|
  Press Releases
For Immediate Release: June 7, 2010
Contact:
Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the Governor's Budget Extender Legislation
Today is a sad day for New York's health care system and for the disregard of policy options that would save costs and improve the system. The home health care system in particular is financially collapsing; yet, instead of an antidote or surgical repair, the plan unfolding today by the Governor and Legislature is more of the same lethal prescription of cuts that sends patient services in an irreparably downward spiral.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2010
Contact:
Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Amid Budget Impasse, Senator Valesky and Assemblywoman Destito Introduce Bill to Protect Rural Home Health Services
HCA-developed legislation would block Paterson Administration's circumvention of legislative process in attempt to cut vital funding for county-government-run home health
State Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (D-Rome) have introduced HCA-developed legislation (S.7916/A.11170) that would block $6.7 million in damaging cuts to local county-government-sponsored home health providers.
The state Department of Health recently proposed a rule to enact cuts to county home care programs administratively, circumventing the legislative process and threatening the survival of home health services in many counties throughout rural and upstate New York.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: March 10, 2010
Contact:
Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Home Care Community Honors Sen. Craig Johnson with Leadership Award
Senator Johnson is sponsor of key legislation to protect home care services and enhance the delivery of care to patients at home
As a prelude to its State Advocacy Day today in Albany, The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has presented State Senator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) with an award for "his leadership in working with HCA to advance quality home care in New York State."
"HCA is privileged to present Senator Johnson with this special award in recognition of his strong support for New York's home care community and the patients it serves," said HCA President Joanne Cunningham. "Senator Johnson's advocacy during budget negotiations has spared the needless loss of home care services, which keep elderly, disabled, and chronically ill New Yorkers safe within the community. We especially applaud Senator Johnson's collaborative work with the home care community on creative solutions to our state's fiscal challenges in pursuit of a sensible path for making health care more efficient in New York State."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: February 9, 2010
Contact:
Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Budget Testimony: $155M More in State Budget Cuts Would Sideline Home Care System Already Jeopardized by Prior Year Cuts
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) Board Member Michelle Mazzacco, Vice President/Director of Troy-based Eddy Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), today delivered testimony on behalf of HCA before a joint hearing of the Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees where she described the impact of $155 million in proposed state budget cuts on a home care system already destabilized by over $300 million in cuts just since April 2008.
"Today, my agency serves patients with increasingly complex clinical needs at home," Ms. Mazzacco said. "Without home care, most of these patients would be hospitalized more often, experience much longer hospital stays, and would more likely need nursing-home care as their health, cognitive, or physical condition deteriorated — all at a much higher cost to Medicaid."
"Yet in spite of home care's proven cost-effectiveness, and its success in managing complex health conditions, a legion of past Medicaid cuts has left many providers in dire economic distress," Ms. Mazzacco said in her testimony.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 19, 2010
Contact:
Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Governor Paterson's Proposed Budget
"New York's home care system is already in serious financial peril, due to past reimbursement cuts that have left 67 percent of agencies operating in the red. An alarming 44 percent of home care providers must borrow money simply to meet daily operating expenses and fulfill their mission to New York's most vulnerable.
