AARP Applauds NYS Legislature for Proposed Budget Investments to Help NYers Age in Own Homes – Not Nursing Homes

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ALBANY, N.Y.— AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement in response to the New York State Senate’s and Assembly’s passage of their respective 2021-22 State Budget resolutions:

“AARP New York applauds the State Senate for proposing greater help for older New Yorkers to remain at home, as the vast majority want, rather than mostly unwanted moves to much costlier and mostly taxpayer-funded and potentially dangerous nursing homes.

“The $27 million the Senate’s budget resolution would add to home and community-based services for older New Yorkers would more than pay for itself in fewer Medicaid-funded nursing home placements.

“It’s both compassionate and cost-effective. We especially thank Senate Aging Committee Chair Rachel May for her leadership in pushing for this investment and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for recognizing its importance.

“The Assembly also proposed increases for these in-home services to the elderly, such as home-delivered meals, transportation to medical appointments and assistance with daily activities. These services help support many of New York’s 2.5 million family caregivers, who provide unpaid care valued at $31 billion a year in ensuring our loved ones can remain living with us.

“We thank the Assembly for taking a step in this direction too, and we urge the Assembly and Governor to match the Senate’s bold proposal and include this full, wise investment in the final state budget.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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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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