Bill protected Alzheimer's sufferers

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease - for the person living with it, their caregivers and their family. It is the most expensive disease to care for in America. Most living with the disease quickly become eligible for Medicaid. After draining their entire life savings, Illinoisans with Alzheimer's must turn to the only option left - Medicaid.

In Illinois, Medicaid funding was at risk of being cut. Our state's recent budget impasse also didn't help matters, as bills to providers were sent out so late that some local small businesses had to shutter their doors.

Thankfully, our state representative, Carol Sente, had enough and took a stand. She voted "yes" to pass a state budget and fully fund Medicaid services for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Rep. Sente also voted to protect the Community Care Program from Gov. Rauner's proposed cut. The Community Care Program serves many with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by providing home and community-based services rather than forcing the person living with it to seek more costly nursing home care.

This was leadership and she deserves credit for setting aside politics and protecting those in our community who most depend on these services.

Kerri Tuch Richmond

Buffalo Grove