AARP Applauds Executive Budget on Rx, Fraud Proposals But Urges Lawmakers to Add Family Caregiver Tax Credit

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ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel today released the following statement in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2020-21 Executive Budget proposal:

“AARP applauds Governor Cuomo for tackling critical problems impacting older New Yorkers in his budget proposal, including the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, growing fraud perpetrated through robocalls, lack of universal access to safe and affordable banking services, the dangers of predatory and abusive debt collectors, and lack of transparency in healthcare costs.

“But we’re disappointed that the Governor did not propose a badly needed and cost-saving tax credit for family caregivers. Their unpaid labor of love provides the equivalent of $31 billion in care to our older loved ones while preventing costly and unwanted placements in mostly Medicaid-funded nursing homes paid for by taxpayers. We will be urging state lawmakers to add this tax credit to the final state budget.

“Prescription drug affordability is AARP’s top priority. We are extremely encouraged by the Governor’s proposals for safe, FDA-approved importation of lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, a cap on insured consumers’ out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-fighting insulin at $100 a month, and broader powers for the Department of Financial Services to investigate and hold public hearings on suspected drug price gouging, disallow unjustified increases, levy fines on perpetrators and require restitution to consumers.

“This comprehensive Rx affordability package represents a significant step to ensure New Yorkers can afford the drugs they rely on – in many cases to stay alive.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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