The Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) took center stage during the New York State Assembly's public hearing on October 17, 2024, as advocates called for increased funding to support vulnerable seniors. The program is crucial for individuals who earn just above the Medicaid threshold but cannot afford private home care services, which can cost up to $40 an hour.

Currently, the Medicaid benchmark in New York is approximately $1,700 per month, leaving many seniors, who earn between $2,200 and $2,300 monthly, struggling to pay for necessary in-home care. EISEP provides essential services such as bathing assistance and respite care, allowing seniors to remain in their homes rather than being forced into costly institutional settings. The average annual cost for these services is around $10,000, a stark contrast to the $150,000 required for skilled nursing facilities.

The hearing highlighted alarming statistics: 10% of individuals on the waiting list for EISEP end up in nursing homes without accessing any community services. Advocates emphasized that without adequate funding, many seniors are left with no choice but to impoverish themselves to qualify for Medicaid, or they face institutionalization.

Despite the pressing need, advocates criticized the state for failing to prioritize investment in home and community-based services. They noted that social determinants of health account for 60% of healthcare expenditures, yet only 3% of spending addresses these issues. While the legislature allocated $10 million in unmet need funds last year, this funding was merely a restoration of previous cuts and does not guarantee ongoing support.

Advocates urged the legislature to recognize the humanity of those served by EISEP, many of whom are retired professionals who contributed to society. They called for sustained funding to alleviate the burden on county governments and ensure that seniors receive the care they need to live with dignity in their own homes. The message was clear: investing in EISEP is not just a budgetary decision; it is a moral imperative to support the aging population of New York.