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.

The Governor, in last year's address, said that spending must move "toward community and home-based alternatives, so seniors can have the care they want at a price they can afford."

HCA President Joanne Cunningham said: "As the Governor presents his vision for moving forward in 2008, substantial investment in home and community based health care must remain part of the equation."

HCA has identified several key health care initiatives for the Governor and Legislature to consider during today's official start of the Legislative session:

• Improve payer integrity and responsible reimbursement through reforms to the managed care system;
• Create a home care capital investment allowance for such purposes as information technology, disease management technology and electronic health records to improve quality and efficiency of care;
• Eliminate or modify the Administrative and General (A&G) reimbursement cap on Long Term Home Health Care Programs and Certified Home Health Agencies which hampers patient care and threatens an agency's financial stability;
• Enhance the long term care system by renewing and strengthening the Long Term Home Health Care Program waiver and by supporting further improvements in the long term care infrastructure;
  Provide grant funding for telehealth development, giving providers an incentive to enhance standard patient care through cutting-edge technologies for supplemental remote monitoring; and
• Support for health care personnel through provider flexibility, health career development, nurse training and education, and nurse faculty recruitment. The Governor and Legislature should also renew its $50 million home care workforce investment - for a combined $100 million state-and-federal match - and $8 million for the rural/non-NYC home care infrastructure investment, also matched by the federal government for a combined $16 million allocation.

In recent months, HCA has also worked with several allied health care associations on legislation to create a state registry for the authentication of home health aide training credentials. The state registry would be maintained by the State Department of Health. HCA hopes the Governor and Legislature adopt the allied associations' plan to create a mechanism for clear verification from the state regarding home health aide qualifications.

Cunningham added: "We hope the Governor sustains last year's commitment to home care and other non-institutional models that support the dignified care of the elderly and persons with disabilities - a sound investment for New York State."

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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 500 home health care providers, individuals and associate members who collectively provide service and support to thousands of New Yorkers.