LeadingAge New York State Budget Review April 2017 | Page 12

Community-
Based Services
Community-
Based Services
SFY 2017-18 Final State Budget
Community-based Services
The FY 2017-18 Final Budget includes $239.4 million for aging services, representing a small cut from last year’s
funding level of $247 million and moves some program funding under the Medicaid program. The following
proposals pertain to aging services administered by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and
DOH, most of which are designed to help elders remain in their communities:
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Increase Community Services for the Elderly: The final budget allocates $29.8 million in total to the
Community Services for the Elderly (CSE) Program for SFY 2017-18, including a legislative addition of
$875,000. In addition, the proposed budget provides $1.1 million in discrete transportation funding to CSE
to provide localities the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most.
Continue Alzheimer’s Caregiver Supports: The final budget appropriates $50 million over two years for
services for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their caregivers. The
fu nding will support care and support services, including respite. This initiative provides support through
regional contracts for caregiver support organizations, funding for Centers of Excellence that specialize
in treating this disease, and funding for the Alzheimer’s Community Assistance Program, which is
implemented through local chapters of the Coalition of Alzheimer’s Associations.
Discontinue Underutilized Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Funding was enacted in 2015 to provide
a wage increase targeted to direct care workers and direct service providers. DOH and NYSOFA providers
have not adopted this COLA as anticipated, citing the complexity of identifying the targeted workers.
Change with NY Connects: The final budget moves the NY Connects program under the Medicaid global
cap and provides $3.4 million in funding, which will continue to be administered by the State Office for the
Aging.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) and Neighborhood NORCs: The final budget
accepts the Executive proposal to level-fund both programs at $2,027,500 each. Funding priority will be
given to the renewal of existing contracts with the New York State Office for the Aging.
Wellness in Nutrition (WIN) program: Formerly known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP), WIN is level-funded at $27.4 million. WIN funding is used to provide home-delivered meals, some
congregate meals and other nutrition-related services to eligible frail elderly, including residents of senior
housing facilities.
Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP): The final budget accepts the Executive
proposal to level-funding EISEP at $50.1 million. EISEP is a community based long term care program that
provides case management, non-medical in-home, non-institutional respite, and ancillary services needed
by New Yorkers aged 60 and over.
LeadingAge New York/April 2017
Page 11