AARP Calls on Cuomo Administration for Plan to Vaccinate Homebound Seniors

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Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Other States Have Plans; ‘Why is NY Lagging Behind?’

ALBANY, N.Y.— AARP New York today called on the Cuomo administration to expedite a statewide plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to homebound seniors who are unable to travel to vaccination sites.

Efforts to immunize this population are inadequate, and they are a priority group that are being left behind even as the State is about to expand vaccine eligibility to all New Yorkers ages 16 and older as of next week.

AARP sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo March 18 requesting implementation of a statewide coordinated plan to vaccinate the homebound (see full letter below). To date, the administration has not announced such a plan.

Texas, Florida and Massachusetts are among states that have rolled out such plans.

“The Cuomo administration has done a good job ensuring that vaccinations are available for adult New Yorkers who are able to get to vaccination sites, but the homebound are not,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “And many homebound seniors have medical conditions that make them highly susceptible to COVID. That puts not only them in danger, but also any paid or unpaid caregivers who care for them. Other states are acting to address this issue now; why is New York lagging behind?”

Below is the text of AARP’s full letter to Governor Cuomo:

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.

March 18, 2021

Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
Executive Chamber
Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

RE: Statewide Coordinated Homebound Vaccination Program

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I am requesting your administration immediately implement a statewide coordinated plan to vaccinate individuals who are homebound, as well as their caregivers, who may not be eligible for a vaccination at this time.

It is our understanding that many counties have established homebound plans that include working with local Emergency Medical Services. However, we are not aware of any statewide approach or policy on vaccinating the homebound.

AARP has seen a central approach in other states, working with counties, where homebound consumers can email or call a designated phone number to schedule an appointment to receive a vaccine in their own home.

AARP strongly believes a policy should be implemented immediately and coordinated with counties. This pandemic is filled with grim statistics, and one of the most disturbing is that 95 percent of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. were people 50 or older. About 8 in 10 deaths have been among people 65 and older, according to data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to a report released by The Center for an Urban Future in February 2019, over the past decade, the number of New Yorkers age 65 and over has increased by 26 percent, or about 647,000, while the State’s overall population grew by just 3 percent. With New Yorkers across the state living longer than ever before, the population aged 85 and above is booming.

Overall, the number of 85-plus New Yorkers has also increased by 26 percent since 2007, from 353,299 to 444,005.

In fact, according to the New York State Office for the Aging — whose largest program provides services to older New Yorkers to help them age in their own homes —the average recipient under the Enhanced In-Home Services for the Elderly Program is an 83-year-old, low-income widow, who is limited in 3.5 activities of daily living and is coping with four chronic health conditions.

In light of these demographics and knowing how this virus has devastating impacts on our older population, we believe the homebound and their caregivers deserve nothing less than a well-coordinated approach to be vaccinated in their own homes.

Once vaccinated, the homebound will be able to live without fear of receiving family and friends in their homes - or receiving their caregiver, who is essential to their wellbeing and ability to live independently in their community.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Beth Finkel
State Director
AARP New York

cc: Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor

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