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LifeSTEPS co-sponsors bill to improve access to healthcare services allowing older adults to age in place

LifeSTEPS, in partnership with LeadingAge California, cosponsored Assembly Bill 2548, Healthier Homes- Age in Place Nursing Program, to improve access to affordable housing and healthcare services. Authored by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (D-Van Nuys), Chair of the Assembly Aging and Long-term Care Committee, AB 2548 will allow seniors to age in place rather than force them to relocate to more expensive healthcare settings. AB 2548 is part of Assemblymember Nazarian’s larger Aging and Long-term Care Bill Package.

“This pilot program acts as a pivotal first step in addressing social inequities facing low-income older adults,” said Beth Southorn, Executive Director of LifeSTEPS. “By helping older adults age in place, we can work to address California’s housing, long-term services and supports, and health care challenges all at once.”

Assembly Bill 2548 will establish the 5-year Healthier Home – Age in Place Affordable Housing Nursing Program in eight counties – Contra Costa, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, Shasta and Sonoma. A full-time registered nurse and a full-time community health worker will deliver health education, navigation, and coaching to residents at three affordable senior housing communities in each county. The bill is co-sponsored by LeadingAge California.

Meredith Chillemi Joins CalOptima Member Advisory Committee

LifeSTEPS Senior Director of Support and Health Services Meredith Chillemi recently attended her first meeting of the CalOptima Member Advisory Committee, lending her guidance and expertise on senior issues for the health plan. For the past year, Meredith served on CalOptima’s OneCare Connect Member Advisory Committee, representing long-term services and supports needs for seniors in Orange Country. LifeSTEPS currently serves 11 housing communities throughout Orange Country, providing education and support to 2,500 older adults.

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Meredith Chillemi joins California Health Advocates’ Board of Directors

LifeSTEPS is pleased to announced that Meredith Chillemi will join the California Health Advocates’ Board of Directors beginning this July.

“This is a transformational time in healthcare as we transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with board members on Medicare advocacy and education, as we ensure our older adults in California and younger residents on Medicare with a disability are informed and empowered in understanding, navigating and accessing their health care benefits and rights,” said Chillemi.