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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Martinez

DATE TYPED 02/26/05 HB 826

SHORT TITLE Services for Navajo Nation Elderly

SB

ANALYST Weber

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$214.8

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Indian Affairs (DIA)

Aging and Long Term Care Services Department (ALSTD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 826 appropriates $214.8 thousand from the general fund to the Indian Affairs De-

partment for expenditure in fiscal years 2006 through 2008 to contract with a nonprofit tp pro-

vide elderly intervention specialists who will visit elderly persons in remote areas of the Navajo

nation on a bi-weekly basis to assist with health-related issues. No more than $71.6 thousand

may be expended in any one fiscal year.

Significant Issues

The Indian Affairs Department contributes.

A 2004 National Indian Council on Aging report stated that there are numerous chal-

lenges to providing needed services to vulnerable Indian elders. Service interventions

that are needed span a broad spectrum and include support for health and medical care,

caregivers, court advocacy, housing, information and referral, counseling, guardianship,

assistance in securing protective orders, shelters, and emergency funds. Finally, the re-

House Bill 826 -- Page 2

port says that services are provided by tribal community health representatives, tribal

health, social and behavioral health programs, state agencies and others.

There exists an Office of Indian Aging Affairs under the State Aging and Long Term

Care Agency. This office oversees the Indian Area Agency on Aging (IAAA), also

known as Planning and Service Areas (PSA). The goal is to empower the IAAA to be the

lead advocate on behalf of all Indian elders in the State. Another goal is to address the

long term care, housing, transportation and nutrition needs of the elderly in a coordinated

system of care. The Office of Indian Aging Affairs contracts with tribal entities for pro-

grams and services to Indian elders.

The Navajo Nation Planning and Service Area (PSA 5) serves the elders living in the Na-

vajo Nation tribal areas of New Mexico. A report by the Navajo Area Agency on Aging

PSA reports that there are currently 46 senior centers in New Mexico providing congre-

gate and home-delivered meals, transportation and social services. They have also part-

nered with educational institutions to address nutrition education, physical activity and

healthy cooking for Navajo elders at 10 senior centers.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $214.8 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general

fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY08 shall revert to

the general fund.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

Indian Affairs notes.

The State Aging and Long Term Services Department (ALTSD) oversees administrative and fis-

cal requirements of the Office of Indian Aging Affairs and IAAA contractors. It may be more

appropriate for the ALTSD to administer the funds appropriated in HB 826, rather than the DIA,

because ALTSD has the technical knowledge and expertise to assure that the funds are utilized to

their fullest potential and properly integrated into the other services that are offered to Navajo

elders through the IAAA. A stand-alone contract through DIA may not be the best utilization of

the funds dedicated to Navajo elders’ health-related issues.

MW/lg