Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) will join the bipartisan effort to direct the Department of Health to conduct a feasibility and actuarial study on long-term care services and supports. This bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Anna Kelles, would explore the feasibility of creating a public, long-term care insurance option and require a report with findings and recommendations to be delivered to the governor and Legislature.

New York’s long-term care system continues to place a significant strain on families, seniors and caregivers, often forcing individuals to deplete their lifetime savings to afford necessary care. With the state’s aging population expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that a careful, data-driven evaluation of the current system is necessary before considering any major policy changes.

Eamon McAuliffe, legislative aide to Assemblyman Maher, emphasized the importance of taking a responsible and measured approach to the issue.

“Assemblyman Maher believes that long-term care is one of the most challenging issues facing families across New York, and the current system is clearly broken,” said McAuliffe. “This bipartisan legislation simply calls for a study—so lawmakers can understand the costs, options and impacts before any decisions are made. Assemblyman Maher believes in working across the aisle and doing the homework first to make sure any future proposals are realistic, responsible and fair to taxpayers.”