HCA Responds to 2010 State of the State Address

Download: HCA's Statement in Response to the 2010 State of the State Address

For Immediate Release

Release: January 6, 2010

Contact:

Roger 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."

"The home care community recognizes today's commencement of the 2010 Legislative Session as an opportunity to continue working with the Governor and Legislature on seeking constructive proposals that enhance New York's health care system while ensuring the cost-effective delivery of services. Home care is a central component of these goals. This is why HCA has strived to work with the Governor's office and the Legislature throughout the past year on an array of health care cost-savings proposals — including an HCA-developed provision adopted during last month's deficit-reduction proposal (DRP) — to lower costs while protecting vital life-saving and life-sustaining services."

"HCA looks forward to working with state leaders and will be advocating for their support in the effort to appropriately balance our health and long term care system, allow individuals to receive care in the most appropriate setting, especially their own homes, and deliver services that support the dignity and self-determination of patients."

"The home care community awaits further details of Governor Paterson's health care proposals during the imminent release of his Executive State Budget. In the coming weeks, as budget discussions ensue, we hope to build on our efforts at advancing positive proposals for the sake of patients and New York's overall health system."

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