"The over $147 million in new state-and-federal-share home care cuts proposed by Governor Paterson in today's budget — on top of over $300 million in cuts already enacted since April 2008 — would add to these pressures, further destabilizing New York's home care safety net by making it even more difficult for providers to continue serving patients without racking up enormous losses, tumbling further into debt, cutting staff, or resorting to the elimination of programs.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2010
Contact:
William Van Slyke (HANYS) 518-431-7770
Roger Noyes (HCA) 518-810-0665; 518-275-6961 (cell)
Joint Statement From Healthcare Association of New York State President Daniel Sisto and Home Care Association of New York State President Joanne Cunningham
OFFICE OF MEDICAID INSPECTOR GENERAL SHOULD TARGET FRAUD
ALBANY, N.Y. — "The state's Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) was established to ensure the integrity of the Medicaid system. We strongly support that critical mission and agree with OMIG that the small number of providers who engage in fraud harm both the state's Medicaid system as well as the entire health care industry and, therefore, must be held accountable for their actions.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 6, 2010
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665;
(518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Governor Paterson's State of the State Address
"Despite the many significant health issues affecting New Yorkers and the state's health care delivery system, today's State of the State Address provided no real details about the Governor's health care priorities for the coming year. It appears that citizens of the state and the health care community will have to wait for the Executive Budget proposal or Executive program bills to learn more about the Governor's health care plans for the coming year."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: December 2, 2009
Contact:
Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 (cell)
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Legislature's Passage of a Deficit-Reduction Plan
"The Senate and Assembly have passed a deficit-reduction bill that scales back many of the Governor's proposed home care cuts. Nevertheless, the home care community remains concerned about the future sustainability of services under the Governor's claim that more cuts are still needed."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: November 5, 2009
Contact
HCA: Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665
NYAHSA: Kris Jensen-Van Heste (518) 449-2707 Ext. 124
HCA/NYAHSA Report Reveals Home Care System Endangered by Massive Reimbursement Cuts, Unfunded Mandates, Restructuring Proposals
Two-thirds of home care agencies shoulder operating losses; toll to worsen under Governor Paterson's deficit-reduction plan, which would approach one-half billion in home care cuts just since April 2008
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) and New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) have released preliminary findings of an alarming statewide report, entitled Lethal Doses, which shows a home care system endangered by a mix of prior-year reimbursement cuts, unprecedented new taxes and provider mandates, and a deficit-reduction plan by Governor Paterson that would bring the total number of Medicaid home care cuts to nearly one-half billion dollars, just since April of 2008.
These findings are "a particularly troubling development when one considers that home care is a cost-effective component of our health care system which allows patients to avoid unnecessary higher-cost service use through interventions appropriately tailored to individual need," the report states. "Health care policy experts know that home care is not only preferred by patients and their families; in-home rehabilitative, preventive, and post-acute services also help patients avoid hospitalization, readmission to the hospital, or premature nursing-home entry, thus saving health care dollars while supporting the desire of patients to remain in a setting that supports their independence and well-being."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: October 22, 2009
Contact:
Roger Noyes 518-810-0665; 518-275-6961 (cell)
HCA Launches 'Enough is Enough' Online Advocacy Campaign
New site, www.enoughisenoughny.com, contains online petition, advocacy resources and news updates about proposed state budget cuts to home care
With Governor Paterson now proposing a massive $184 million in further cuts to home care through his recently unveiled deficit-reduction plan, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has launched a new grassroots online advocacy campaign, called Enough is Enough, urging the Governor and lawmakers to embrace constructive proposals for reducing costs, as opposed to draconian home care cuts. The Enough is Enough campaign is located at www.enoughisenoughny.com.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: October 15, 2009
Contact:
Roger Noyes 518-810-0665; 518-275-6961 (cell)
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham in Response to Governor Paterson's Proposed Home Care Cuts
Governor Paterson's proposed cuts to home care — which gouges already inadequate funding levels by 10 percent more — will not only destroy services that millions of New Yorkers rely upon, but such cuts are also wholly unnecessary.
There is no denying the state faces difficult and enormous fiscal challenges. Yet the home care cuts announced today in the Governor's deficit reduction plan neglect to recognize that New York's home care community has been a proactive and constructive partner in developing solutions that meet these very challenges head on.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2009
Contact:
Roger Noyes (HCA) 518-810-0665
Ann Duckett (VNS of Rochester and Monroe County) 585-787-2233
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) Applauds Governor's
Signing of Landmark Managed Care Reform Bill Containing Provisions Negotiated by HCA to Improve Home Care Access
A statement from Rochester-based HCA Board Chair Victoria Hines and
HCA President Joanne Cunningham in response to today's bill signing in Rochester
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) Board Chair Victoria Hines, President and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County, and HCA President Joanne Cunningham applauded Governor Paterson's signing today of landmark managed care reform legislation.
A Statement from HCA Board Chair Hines
"The home care community applauds Governor Paterson, Assemblyman Morelle, Senator Breslin and the Legislature as a whole for advancing these critical managed care reforms," Ms. Hines said. "By helping to remove service authorization hurdles that often impede or needlessly delay access to care, this landmark bill allows providers to initiate care urgently needed for patients to return home from the hospital."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: July 16, 2009
Contact:
Roger Noyes 518-810-0665
State Senate Passes Landmark Managed Care Reform Bill With HCA-backed Enhancements to Expedite Home Care Access
Following Assembly passage in June, Governor's signature expected on program bill originated by SID
The state Senate today passed a vital managed care reform bill (S.5472-A), sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin (D-Delmar), that would improve access and coverage for home health and other critical services.
