Tell Your Legislators to Support Legislation to Increase the SSI Rate for ACFs

As we reported last month, the Senate has introduced bill S.7333 (Serino) to increase the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rate for adult care facilities. If passed, the SSI rate would increase by $7.50 per day, phased in over two years. The first $2.50 per day increase would happen on Jan. 1, 2017, and then again on April 1, 2017. The third and final $2.50 increase would occur on April 1, 2018. We appreciate the efforts of the Senate to keep this issue alive, after being disappointed that an SSI increase was not included in the final budget agreement.

Here's what you can do to help get this legislation passed:

• During our Adult Care Facility/Assisted Living Advocacy Day on May 10th, we will continue to fight for an increase. Click here to learn more about the day, see the Issue Brief, and register.
• LeadingAge New York has created an online letter writing campaign that will enable you to send a letter to your representatives in less than five minutes. You are welcome to edit our letter, as well; it is very easy to do. Board members, staff and other community supporters can also send letters through the system. Click here to access.
• Pick up the phone and tell your representatives how badly your facility needs an SSI increase. Click here to find contact information for your representatives.

If you have any questions about Advocacy Day or our letter writing campaign, contact me or Dylan Wrixon at dwrixon@leadingageny.org.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828