I strongly oppose Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposals for big rate increases for Pioneer Home residents. These increases would have a terrible effect on residents, most of whom are on fixed incomes and in some degree of ill health. Current monthly rates vary based on the level of care necessary: $2,588 for Level I; $4,692 for Level II; and $6,795 for Level III. Gov. Dunleavy wants to dramatically increase these rates in a new five-level system: $3,623 for Level I; $6,569 for Level II; $11,185 for Level III; $13,333 for Level IV; and $15,000 for Level V.
These proposed increases would result in doubling the rates for some residents (including, probably, me). There has been talk of a subsidy program that is supposed to partly offset these increased costs. This step is inadequate, however, given that some Pioneer Home residents will be forced into bankruptcy or forced to move, possibly out of state. The threatened big increases have already driven out some residents.
Alaska should adopt a broad-based tax such as an income tax instead of terrorizing elderly people. Adopting House Bill 96 would also prevent this preposterous rate increase, and I support that bill.
— Lucy W. Groh
Anchorage
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