Originating as a program bill by Governor Paterson's administration through the State Insurance Department (SID), companion legislation was sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (D-Irondequoit) and passed the Assembly on June 23 as A.8402-A.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: June 25, 2009
Contact:
Roger Noyes (HCA): 518-810-0665
Jeremy Tomasulo (Rep. Engel): 202-225-2464
Kevin Fogarty (Rep. King): 202-225-7896
HCA, Rep. Engel and Rep. King Announce Bill to Protect Chronically Ill Home Care Patients and Their Spouses
Engel/King bill would preserve vital Medicaid rules shielding couples from
impoverishment when obtaining home care services for a chronically ill spouse
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), Congressman Eliot Engel (D-17) and Congressman Peter King (R-3) today announced critical legislation that would protect spouses of chronically ill patients from falling into poverty as a result of obtaining needed long term care services for a loved one at home.
Reps. Engel and King's legislation codifies and reasserts Congressional authorization for vital Medicaid budgeting rules called "spousal impoverishment protections." These rules have protected spouses of patients receiving long term care at home in the same way as Congress has protected the spouses of patients in nursing homes. In recent years, these long-standing rules have been reinterpreted and effectively negated by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), even though the spousal protections have been in effect for households in New York State for two decades based on federal law and policy.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Applauds State Assembly's Passage of Managed Care Reforms
As a result of HCA advocacy, Assembly bill would improve access and coverage for home care
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) applauds the state Assembly's passage of legislation late last night which embraces an array of long-sought reforms to managed care, including improvements in essential access and coverage for home health care services.
Among many changes that will assist all health care providers, Assembly bill 8402-A contains several home care-specific provisions recommended by HCA to improve patient access to home care, including expedited coverage determinations for hospital dischargees, interim coverage requirements when determinations cannot be made prior to the time of discharge, new expedited appeal rights so that adverse determinations can be immediately reviewed and reconsidered, and others.
"This comprehensive legislation will be helpful to home care providers, hospitals and physicians, but it contains a particular breakthrough for would-be home care patients and providers covered by managed care plans," said HCA President Joanne Cunningham.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: May 18, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
Congressman Scott Murphy Delivers First Health Care Address at
Home Care Association of New York State's Annual Conference in Saratoga
At the Home Care Association of New York State's Annual Conference today in Saratoga Springs, Congressman Scott Murphy (D-20) delivered his first major address on health care as the newest member of New York's Congressional Delegation.
During the address, Congressman Murphy specifically focused on the importance of patient choice in determining the appropriate setting for care.
"We need to be sure we provide choices for people," said Congressman Murphy. "We need to look at how we provide the whole range of services, from institutional settings to assisted living environments to home-based care, where people are living in the same family home they've always lived in and are able to have health care come to them."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: May 7, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement from HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the MTA Bailout Package
"The recently negotiated MTA bailout package slams home care and other providers with yet another regressive tax, this time through a capricious payroll assessment that takes a cut from wages paid to employees.
"This new tax is yet another indiscriminate levy at the expense of critical health care services — not unlike the health care gross receipts tax (GRT) imposed on home health care providers and patients in this year's State Budget.
"As a result of this week's MTA bailout, home care providers in the New York Metropolitan region are now slapped with a two-way toll: a GRT on incoming revenue for vital patient services, followed up with a payroll tax on the back-end for employee wages."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: May 7, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement from HCA President Joanne Cunningham in Recognition of National Nurses Week
"In recognition of National Nurses Week (celebrated annually on May 6 to May 12) the Home Care Association of New York State honors the great compassion, wisdom, skill and dedication of professional nurses who form the core of our home care system and the health care system generally.
"Through the historic work of Lillian Wald — who pioneered home care public health nursing in New York's Lower East Side during the late 19th century — to the extraordinary efforts of today’s visiting nurse professionals, millions of our state and nation's sickest and most vulnerable patients have received needed care at home with dignity and solace, having spent less time in health facilities, and having recuperated quicker from illness or injury.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: April 3, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Home Care and the 2009-10 State Budget
"The Legislature has adopted a State Budget that, without their intervention, would have decimated New York's home care system. Thankfully Speaker Silver, Senate Majority Leader Smith, Assembly Health Committee Chairman Gottfried and Senate Health Committee Chairman Duane rejected many of the Governor's cuts and destructive home care reform proposals.
