Page 9 - 2018PHAVoterGuide

District 6 – Berks (part), Chester (OPEN SEAT)

Chrissy Houlahan (D)

Many of the voters I have met on the campaign trail are surprised to learn that
millions of America’s seniors depend on Medicaid for long-term care. While I do believe
expanding Medicare to cover in-home care is a viable option, I also believe we need
to take a more holistic approach at intersections of our healthcare and retirement
support systems by expanding Medicare eligibility through a Medicare buy-in for more
Americans approaching retirement and establishing a public option. For home-based
and long-term care, there are a number of supplementary measures we could take to
empower families with a wider variety of options, including meaningful tax and benefit
incentives for loved ones to provide some of the care our aging seniors need.

Greg McCauley (R)
The availability of less expensive and sustainable home-based care is dependent upon
advancing a variety of technologies to make home-based treatments more effective.
He would encourage the healthcare industry to invest in the R & D now and over time
get as much home-based care as possible.

District 7 – Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe (part) (OPEN SEAT)

Marty Nothstein (R)

As a Lehigh County Commissioner I have dealt first hand with the issues of our aging
population in Pennsylvania. When I was elected Commissioner the future of the
Cedarbook Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center was in doubt. Years of politicians
promising a solution had been met with no action. I spearheaded the effort to
renovate the current facility and make crucial investments for both long-term and
short-term residents. I am proud we were able to achieve this investment while
also lowering Property Taxes in Lehigh County. As the son of aging parents, both of
whom have decided they would like to spend their golden years in their own home,
I firmly believe we need to ensure resources are available for them to do so. Given
the ultimate cost savings versus a nursing home, I believe Government should do all it can to support
those who wish to receive home based care. I support expanding Medicare to cover in-home based care.
I believe Medicaid is an important social safety net that should be kept for our most vulnerable and
available for all seniors who need it. Reforms I support involve non-elderly and non-disabled enrollees.

Susan Wild (D)
Ensuring that Americans at the beginning and end of their lives are well cared for
with dignity and comfort is vital. I will fight to preserve Social Security and Medicare
and support all legislative efforts to ensure Pennsylvanian’s elderly population
and disabled community are well cared for. We know Pennsylvanians caring for an
aging parent often make great sacrifices, taking time off work and providing full
or part-time care to a parent who is uncomfortable being sent to a nursing home.
Increasing access and affordability for home-based care will not only benefit our
elderly population but our working families fighting to keep steady jobs and earn 9
wages to support themselves. Home-care is more cost effective than institutional