Whats Happening

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New York State Legislators Reject Governor's Plan to Cut Home Health Care

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What's Happening

** In late April, New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers finalized a $233 billion budget. Included in the budget was a provision that would have made changes to the eligibility criteria for home health care, potentially forcing thousands of disabled New Yorkers to lose their coverage. **

Advocates Speak Out

** Advocates for people with disabilities say that the proposed changes could eventually kill a program that helps over 130,000 New Yorkers. They argue that the changes would make it more difficult for people with disabilities to get the care they need, and could even force some people to institutionalized. **

The Governor's Response

** Gov. Hochul has defended the proposed changes, saying that they are necessary to control Medicaid expenses. However, she has also said that she is willing to work with advocates to find a compromise. **

What's Next

** The state legislature is currently considering the budget, and it is unclear whether the provision on home health care will be included in the final version. Advocates are urging the legislature to reject the provision, and they are also calling on the White House to do more to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the care they need.