Governor Issues Executive Order Establishing State Master Plan for Aging

Governor Hochul promulgated Executive Order (EO) 23 last week establishing the New York State Master Plan for Aging. The Plan requirement was established in statute in the 2022-23 State Budget.

The EO telegraphs the many issues the Master Plan will address, which include many of LeadingAge NY's top advocacy priorities. It recognizes the demographic explosion of older adults that is currently occurring and will increase. It singles out that the State needs to ensure that it is prepared to handle the coming demands and preferences for care, especially long term care, and that public funding of long term care through Medicaid and Medicare is substantial and should support the broad goals of healthy aging.

The Master Plan’s charge will include coordination of existing and new State policy and programs creating a blueprint of strategies to be implemented to ensure that older New Yorkers can live fulfilling lives, in good health, with freedom, dignity, and independence to age in place for as long as possible.

The EO acknowledges the need to address health care workforce challenges and support for informal and family caregivers. It also seeks to address in a comprehensive manner issues regarding access to affordable, suitable housing; transportation; the ability to age in place; mental health; isolation; ageism; opportunities for civic engagement; and prevention of elder abuse.

The EO establishes a Master Plan for Aging Council to advise the Governor in developing the Master Plan. The Commissioners of Health and the State Office for the Aging (SOFA) will serve as Chair and Co-Chair, respectively. Members of the Council will include the commissioners and directors of relevant executive agencies and offices, as determined by the Governor, or their designees.

The Chairs of the Council will convene a Stakeholder Advisory Committee to advise the Governor and the Master Plan for Aging Council in the development of the Master Plan. The Advisory Committee will include representation from a broad array of those committed to the planning necessary to keep and improve New York’s standing as one of the most age-friendly states. The Advisory Committee members will be recommended by the Chair and Co-Chair and may include, but not be limited to, health care and support service providers, consumers, informal caregivers, older adults – particularly those in communities experiencing disparities, health plans, labor organizations, community-based organizations, employers, experts on aging, academic researchers, foundations, local governments, and tribal communities.

LeadingAge NY will be working to establish representation on the Advisory Committee and to ascertain how this committee will dovetail with the new Reimagining Long Term Care Task Force to which Karen Lipson of LeadingAge NY was recently appointed.

The Advisory Committee will have subcommittees dedicated to long term care services and supports, community-based services, and caregivers. These subcommittees will make a report directly to the Advisory Committee, the Council, and the Governor within 12 months following the first meeting of the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee may form additional subcommittees.

Timing for the Master Plan:

The Council will be convened within 60 days of the EO.
Subcommittees will report within 12 months of the first Advisory Committee meeting.
The Advisory Committee will develop a preliminary report within six months of convening and an advisory report within 18 months of convening.
The Master Plan will be issued no later than 24 months following the first Advisory Committee meeting.

Please note that the Master Plan development process will include ongoing opportunities for engagement with the public, which may include public comment periods during Advisory Committee meetings, town hall or similar forums for input, or any other means of public engagement deemed appropriate by the Chair.

LeadingAge NY will keep members apprised of all opportunities for involvement in this planning process.

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871