"The Governor's extremely damaging home care structural proposals should have never seen the light of day in the first place. Such misguided reform attempts would have dismantled New York's home care system. Furthermore, since these proposals had little or nothing to do with controlling Medicaid costs, they were especially inappropriate at a time when fiscal priorities alone should have commanded attention.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: February 26, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
Legislative Leaders Voice Support for Home Care
During home care Advocacy Day, legislative leaders echo HCA's call to apply FMAP funding to offset Medicaid health care cuts, as home care services face a $475 million hit under proposed 2009-10 State Budget
Recognizing the impact of nearly a half-billion dollars in proposed State Budget cuts on patient services, state legislators addressed New York's home care community during HCA's 2009 Advocacy Day on February 25, stressing the importance of New York's home care safety net for the frail elderly, persons with disabilities, the chronically ill, and patients in need of post-acute care.
Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari (D-Cohoes), Senate Health Committee Chairman Tom Duane (D-Manhattan), Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan), and Senator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) all echoed HCA's contention that the $11 billion in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) money coming to New York under the economic stimulus package recently passed by Congress should be used squarely for the Medicaid program and to offset the home care and other health care cuts contained in Governor Paterson's 2009-10 Executive State Budget proposal.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: February 2, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA State Budget Testimony Calls on Legislature to Reject Half-billion Dollars in Disastrous Home Care Cuts and Proposals
In testimony on the State Budget to be presented later today to the Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) urged the Legislature’s rejection of Governor Paterson’s half-billion dollars in proposed funding cuts and changes to the infrastructure of home care delivery.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 13, 2009
Historic Coalition of Leading Health Care Provider and Consumer Advocates Unite with Message to State Legislature:
"Ensure Federal Medicaid Stimulus Dollars Are Used for Health Care Services Only"
12 Leading Statewide Health Groups Unite to Represent Patients, Nurses, Physicians, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Home Health Providers
An historic coalition of health care provider and patient advocacy organizations joined together today at the state Capitol to call on the state Legislature to ensure that any increase in federal Medicaid funding is used solely for Medicaid health care services.
The federal government is expected to pass a stimulus package shortly that is anticipated to include up to $5 billion in increased federal Medicaid funding for New York State. Twelve statewide health care provider and patient advocacy organizations have joined together to protect these health care dollars from being used for non-health care purposes.
»Download the Release
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2009
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the Governor's State of the State Address
The home care community couldn't agree more with Governor Paterson's assertion in today's State of the State address that "we must shift funding to primary, preventive and community-based care" — but it is impossible to accomplish this goal while proposing nearly a half-billion dollars in cuts to home care services, as the Governor has done.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: December 16, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Download a copy of the release
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the Governor's Proposed 2009-10 Executive Budget
HCA today joins the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) in issuing a report on the fiscal condition of home care providers
HCA/NYAHSA Report: Seventy-one percent of programs serving long-term home health care needs and 53% of programs serving patients with post-acute/preventive home care needs reported operating losses in 2006, due to inadequate reimbursement and rising costs
HCA/NYAHSA Report: Added Medicaid cuts will make it even harder for agencies to recruit and retain sufficient staff
HCA/NYASHA Report: Nearly half of providers may seriously consider closing their doors under further Medicaid cuts
***
HCA President Joanne Cunningham today said: "As the Governor today announced a budget proposal which further slashes home health care to unstable and unsustainable levels, our report released today reveals an already grim financial picture that just got considerably worse."
"The statistical and field-level evidence in our report confirms that further Medicaid reductions of this kind and level will be catastrophic," she added. "It forewarns of New York losing as much as half of our home health care agencies given such further Medicaid cuts. Indeed, home care cuts like these would be disastrous for seniors, the sick and persons with disabilities who depend on home care."
The full HCA/NYAHSA report, released today, can be obtained online at:
http://www.hca-nys.org/documents/HCANYAHSAJointHomeCareReport2008.pdf
###
For Immediate Release: December 16, 2008
Contact:
HCA: Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
NYAHSA: Kris Jensen-Van Heste (518) 449-2707 Ext. 124
Joint HCA/NYAHSA Report Reveals Home Care Financial Picture
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) and the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) today released a comprehensive report that reveals the financial picture of home care providers and the impact of prospective Medicaid cuts on the capacity to serve patients at home in the community.
