Opinion: Leave Wisconsin LTC Alone

MILWAUKEE — Governor Walker’s 2015-17 budget proposal would dismantle Wisconsin’s nationally admired long term care (LTC) system that provides critical supports to people with disabilities and older adults to enable them to stay in their own homes and avoid costly institutional  care. Family Care and IRIS currently serve nearly 55,000 older adults and individuals with developmental or physical disabilities, all of whom qualify for a nursing home level of care. These programs, unlike acute and primary health care, provide daily personal supports (such as help with bathing, dressing, and meal preparation), and transportation and support for work and community activities.