South Shore Home Health Services, Inc. Lobbies for Home Care in Albany

Eileen Gerard, Director of Human Resources, VP of the New York State Health Care Providers long Island Chapter and Kathleen McCarthy, RN, Director of Patient Services lobbied in Albany on March 9, 2010. They visited with local legislators and Senators to reject the 2010-11 executive budget home care cuts. “Home care is a solution. If these cuts go through it will affect the disabled and elderly who need home care in order to remain safe in their home environment.”

Home and Community-based care programs are facing deep cuts in the proposed Executive Budget at a time when the state needs these critical services to help hold the line on health care spending.

Home care slows the growing cost of providing care to New York’s most vulnerable by keeping the elderly, disabled and chronically-ill out of costly health care settings.

Governor David A. Paterson addressed the Health care providers noting that New York is at a critical crossroads that requires swift and decisive action to sustain the State and encourage future prosperity. Recognizing the value of home care, Governor Paterson said he is sensitive to the people who benefit from these vital services. But, he stressed that not addressing the deficit would be worse, and cited the drastic measures taken by many other states, including 10 states that are in danger of going into default next year. He expressed his willingness to consider alternatives for closing the growing budget deficit. Our New York State Association and members continue to work on regulatory relief proposals.

South Shore Home Health Services, Inc. continues to lobby on a state and local level. We encourage constituents to write their local legislators. Please download, sign and mail off this letter to your State Representative or Governor’s office.  If you would like assistance with this please contact Eileen Gerard @ (631) 567-6555 ext. 14.

Eileen Gerard, Director of HR/Branch Manager of South Shore Home Health Services, Inc. and other members of the Long Island chapter of Health Care Providers, meet with Senator Flanagan (Smithtown) to discuss the 2010-2011 budget cuts to home care. The Long Island Chapter of Health Care Providers has been actively meeting with local officials in Albany and at their local district offices to educate the legislators and Senators on the importance of home care.