The report, entitled Unstable Ground: The Fiscal Instability of Home Care in New York State, is being delivered today to state lawmakers, the Governor's office, policymakers and the media.
»Read More
For Immediate Release:
November 12, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the Governor's Proposed Budget Cuts
State leaders are faced with the difficult task of reducing the growing state budget gap in an increasingly fragile economic climate. Rather than taking actions that will do irreparable damage to the home health care system, and harm the patients and families that depend on it, state leaders should make investments to further utilize home care as a solution to our state's health care and fiscal challenges
As a proven, cost-effective alternative to care provided in the institutional setting, home care fulfills a critical role, especially during this time of unparalleled fiscal hardship, when a secure home care system is essential not only in meeting the state's responsibility to vulnerable patients but also in targeting Medicaid resources most efficiently.
»Read More
For Immediate Release:
November 6, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Presents Home Health Aide and Home Telehealth Awards in Honor of National Home Care Month
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) held an awards ceremony at its Clinical and Technology Conference on November 5 in honor of National Home Care Month where HCA paid tribute to home care clinical staff Denise Fitzgerald, James Wilson and Rodney Clements for their commitment to providing compassionate, exemplary in-home patient care.
"HCA is proud to honor these three exceptional individuals — Ms. Fitzgerald, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Clements — who go above and beyond the already extraordinary nature of their calling to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients," said HCA President Joanne Cunningham. "Though their service to patients is outstanding, their individual stories of dedication and compassion reflect the broader mission of all front-line home care staff."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: November 5, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Ad Campaign Engages Patient Perspective in Recognition of National Home Care Month
In honor of National Home Care Month (November) and Home Health Aide Week (November 9-15), the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has launched an innovative advertising campaign — called "Get the Full Story" — which tells the narrative of home care through the voice of patients.
Consisting of three stories, all anchored in patient perspectives that are both unique and universal, HCA's Home Care Month ad campaign conveys the broad range of personal experiences with home care.
»Read More
For Planning Purposes Only: November 3, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
HCA to Present Home Health Aide and Home Telehealth Awards in Honor of National Home Care Month
Who: The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) and home care aide and nurse awardees
What: Home health aide and nurse telehealth awards
When: Wednesday, November 5, at 6:45 p.m. (During HCA’s Clinical and Technology Conference)
Where: Holiday Inn Wolf Road (in the Phoenix Room), 205 Wolf Rd., Albany, NY
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) invites you to join us for a special awards ceremony at our November 5 Clinical and Technology Conference in honor of National Home Care Month where we will pay tribute to home care clinical personnel for their extraordinary commitment to providing quality, compassionate in-home patient care.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: October 22, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA State Budget Testimony Proposes Home Care Solution to Medicaid Cost Efficiency
In testimony it will deliver today to the New York State Division of Budget, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) urged the employment of home care as an affirmative solution to making the Medicaid system more cost efficient.
HCA's testimony will be delivered by Thomas Buckley, CEO of HCA-member agency Visiting Nurse Association of Albany, Saratoga and Rensselaer, as state leaders weigh options for the upcoming 2009-10 State Budget in a time of severe economic instability.
In its testimony, HCA asserts that home care agencies provide vital care and a health care safety net for patients as state policies continue to focus on less costly home and community-based alternatives for delivering patient care.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: August 20, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Statement by the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) on the Mid-year State Budget Cuts
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham said today's mid-year State Budget agreement is an improvement over the Governor's initially proposed $172.2 million in combined new home care cuts for fiscal years 2008-09 and 2009-10 — a figure which would have doubled to $345 million when lost federal matching shares are taken into account.
Nevertheless, Cunningham warned, "this new package of funding cuts impairs the safety net for New York's neediest patients, threatens access to vital home care services throughout the state, and further widens the gap for providers already struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of delivering care."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: August 11, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Governor Paterson's Plan for $90 Million in Home Care Funding Cuts
"Home health care providers certainly understand the great fiscal challenges now confronting our state," Cunningham said. "The State Legislature's support for home health care over the last two years has demonstrated that home health care is part of the solution to improving the cost-effectiveness of the state Medicaid program and enhancing quality care for all New Yorkers."
