Advocacy Continues for Veterans and Their Spouses

LeadingAge New York staff, along with Gloria Harrington, CEO of Family Service Communities located in Fairport, met with Rep. Paul Tonko and Sen. Greg Ball, chair of the NYS Senate Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Committee and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, chair of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee to discuss the growing backlog of applications submitted for veterans' benefits. We have heard from members that the Aid and Attendant application process can take up to two years. Our adult care facility and assisted living members that have chosen to accept veterans and their spouses and subsidize them while their application is pending, are finding it harder than ever to be the “banker” under the benefits if they don't come through. The unfortunate alternative is that the veterans and/or their spouses go - unnecessarily - into nursing homes, usually on Medicaid.

LeadingAge New York met with lawmakers on the State and federal level over the past couple of weeks to discuss the significant waiting periods for these benefits, and is working with members of the Legislature and NYS Congressional Delegation towards a solution. The State Assembly informed us that they will work with us to introduce a resolution to bring light to the matter in the NYS Assembly. Rep. Tonko said he will bring the issue to the veterans and health liaisons in Washington, D.C. to spark internal discussions. We will continue to keep members updated with new information as discussions continue with lawmakers. To learn more about this issue, read our Issue Brief. Please let us know if you are working with veterans who are experiencing similar difficulties, so that we can ensure your voice is heard.

Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8844 or Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828