Queens Tribune

A meeting last Friday hosted by several organizations concerned with statewide cuts to long-term care explored the impact of the nearly $830 million in cuts to long-term care that are slated to take place over the next three years.
The meeting was hosted by the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation and Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows). Representatives from several health care organizations were present at the forum to air their concerns about the cuts.

Lancman was lauded by those present as a champion of the cause, as he is currently working in Albany to restore funds to long-term care treatment. The term long-term care refers to the services provided to those who have a disability or chronic illness.

Lancman noted that in his district, which encompasses parts of northeastern Queens, there are five nursing homes that would be impacted by the cuts. He said his priority is ensuring long-term care patients continue to receive quality health care.

“We’re entrusting our senior citizens, our most vulnerable residents, get the best care,” Lancman said.

Scott Amrhein, president of the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, an advocacy organization comprised of long-term care organizations in the metropolitan area, discussed at the forum how the cuts would affect those giving and receiving this type of care in Queens.

Over three years, more than $80 million is being cut from the long-term care budget of organizations in Queens. Care in the borough will worsen, become more expensive and facilities will close, Amrhein said.

“It’s absolutely unsustainable,” he said. “It will be an absolute disaster.”

Amrhein added, “People like me in this room are on pins and needles.”

He also noted that not only institutions will be hurt by the cuts, but organizations that provide home care as well.
Michael Rosenblut, president and C.E.O. of Parker Jewish Institute, called the cuts “devastating,” particularly because New York State leads the country in long-term care treatment. He said the cuts will no doubt affect his organization.

“It’s about how we deliver care, who we care about and how we get that done,” Rosenblut said.

Mark Hoffacker, advocacy manager for St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, noted that his institution offers long-term care for children as well as home health care. “These are kids that are going to be with us on and on,” he said.

Hoffacker said St. Mary’s could sustain as many 10 job losses.

“If we sustain hits, we’re back to doing what we’re doing instead of coming up with new ways,” he said.