Resolution supporting increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers

WHEREAS, the funding method for ADRCs has not been revised in more than a decade, and funding for ADRCs has not increased since 2006; and

WHEREAS, it has become evident that ADRC funding needs revision for a number of reasons, including:

• The current inequitable distribution of funding among ADRCs.

• The need to increase funding so that all ADRCs may effectively meet their mission, as outlined in the Scope of Services contract addendum; and

WHEREAS, the Office for Resource Center Development (ORCD) within the Department of Health Services (DHS) established a stakeholder advisory group in 2017 to discuss ADRC funding; and

WHEREAS, the stakeholder advisory group identified a number of issues with the current funding formula, such as:

• Dollars are distributed based on the date of ADRC establishment - older ADRCs (Generation One) receive more funding than ADRCs established at a later date (Generation Two and Three ADRCs);

• The current formula does not take into account elements associated with health and social inequity that require a greater need for ADRC services;

• The current formula does not adjust with need – Wisconsin’s aging and disability populations continue to grow and are expected to grow significantly over the next 20 years;

• The current formula does not account for needed cost of living adjustments; and

WHEREAS, a significant state GPR investment is needed to implement the recommendations of the stakeholder advisory group; and

WHEREAS, such a significant state investment would provide consistency in ADRC funding statewide, cover the services required and recommended in the Scope of Services contract addendum, and equalize services among ADRCs; and

WHEREAS, the work of the stakeholder advisory group complements the work of the Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors does hereby support the following increases in the 2021-23 state biennial budget to ensure access to critical services provided by ADRCs to Wisconsin’s aging and disability populations:

• Provide an additional $27,410,000 GPR in funding to our state’s ADRCs. It is important to note that the proposed change in the ADRC allocation methodology cannot occur unless the full $27.4 million is allocated.

• Provide additional funding to expand/equalize ADRC services across the state:

  • Expand Dementia Care Specialist Funding Statewide: $3,320,000

  • Fully Fund Elder Benefit Specialists Statewide: $2,300,000

  • Expand Caregiver Support and Programs: $3,600,000

  • Expand Health Promotion Services: $6,000,000

  • Expand Care Transition Services: $6,000,000

  • Fund Aging and Disability Resources in Tribes: $1,180,000

  • Fully Fund Aging and Disability Resource Support Systems: $2,650,000; and

     

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor Tony Evers, DOA Secretary Joel Brennan, DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, the Wisconsin Counties Association and all area legislators.