NYSCA
1450 Western Ave, Ste 101
Albany, NY 12203
518-765-2790
518-463-8656 (Fax)
info@coalitionforaging.org

New York State Budget 2003

NYSCA State Budget Alert #2 – March 4, 2003

The 2003-04 Proposed Budget Will INCREASE State and County Medicaid Costs, Reduce Cost-Effective Community Based Services, Eliminate Jobs and Raise Fees and Taxes

REJECT THESE CUTS!

BACKGROUND – The Proposed Executive Budget recommends cutting services to the community-based network that maximizes a seniors independence, supports their caregivers, and prevents and delays more costly care in hospitals and nursing homes.

NYSOFA ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS – Cost-effective community services focusing on health prevention and wellness and non-medical support services
The Governor proposes to cut NYSOFA Administered programs by over $13 million – these cuts include
• Ending the EISEP program as we know it – eliminates all the statutory language and consolidates the Program into CSE – cutting it by over $3 million and shifting costs to the counties.
• Reduces state financing for Planning and Implementation -
• Reducing non-medical in home services
• Reducing case managed services
• Eliminates CSI, NORC’s, Foster grandparent and RSVP funding
• Reduces social model adult day and respite funding
• Takes from our states poorest elderly, blind and disabled citizens in the SSI program their federal cost of living adjustment of $7 by reducing the states share by that amount.
• Increases the costs to participate in the EPIC Program

These programs & services are the first line of defense, helping to maximize independence and avoid more costly care in hospitals and nursing homes and they support the family and caregiver.

IMPACT

• Less ability for New York providers to serve the seniors in their communities
• Reliance on Medicaid as the only option to receive care
• Reduced access to non-medical and medical in-home supports.
• Increased Medicaid costs at the state and local level
• Less support services for family caregivers

A violation of the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision!

In a post Olmstead environment, New York must begin to invest, over time, in services that enable individuals of all ages to live in their homes and communities.

THE MESSAGE

Tell your Assemblymember and Senator to “encourage that individuals live in the most integrated setting possible (their homes and communities) by rejecting the proposal that eliminates their access to community services – restore NYSOFA funding & do not Eliminate the EISEP Program”