The Assembly Public Hearing on Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) took place on October 17, 2024, focusing on the challenges and future planning for elderly care in New York State. The meeting highlighted the increasing demand for services as the elderly population is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with estimates suggesting an increase to approximately 1.8 million elderly individuals in the next five to six years.

A key point of discussion was the financial strain on the system, as the state’s funding for the In-Home Services for the Elderly Program has remained flat while costs, including minimum wage, have risen. Currently, the city covers about 80% of the program's costs, raising concerns about the sustainability of funding as the population of working-age individuals continues to decline. This demographic shift is expected to place a heavier burden on the budget to support the elderly, especially as New York City has seen stagnant or declining population numbers over the past decade.

Assembly members expressed the need to prioritize budget allocations to effectively serve the elderly, particularly in light of recent population losses that have resulted in reduced congressional representation. The discussion also touched on the importance of understanding the specific needs of the elderly population, especially those who may not typically engage with existing services.

In response to inquiries about the program's reach, officials committed to providing data on the percentage of veterans served by the EISEP program. They also shared insights from a recent older adult survey, which garnered over 7,700 responses, indicating a need for more tailored services to meet the diverse needs of the aging population.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the survey data and incorporate updated census information into future planning efforts, ensuring that the state is prepared to address the evolving needs of its elderly residents.