Res 0373-2026

Res. No. 373 ..Title Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.1499/S.1179, which would provide long term care benefits for eligible residents ..Body Council Members Won, Louis, Hudson and Zhuang Whereas, The number of New Yorkers aged 85 and over is projected to more than double by the year 2040, and is expected to dramatically increase the demand for long-term care (LTC); and Whereas, Rising premiums will create barriers for some individuals to remain in LTC facilities, and others may find it increasingly unaffordable and almost impossible to maintain their residency at all; and Whereas, According to the Empire Center for Public Policy, while Medicaid currently pays LTC fees for 75 percent of nursing home residents, New York State (NYS) spends almost as much on home-based personal care as the other forty-nine states combined; and Whereas, A.1499, introduced by New York State Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, and its companion bill, S. 1179, sponsored by New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, will establish the New York long term care trust program (LTC Trust Program) to provide benefits for eligible residents who have paid the required premium contributions and are in need of assistance with at least two activities of daily living as determined by the New York State Department of Health; and Whereas, Under the proposed legislation, individuals must make the required premium contribution, including having had paid the payroll tax for a set period of 10 years over their lifetime, or alternatively, a total of three years within the six years immediately preceding their application of benefits; and Whereas, Older Workers aged 55 and older need at least one year of payments to receive a partial one-tenth of the maximum benefit for each year paid, and individuals must be at least 18 years of age and not have been disabled before the age of 18; and Whereas, All individuals must be assessed by the New York State Department of Health as needing help with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) or supervision for cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's or dementia; and Whereas, New Yorkers who fail to secure LTC Trust Programs are likely to face severe financial consequences, including unmanageable out of pocket expenses and asset depletion such as a 30 month look-back period where seniors may lose their homes and others assets to pay for care, a reduced quality of life, and risk the chance of becoming uninsured, which would leave thousands of people without coverage for essential and life-saving medical services; and Whereas, Additionally, the lack of an LTC Trust Program stands to put severe strains on nursing home facilities which might result in closing programs or force a reduction in staff; and Whereas, According to the New York State Department of Health, as of December 2022, approximately 250,000 people in New York City were enrolled in Managed Long Term Care Plans (MLTPs); and Whereas, According to Economic Policy Research Org., failure to access LTC and MLTCP programs in New York City often triggers a "cascading crisis" that negatively impacts health, financial stability and broader healthcare systems leading to adverse clinical outcomes, worsening of chronic illness resulting in unplanned emergency department hospitalizations and overall family and economic strain, with the possibility of a permanent nursing home placement; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.1499/S.1179, which would provide long term care benefits for eligible residents. LS 21587 2/17/26 CD 2