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Office for Aging warns proposed state and federal budget changes could strain Washington County meal and home-care services
Summary
Office for Aging staff told the Advisory Council that the Governor's proposed budget would direct $35 million to the NYS Office for Aging, with Washington County's share of Unmet Needs estimated at about $156,000; staff warned proposed federal funding cuts could reduce nutrition and in-home services and increase wait lists.
Office for Aging staff said the Governor's proposed executive budget includes a $35 million allocation for the New York State Office for Aging (NYSOFA), and that Washington County would receive roughly $156,000 in Unmet Needs funds under the allocation formula. Staff said Unmet Needs funding does not require a local county match.
Staff told the Advisory Council that proposed federal funding cuts could reduce services statewide and would have local consequences in Washington County. They said the nutrition program would likely be the most affected: about 331 congregate meal participants and 246 home-delivered meal recipients could see changes in service levels. Staff also said approximately seven people at the Personal Care level could be affected and that Medicaid reductions at the federal level would likely shift some demand toward OFA in-home services, which could increase the local wait list.
The council was advised that, because federal decisions remain pending, the county's final funding and program impacts are uncertain. Staff made advocacy letters available for members interested in contacting state and federal legislators about the potential effects of the proposed federal cuts.
The Advisory Council did not take a formal vote on advocacy actions during the meeting. The OFA staff said they will continue monitoring budget developments and will update the council as more details become available.
