BILL NUMBER: S6035
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to reporting unmet need for
programs and services for the aging
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
To increase transparency by requiring area agencies on aging to collect
and report unmet need
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends section 203 of the Elder law by adding a new subdivi-
sion 2a which requires all area agencies on aging, including those in
New York City, to collect and report to the State Office for the Aging
(SOGA) the unmet need for each program or service they offer. Defines
unmet need as any eligible individual seeking participation in a program
or service that is turned away or placed on a waiting list due to a lack
of resources or capacity. Requires SOFA to provide a report detailing
the unmet need to the legislature.
Section 2: Sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In New York City and in New York State overall, the older adult popu-
lation continues to grow rapidly, putting pressure on the aging network
to provide services to all those who are eligible. For example, Brooklyn
is home to more older adults than any other county in the state; older
adults now make up 14% of the borough's population, up from 12% in 2007.
Area agencies on aging do not currently maintain consistent records of
eligible older adults seeking services who are placed on waiting lists
or are turned away due to the local agency not having enough resources
or capacity to serve. With this data, the state can identify what
investments need to be made in order to assure our older adult popu-
lation receives safe and quality care.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S7425 referred to aging
2021-22: S.8467A - amend and recommit to aging
2019-20: S.6586 - referred to aging
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6035: 203 elder law