New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc.
Contact: Laura Ehrich
518.463.1118 and ehrich@nyshcp.org
Downloadable version: HCP-Press-Release-1.14.2025.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hochul’s State of the State Misses the Mark on Aging Crisis:
Home Care Needs Ignored, Seniors Left Behind
Albany, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address failed to address the urgent needs of New York’s aging population, overlooking the home care crisis and ignoring recommendations from the state’s own Master Plan for Aging.
Despite commitments to affordability and safety, the Governor offered no investments in home care services. This omission is alarming given New York’s rapidly growing senior population, many of whom wish to age at home but are unable to do so without proper support. Home care agencies are stretched thin by rising costs and increased demand, and without robust state investments we risk being unable to meet the growing needs of families across New York. Strengthening home care is not just about improving the lives of individual families—it’s about ensuring the resilience of New York’s health care infrastructure and economy.
“Home care is a vital solution that keeps health care costs down and strengthens local economies. Failing to invest in home care leaves money on the table — increasing long-term health care expenses and missing opportunities to build a more sustainable, community-driven care model,” said Laura Ehrich, HCP Vice President of Public Policy.
Governor’s Words vs. Reality
The priorities outlined by Governor Hochul- helping children thrive, improving infrastructure and housing, supporting young families- highlight a troubling pattern of ageism in state priorities. Her promises of a more livable and equitable New York fall short when it comes to aging residents. She said, “Your family is my fight.” But families fighting to secure home care for aging loved ones continue to struggle without state support. She claims, “we need housing that’s affordable”, but affordable housing is meaningless without access to affordable care services that allow seniors to stay in those homes. She laid out a case for investments in childcare, capping families’ costs and boosting funding to child care providers, but ignored the care that is needed across the lifespan.
“Governor Hochul’s words ring hollow without real investments in home care,” said Ehrich. “Our aging population deserves better. Our family caregivers deserve better. Home care is key to keeping New Yorkers safe, healthy, and independent in their homes. We need a real commitment from the state to support this essential service.”
We urge the Governor and Legislature to prioritize home care funding and policies to support aging in place. Immediate action is needed to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to support workers and agencies, and integrate recommendations of the Master Plan for Aging. Without these investments, New York risks abandoning its residents and the workers who care for them.
About HCP: The New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc. (HCP) is a leading advocate for the home care industry, shaping its future through advocacy, information, and education. Committed to setting high standards for quality and cost-effective care, HCP influences the future of the home care industry and leads the industry in adapting, evolving, and thriving in a changing health care environment.
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