INDIANAPOLIS -- Nearly $4.8 million in taxpayer money meant to help keep seniors in their homes has been tied up in red tape at the Statehouse.

The Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled, or CHOICE, program is intended to help families care for seniors and the ill at home, instead of putting them in nursing homes.

More than 650 families are currently enrolled in the program, and supporters say the $4.8 million in additional funds could help another 900.

But the state is hesitant to release the money due to budget constraints, 6News' Kara Kenney reported.

"We haven't released the money yet because with the constant drop in revenue, we just don't know if we're going to have money to support people on the program," said Marcus Barlow, spokesman for the Family and Social Services Administration, which administers the CHOICE program. "I think it's important for people to remember we have a limited amount of funds."

Supporters of the program, along with a number of lawmakers, have written letters to Gov. Mitch Daniels and to FSSA, urging the money be released.

"FSSA is dodging its responsibility," said John Cardwell, a lobbyist for the CHOICE program. "It's a good deal for the taxpayers … It's just time to release the money."

He said that keeping seniors at home costs taxpayers a fraction of what it costs to put someone in a nursing home -- $5,000 a year, compared to $50,000 in Medicaid costs.

Theresa Cox, who cares for her elderly mother at home, is No. 675 of the more than 2,200 families on the waiting list for the CHOICE program. The program would give her 15 hours of help a week.

"It would take a lot of pressure off me, and it would make sure my mom is safe and being taken care of," Cox said.

Gary Parrish, who cares for his wife with Lou Gehrig's disease, is a CHOICE client, but budget cuts have slashed the hours of help he gets every week.

He said that's difficult to deal with knowing that the state has $4.8 million dollars in unused funds for that very purpose.

"That for me is a shame, an absolute shame," he said. "Because it's not just a possible need, it's a genuine need."

Daniels' office did not return calls for comment on Wednesday, and a representative with the State Budget Agency refused to comment as well.

Barlow said FSSA is waiting for a few more economic forecasts before making a decision about the funds.

More Information: Letter To Gov. Mitch Daniels From CHOICE Program Supporters