The New York State Legislature convened an Assembly Public Hearing on October 17, 2024, to discuss the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). The meeting focused on the urgent need for enhanced funding and services for older New Yorkers, who are facing significant challenges in accessing necessary care.

The hearing began with acknowledgments of the importance of the issue, particularly from AARP representatives, who emphasized the critical situation many elderly individuals find themselves in due to long waiting lists for services. AARP's state president, James O'Neil, highlighted that older New Yorkers are often unsafe in their homes while waiting for assistance, leading to increased emergency room visits and even fatalities.

Key discussions centered around the funding history of EISEP. Advocates pointed out that while the Assembly had restored $10 million in funding last year, this amount was insufficient to address the growing waiting list, which is estimated to be between 11,000 and 18,000 service requests. The need for an additional $42 million was stressed to adequately meet the demands for in-home services, which include housekeeping and meal delivery.

The Assembly members acknowledged the complexities of the budget process, noting that the executive branch had previously proposed cuts that necessitated the Assembly's intervention to restore funding. They expressed a commitment to work collaboratively to secure the necessary resources in the upcoming budget cycle.

AARP representatives also presented data indicating that investing in EISEP could lead to significant savings in Medicaid costs, estimating that a $42 million investment could save the state approximately $237 million. This financial argument was framed within the broader context of demographic changes in New York, where the older population has increased by nearly 35% over the past decade.

The meeting concluded with a call for transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds for EISEP, as well as a commitment from legislators to prioritize this issue in future budget proposals. The urgency of addressing the unmet needs of older adults and their caregivers was a central theme, underscoring the importance of timely action to improve the quality of life for New York's aging population.