The Michigan Quality Community Care Council (MQC3) helps seniors and persons with disabilities remain healthy, independent and in their own homes, instead of forcing them into expensive nursing homes. It also provides in-depth training to homecare providers and performs thorough background checks to promote safety, accountability and transparency.

Unfortunately, the MQC3 is under attack by some corporate special interests looking to score political points. Senior and disability rights advocates are urging Michigan leaders to save the MQC3.

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of the MQC3. Through it, homecare providers receive in-depth training on issues like adult first aid, CPR, proper lifting techniques, infection control measures, nutrition, and working with patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

All homecare providers on the MQC3’s registry are required to undergo rigorous screening and background checks to ensure that seniors and persons with disabilities receive high-quality support and services. The registry then matches people with up to three pre-screened providers in their area that fit the criteria they and their families provide.

The MQC3 has also been a successful public-private partnership. It produces net savings of millions of dollars each year by avoiding expensive nursing home costs, according to two recent studies by the Anderson Economic Group. It costs less than $4,800 in Medicaid funds per year to provide a person with home care, according to the studies — that’s compared with nearly $52,000 per year for those in nursing homes.

About 53,516 Michiganders are enrolled in the state’s Home Help program, representing a 37 percent increase since 2001. Demand for the vital and efficient services offered by the MQC3 will continue to increase as baby boomers grow older.

That’s why it’s absolutely critical that Michigan policymakers join senior and disability rights advocates in protecting this important program.