Friday, January 20, 2012

Court blocks in-home-care cuts for disabled, aged

By Bob Egelko, SFGate - San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer

A federal judge blocked the state on Thursday from reducing in-home care by 20 percent for 372,000 elderly and disabled Californians.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken of Oakland had issued a temporary restraining order Dec. 1 that barred state officials from notifying recipients of the cutbacks, which had been scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. She said she had serious questions about whether the reductions would violate federal law by forcing people into nursing homes.

After hearing arguments from state lawyers and disability-rights advocates Thursday, Wilken issued a preliminary injunction that maintains current levels of service while the case proceeds.

The program, called In-Home Supportive Services, provides care for the blind and disabled and those over 65 who need help with daily tasks to live at home.

Read complete article HERE.

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