A historic $15 million investment and groundbreaking changes to address unmet needs and expand access to services for older adults are included in New York State’s fiscal year 2020 enacted budget. These investments will enable individuals who are eligible for services, but are unable to receive them due to funding limitations, access vital community-based services. Policy changes will enable the state to expand services to middle-income older adults through the development of a private pay model. Services include delivered meals, care management, housekeeping, personal care, respite, and other related services.
Franklin County stands to receive more than $300,000 through the program to invest in community-based supports for its aging residents. According to Rebecca Preve, Director, Franklin County Office for the Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging is required under law to fund community supports based on a statutory funding formula. “This funding is outside the formula and allows NYSOFA to directly fund counties based on their longstanding reporting of actual unmet needs,” explained Preve. “Further, this funding provides maximum flexibility for counties like ours to meet unmet needs creatively, should traditional services not be available. For example, if we are unable to secure an aide for a customer, we can work to meet their needs in other ways.”
Preve concluded, “We have been told these funds will remain in the state’s financial plan, assuring we can continue to serve these individuals.”
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