  HCA's 2010 State Advocacy Day
March 10, 2010
Legislative Leaders Speak at HCA's State Advocacy Day
Several of the state's top legislative leaders and health care policymakers spoke at HCA's 2010 State Advocacy Day today, March 10.
Legislative speakers included: Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson; Senate Finance Committee Chairman Carl Kruger; Senate Health Committee Chairman Tom Duane; Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried; Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb; Senate Health Committee Ranking Member Kemp Hannon; and Senator Craig Johnson, recipient of HCA's legislative leader award.
In their remarks to home care advocates gathering in Albany today, legislators discussed ongoing budget negotiations and applauded the home care community for advancing alternative cost-savings legislation in the form of HCA's multipart "Home Care Accessibility and Efficiency Improvement Act," sponsored by Senator Johnson — an alternative to the $155 million in cuts to home care proposed by the Governor. If adopted in full, HCA's legislation would save hundreds of millions of dollars in the state's Medicaid and health care programs, by drawing on the already cost-effective design of New York's home care system.
The legislators also noted the disproportionate impact of proposed cuts on home care, along with the cumulative effect of unfunded mandates and overly aggressive state Medicaid audit practices on provider stability. They also showed strong appreciation for the severe effect that additional reductions would have on the system, noting the importance of home care services in keeping vulnerable New Yorkers safe and healthy.
Click the videos below to view a clip of each legislator's remarks.
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