"However, over $90 million in proposed home health care cuts — factoring both for state and federal matching shares — run counter to the state's position asserted just a few months ago when the Legislature and Governor Paterson restored most of the more than $100 million in devastating funding cuts originally contained in the 2008-09 Executive Budget proposal."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: July 28, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA and NY Congressional Delegation Advocate for CMS Policy
Allowing Waiver Providers to Collaborate in the Care of Critically-ill Patients
HCA is working with New York Congressional Reps. Eliot Engel (D-17) and Peter King (R-3) to alert the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the need for changes to a federal Medicaid policy that prohibits collaboration among certain home and community-based service providers in the care of thousands of critically-ill New Yorkers.
In a June 25 letter, Reps. Engel and King seek clarification from CMS and urge the reversal of a policy which effectively limits a patient to the services of only one federally authorized home and community-based waiver program at a time.
Such a policy may affect thousands of patients in New York State. For example, in New York City alone, approximately 900 HIV/AIDS patients currently receiving services under the state's Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) are also identified as eligible for assistance under a separate HIV/AIDS advocacy program. However, CMS' policy interferes with the two types of providers collaborating on the patient's behalf.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: July 8, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Home Health Care Services in New York State Uniquely Challenged by Punishing Gas Prices
Solutions to nation's fuel crisis must consider impact on most vulnerable citizens, particularly those with high-need medical conditions requiring in-home care
In weighing the impact of rising gasoline prices and solutions for our current fuel crisis, the media and government officials should consider a vital sector of health care especially vulnerable to exorbitant fuel costs — home health care — as well as the patients who are served by visiting home health nurses, aides and therapists.
Rising gas prices present a unique challenge to the delivery of home health care services throughout New York State, and across the nation, said Joanne Cunningham, President of the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), a statewide organization of home care providers.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: June 11, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement from HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the State's Proposed Home Health Aide Registry
HCA commends Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon and Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried for advancing a plan to mend critical gaps in the state's home health aide certification structure.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: May 19, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham in Response to the Governor's Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) Legislation
HCA and our allied health care associations have worked with providers, the Administration and the Legislature to advance a comprehensive plan for strengthening New York's Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP), which provides an array of in-home health services to thousands of New Yorkers whose chronic health care needs would only otherwise be met in an institutional setting.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: May 15, 2008
Contact:
HCA: Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665
NYAHSA: Dan Heim (518) 449-2707, ext. 128
HANYS: William Van Slyke (518) 431-7770
HCP: Travis Wattie (518) 463-1118, ext. 832
Allied Health Care Organizations Urge Support of Long Term Home Health Care Program Measure
Bill introduced by Senator Hannon in collaboration with joint health care associations would enhance LTHHCP patient access and program operation
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) and New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP) today urged support by the Legislature and Governor for a bill (S.8092) recently introduced by Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon to enhance New York's Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP).
"HCA and our allied associations are extremely grateful for Senator Hannon's sponsorship and collaboration with the health care community in developing this critical roadmap to strengthen and sustain long-term home health care services for New Yorkers in greatest need," said HCA President Joanne Cunningham.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: April 17, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
A Statement From HCA President Joanne Cunningham on the Attorney General’s Investigation of Home Care
»Download the release
HCA certainly supports efforts to find and prosecute criminals who undermine the integrity of our health care system. Providers of quality home care services have an equal, if not greater, stake in curbing fraud and abuse because the misdeeds of a few rogue individuals have the potential to tarnish the entire home care community.
The Attorney General's office has already acknowledged that the wider scope of this investigation is not triggered by suspicions of guilt, stating that subpoenas were issued to several upstate agencies that were in no way suspected of any wrongdoing.
HCA hopes that this broad-brush approach doesn't impair the vast majority of agencies that are diligent and committed to providing quality home care to those most in need.
###
Committed to the principles of high-quality and cost-effective community based health care, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) assists its members on state and federal legislation, regulations and reimbursement issues pertinent to the home health field. As the premier home health care association in New York State, HCA represents more than 400 home health care providers, individuals and associate members who collectively provide service and support to thousands of New Yorkers.
For Immediate Release: April 1, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Calls State Budget a Win for New York’s Home Health Care System
Home care community applauds $80 million in critical funding restorations
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham called the final State Health Care Budget adopted today by the Legislature a "clear show of support for New York's home health care patients and the providers who serve them."
