Many Mainers are unaware of the drastic budget cuts Gov. Baldacci and the Legislature have made this year in programs affecting the elderly and their mental health services. These legislative budget cuts have forced the Department of Health and Human Services to unfairly reduce geriatric mental health provider reimbursement by more than 61 percent.

In addition to other policy changes, this has had a devastating impact on local mental health providers for the elderly. These providers have been forced to reduce staffing as well as examine program eligibility requirements for the elderly to receive mental health services. As a result, this has stressed a mental health system in which shortages already existed. Unfortunately, these cuts in MaineCare are not only affecting today’s seniors, but these programs have been so severely affected that the elderly will continue to feel the effects for years to come.

The elder population continues to grow at a steady pace in Maine, so, why has one of the most vulnerable populations been so unjustly targeted in the latest round of budget cuts? Simply, Gov. Baldacci and the Legislature do not make our elders’ mental health needs a priority despite the fact that the rate of elder suicide (age 65 and over) is the highest suicide rate of any other group in the state of Maine.

The Legislative should be made aware of our elders’ mental health needs and well-being.

Aaron Landry, Auburn

Greg Morin, Portland

Abbie Connors, Westbrook

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