Nursing Home Leaders to Remind Legislators: “It’s About the People!”

ALBANY, NY (02/22/2008)(readMedia)-- Representatives of more than 600 long term care providers from across the state will gather in Albany on Monday, February 25, 2008, to tell state legislators that proposed state budget cuts to health care are more than just numbers, but are really about New York’s seniors and the frail elderly who deal daily with the impact of cuts to long term care.

The NYAHSA campaign, with the theme of “Some people say state budget cuts to health care are about numbers, but NYAHSA and its members say…It’s About the People!” helps New Yorkers voice their opposition to the proposed state budget that will cut funding to nursing homes and their residents by $215 million and funding to home care providers and their clients by over $100 million.

“It’s easy to focus on the numbers and ignore the people when it comes to talking about cuts to health care, but NYAHSA and its members are here to say ‘It’s About the People!’” said Carl S. Young, president of NYAHSA, which represents not-for-profit and public continuing care providers. “Last year’s budget cuts have caused one in 10 nursing homes to consider closing and 2,700 certified nurse aides to lose their jobs. This year’s state cuts, combined with federal cuts, will undermine the system just as the Baby Boomers age into the system and those already in become more sick and more frail.”

“New York’s leaders need to honor the commitment they made back in 2006 when they approved by a vote of 211-1 to revise reimbursement methodology and stabilize nursing homes’ finances so they could transition to other forms of care, such as home care and assisted living,” Young stated. “Medicaid cuts are thwarting provider efforts to reshape the long term care system into one that is more person-centered with more service alternatives.”

During their visit to Albany on Legislative Day, NYAHSA members will brief legislators and aides on key issues including the impact of proposed Medicaid cuts, details of proposals to help providers adapt to accommodate the needs of future generations and healthcare workforce issues.

The representatives, all of whom are members of the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) and represent the state’s not-for-profit, mission-driven and public long term care providers, will meet with more than 100 state legislators.

-30-

Founded in 1961, the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) represents nearly 600 not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.