Take Action: Protect Our Older Adults in Nursing Homes

Do you have a loved one in a Nursing Home? Are you concerned about the care of our older adults?

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a budget resolution that would require $880 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program. Governor Hochul and our state legislators are currently debating how to fund New York State’s portion of Medicaid costs in the 2025-26 state budget bill being debated now in Albany.

Because the cost of long-term nursing home care is so high in New York, most nursing home residents in our state rely on Medicaid to pay for their care. However, New York’s nursing home Medicaid reimbursement rate is based on 2007 costs, and the gap between reimbursement and the actual cost of care is among the worst in the country. As a result of this underfunding, nursing homes experience staffing shortages, safety concerns, overcrowding, and even closures, all of which lead to inadequate care for our elderly and vulnerable loved ones.

Older adults, individuals with medically complex conditions, and those with disabilities deserve access to high-quality care, and the staff who care for our most vulnerable neighbors deserve wages that align with their demanding work. New York must address these issues in a comprehensive, thoughtful way that improves access to quality care for all New Yorkers. This entails a 20 % increase in Medicaid rates for nursing homes to begin to cover the cost of care and a restoration of recent capital reimbursement cuts.

What Can We Do About It?
Right now, Governor Hochul is working on the 2025-2026 state budget. Demand that Governor Hochul and our State Legislators fully fund Medicaid, close the $1.6 billion funding gap, increase Medicaid rates for nursing homes by 20%, and protect our elderly loved ones!

Take Action!
Join us for a letter writing campaign! We are writing to Governor Hochul and our State Legislators to demand that Medicaid be fully funded!

Date: Thursday, March 6th
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Cona Elder Law Headquarters
225 Broadhollow Rd, Suite 200, Melville

Why Take Action:
Members of the State Senate and Assembly rely on feedback from their constituents when making decisions that impact their voters. Direct outreach from constituents is the most effective way to influence your legislators. Your voice makes a difference!

Contact us at 631.390.5000 or rsvp@conalaw.com to RSVP or for more information. Thank you for taking action! #OlderAdultsMatter

This article was originally featured in Long Island Press’s March Power of Your Attorney