Page 4 - 2018PHAVoterGuide

Candidates for U.S. Senate

Bob Casey (D) Incumbent

First and foremost, I oppose Republican efforts to cut Medicaid. Access
to quality, affordable medical care is a right, and Medicaid helps millions
of Pennsylvanians, including those who are aging. I also oppose the
cuts to Medicare and Social Security that members of the House of
Representatives have proposed. These programs are part of the critical
infrastructure that allows for the care and support needed for aging
citizens of Pennsylvania as well as those with disabilities. These
programs are also the backbone that finances home-based services and
direct care providers who make it possible for older Pennsylvanians and
Pennsylvanians with disabilities to stay in their own homes, remain part
of their communities, and to live where they chose to live.

We must do everything we can to strengthen and protect these programs.
We have the most prosperous economy of any country on earth. We
can take care of our seniors and honor the promise they’ve earned
through a lifetime of hard work. Solving this problem will not be easy
but I am confident we can do it. Any changes to programs people rely on require careful study before
making changes. But I want to be clear: I will always oppose efforts to slash Medicaid or limit access
to affordable health care. Quality, affordable medical care is a right and the Medicaid program helps
millions of Pennsylvanians.

A critical concern for residents of Pennsylvania is the development of a strong, workforce of direct care
providers. As the population of the state ages, the demand for home and community-based services
will continue to grow. The ability to hire and retain qualified direct care workers is dependent upon
a workforce that is valued and respected. An important part of that respect is financial, but it is also
ensuring direct care workers are treated as an key component of the social service and health care
system. Both Medicaid and Medicare programs should support efforts by states to develop workforce
incentives that encourage their direct care workforce through financial rewards, career ladder options
and other incentives designed at the state level. I will continue to work in a bi-partisan manner to find
solutions to expand funding for home and community based services and to expand the direct care
workforce to provide the needed supports for our aging residents and Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

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