The Budget restores approximately 80 percent of the over $100 million in home health care cuts originally proposed in the 2008-09 Executive Budget.
"By restoring Budget cuts that would have certainly jeopardized services for patients in greatest need, state legislative leaders have made clear their recognition that community-based health care is a vital part of New York's overall health system," Cunningham said.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Home Care Association Speaks out on Congestion Pricing
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) today released a letter sent to New York City and State officials requesting that home health care workers be excluded from any congestion pricing system.
"We have reviewed the Mayor's plan and alternative systems and respectfully request that home care workers be excluded from any final congestion pricing system," wrote HCA President Joanne Cunningham. "New York City and the State have made a conscious effort to support the use of home and community-based services so that individuals can receive services at home, in the most preferred and appropriate setting. A congestion pricing system that applies to home care workers runs contrary to such efforts."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: March 13, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Applauds Legislature's Rejection of Home Care Budget Cuts
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham today praised the Legislature's restoration of vital home health care funding.
"New York's legislative leaders have followed through in advancing proposals to reject damaging cuts to home health care," Cunningham said. "The restoration of our basic reimbursement structure is essential to ensuring that New York's most vulnerable patients receive the services they need in a setting best suited to their health and recovery — their homes."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: March 5, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665 (518) 275-6961 cell
New York’s Top Legislative Leaders Address Home Health Care Advocates Rallying Against $100 Million in Proposed State Budget Cuts
High-ranking elected leaders today voiced their support for home health care during the Home Care Association of New York's (HCA) Legislative Advocacy Day in Albany.
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried, Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon and Senate Aging Committee Chairman Martin Golden all addressed a record turnout of home health care advocates opposing the more than $100 million in proposed 2008-09 Executive Budget cuts — the deepest cuts in recent memory.
Assembly Speaker Silver said: "I understand your being confused since we know that Governor Spitzer has always indicated his support for community-based health care."
Speaker Silver added: "I will promise you that I and my Assembly colleagues will do everything that we can to mitigate the pain that you have found in the Executive Budget. Believe me, we know you score no points forcing people to receive treatment in a facility rather than in the comfort of their own homes."
Senate Majority Leader Bruno said: "Everybody talks about getting people out of the hospital to recover in their homes, right? And yet, just saying it doesn’t get it done. You need the resources, you need the system. My commitment on behalf of my Conference is we're going to partner with you and talk with you. You help us fix what the Governor is breaking in his budget."
Assembly Health Committee Chairman Gottfried said: "We will, on the Assembly side, buy back as much of the health cuts that are in the budget as we can find money for, and that will certainly include the home care sector, which we understand is proportionately the hardest hit sector in the health part of the budget."
Senate Health Committee Chairman Hannon said: "We can keep people in institutions for a shorter period of time, we can cut the length of stay in hospitals. But you know, when they do get out of the hospital, or when they are discharged from rehab in the nursing home, it doesn't mean the human body gets better quicker. Somebody has to take care of those folks. And I know that's you. And I know you can’t do it if you can't pay your staff, if you can't run your operation."
Senate Aging Committee Chairman Golden said: "Now if we are really interested in our seniors and those in need, what better, more compassionate way, and financially sound way, of taking care of those needs than taking care of them in their own homes. We are at a loss as to why you want to reduce home care. If you want to bring down costs across the state in Medicaid, you want to be able to increase home care and keep moms, dads, brothers, sisters, our children ... at home where they have a better quality of life. It's more compassionate, it gives them the quality of life that they deserve, and it’s the right thing to do."
###
»Download the press release
For Immediate Release: March 5, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Record Gathering For HCA's Advocacy Day Urges Restoration of Vital Home Health Care Funding
State's Top Legislative Leaders Scheduled to Address HCA Advocates Rallying Against $100-plus Million in Proposed Home Health Care Budget Cuts
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) today holds its Advocacy Day at the Capitol where advocates will call upon legislators to overturn an unprecedented $100-plus million in devastating home health care cuts proposed in the 2008-09 Executive State Budget.
"These proposed cuts, the biggest in recent memory, call for a big, coordinated response," said HCA President Joanne Cunningham about today's projected record gathering for HCA's Advocacy Day. Over 150 participants from 52 agencies throughout the state are expected to meet with more than 80 state legislators to voice opposition to these cuts.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: February 11, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Spitzer’s Continued Assault on Home Health Care
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham today called the Governor’s 21-day Executive Budget amendments "a further assault on home health care and the vast majority of New Yorkers who depend on it and support greater access to home health care, not less."
