know both the US Congress and the NC General Asser~bly have been considering prescription drug bills for older adults. Congress Ilas already defeated several bills and is beginning to look at a compromise bill to,_ help the most needy. NC has been trying to establish a prescription drug I~_- ogram working with drug companies and providing help to people with certair¢ diagnosis like head disease and diabetes. With the current financial problems,~funds set aside from the Tobacco Settlement in the Health and Wellness Trust Fund are in jeopardy. Most people have to purchase prescription drugs ~luring their lifetime. For older adults, the number of drugs to be purchased and the cost can force a person to have to choose between food and prescription drugs. This is a tremendous problem in our country. We must continue to search ~or a solution to this problem that many older adults face in later life. 2) Much of the fundirig for older adult services in Cabarrus County comes from Federal and state f~lnds received from the NC Division of Aging. With the difficult financial woes of MC some of this funding (like many others) is in jeopardy. Currently, funding ifor Senior Center Outreach and Senior Center General Purpose has been ~ken from the budget. Cabarrus County lost over $12,400 in service money in March 2002 and the budget being discussed by General Assembly could result in an additional loss of $375,000 statewide. Currently persons age 65 an~ above make up 13.1% of the Cabarrus County population and by 2020 it is ekpected to increase to 16.8%. It is important that we have adequate community services to help our older adults stay in their home and avoid the high cost ~f institutionalization as long as possible. We thank you for your supll~Ort and attention to the concerns and needs of older persons in Cabarrus County.