CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed severe budget cuts to the state’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, which would eliminate 87 percent of its services in July.

IHSS currently employs 370,000 home care workers who provide services and supports to 400,000 low-income people aged 65 and up, and Californians who are blind or living with a disability, including children.

The proposed cuts would “force many elders and people with disabilities, who are currently able to live in their own homes with a cost-effective system of support, into nursing homes at about five times the cost to the taxpayer,” said Chris Otero, chair of the governing board for the Personal Assistance Services Council of Los Angeles County.

Should the governor’s budget pass, only consumers that need the highest level of care will be eligible to receive IHSS services. A score of 4 or above on the state’s functional index scale would be required to receive home care services and supports.

The governor also proposes to cut the state’s wage contribution to $8 per hour, plus 60 cents per hour for health benefits. In some California counties, wages are $12.35 per hour.

IHSS Cuts to Face Legal Challenge

Advocates say that the courts could rescue the IHSS program, if the governor’s revised May budget does not. Numerous lawsuits that are based on similar attempts last year to eliminate individuals from the IHSS program are already in progress.

“We are hoping that the current court injunctions, will be upheld by the courts and it will be determined once and for all that these cuts violate federal law,” Otero said.

“The Olmstead Act passed by the Supreme Court in 1999, stating that people have the right to live in the least restrictive environment, affects not only those currently in institutions but also people who are at risk of institutionalization,” she said.

More Losses Possible

California’s adult day health care program — which provides health, therapeutic and social services to 45,000 people at risk of nursing home placement — would be completely abolished under the budget plan.

The suggested $950 million IHSS budget cuts are part of a $4 billion cut to the state’s Health and Human Service Agency proposed by Schwarzenegger to address the Golden State’s nearly $20 billion budget shortfall through June 2011.

Deeper cuts could be made to the agency if the state does not receive an additional nearly $7 billion it anticipates getting from the federal government.

– by Deane Beebe