Better Aging and Policy Testifies Before NY Assembly Committee on Aging

On December 12, 2022, the New York State Assembly Committee on Aging held a hearing to “examine the financial, economic, and social challenges non-Medicaid eligible older adults face in accessing home-based long-term care services.” Better Aging and Policy Consulting Founder Allison Cook was invited to testify. Her testimony highlighted the challenges faced by older adults, people with disabilities, family caregivers, and workers in the current LTSS system. Her recommendations included:

• The legislature should direct the Master Plan on Aging and Olmstead Implementation Plan processes to include subcommittees that issue recommendations for a new long-term services and supports (LTSS) financing system.

• The legislature should allocate funding for an actuarial study of LTSS financing program options (such as a new LTSS social insurance program, single-payer healthcare that includes LTSS, or expanding Medicaid).

• The legislature should require the reconvening of stakeholders following the release of the actuarial study to issue recommendations to the legislature regarding what LTSS financing programs beyond the existing Medicaid program should be.

Read her full written testimony.

Watch a recording of the hearing.