"As if the Governor's original cuts didn't pack enough of a blow to home health care, this second swipe undermines efforts, including the Governor’s own, to shift the focus from institutional to community-based care," Cunningham said.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: February 6, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Testifies at Joint Legislative Budget Hearing To Urge Restoration of $100 Million in Proposed Home Health Care Cuts
New HANYS/Siena Research Institute Poll: 76% of New Yorkers Want Increased Funding for home health care
In written testimony offered today to the Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) said the $100 million in home health care cuts contained in the 2008-09 Executive State Budget "will undermine the State's progress in health care reform, the stability of our agencies and, most importantly, our ability to provide appropriate patient care."
Today's testimony, presented by Victoria Hines, President and CEO of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) of Rochester and Monroe County, and First-Vice Chair of HCA's Board of Directors, falls on the heels of a new HANYS/Siena Research Institute poll which found that 76 percent of New Yorkers want increased funding for home health care while only 3 percent support decreased funding, and 18 percent support keeping home health care funding at current levels.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: February 5, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on President Bush's Health Care Budget Proposal
HCA President Joanne Cunningham today blasted the Medicare and Medicaid components of President Bush's proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Budget calling it a disaster for home care patients and the providers who serve them.
Most notably, President Bush's budget proposal excludes a Medicare market basket update for home health agencies through the next five years — a rate adjustment home care provider agencies depend upon to counter costly inflationary trends.
Withholding the market basket update amounts to a $440 million home care cut nationwide and a $22 million cut in New York for 2009 alone. That swells to $11.03 billion nationally, and $110 million statewide, for the 2009 to 2013 period.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 29, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Browsers Welcome — Home Care Association Unveils Remodeled Website
A New Look, New Features and Enhanced Navigability
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) today unveiled the latest transformation of the HCA brand: a new and enhanced website at www.hcanys.org.
HCA President Joanne Cunningham said the new site incorporates HCA's new logo and color scheme, unveiled earlier this month, as well as several other practical and visual enhancements.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 22, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Joanne Cunningham (518) 810-3538 cell
Home Care Cuts In Governor's Proposed Budget At Odds With Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) calls Executive Budget
proposal — including $82 million in new cuts — devastating to home health care
HCA President Joanne Cunningham today called the cuts contained in the Governor's 2008-09 Executive Budget proposal "a dramatic blow to New York's home care infrastructure."
"We hope that Governor Spitzer — who so strongly supported home and community-based care in his previous budget — will reconsider these cuts, which jeopardize the very system of patient-oriented care he has emphasized since taking office."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 9, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
Statement From HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Governor Spitzer's State of the State Address
Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham today said she was encouraged by the health care features of Governor Spitzer's State of the State message, specifically its focus on "the right care at the right price in the right medical setting."
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 9, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Urges Renewal of Governor Spitzer's Pledge to Home and Community-based Health Care
In anticipation of today's State of the State address by Governor Spitzer, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has identified several key policy initiatives for renewing the administration's commitment to home and community based health care.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2008
Contact:
Roger L. Noyes (518) 810-0665; (518) 275-6961 cell
HCA Rings In 30th Anniversary Year With Striking New Logo
New Look, New Logo, Same Commitment to Quality Home Health Care Services
Highlighting its reputation as advocate for New York's mission-driven home care providers, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) today unveiled a new logo and organization colors.
"As HCA celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2008, we recognized that now is a unique opportunity to modernize the Association's look and create a graphic identity that best reflects our position as the New York home care industry's premier policy resource and advocate at the state and federal levels," said HCA President Joanne Cunningham.
»Read More
For Immediate Release: August 21, 2007
Contact:
Joanne Cunningham, President (518) 810-3538 cell
Statement from the Home Care Association of New York State Regarding Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's Press Release on Home Care Providers
The Home Care Association of New York State and our members fully support efforts to ensure that our agencies are able to recruit properly trained and certified home care aides, which has been the original and primary focus of the Attorney General's two-year inquiry involving a limited number of training sites in the downstate area. Aides trained at these sites were then employed by agencies throughout the region, which as a consequence were then affected through the subpoena process by this investigation.
»Read More
|
