A stark reality emerged during the Assembly Public Hearing on Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) held on October 17, 2024, as advocates highlighted the urgent need for increased support for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York. Kevin Koprowski, Director of Public Policy for LiveOn New York, delivered a powerful testimony detailing the dire circumstances faced by many, including personal accounts of individuals sleeping in wheelchairs and enduring unsanitary conditions due to a lack of available care.

Koprowski emphasized the mental health toll on caregivers who struggle to find support for their loved ones, leading to increased substance use and a worrying rise in suicidal thoughts. He argued that the state benefits economically from its older population and must prioritize their needs to ensure New York remains a viable place for aging residents.

Despite presenting compelling data on the cost-effectiveness of investing in non-Medicaid services, Koprowski lamented the state's refusal to allocate necessary funding. He pointed out that over 16,000 service requests remain unfilled, with many individuals unable to access immediate care when needed. The situation is exacerbated by a mandated $2 rate increase for home care workers, which has not been funded by the state, resulting in a significant budget deficit for organizations like LiveOn New York.

Koprowski also raised concerns about upcoming changes to Medicaid home care eligibility, which could further strain resources as more individuals seek essential services. He noted that the largest nutrition program in the country is facing a $6.3 million federal cut, compounded by rising costs due to inflation.

As the hearing concluded, Koprowski urged state leaders to take immediate action in the upcoming executive budget to address these pressing issues. He called for a commitment to invest in the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) to ensure that the network, which has supported older adults for over 50 years, can continue to provide vital services. The message was clear: without significant changes, the state risks failing its most vulnerable citizens.