Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington, 10th AD) is co-sponsoring critical legislation to protect veterans, their spouses, widows and widowers and Gold Star Parents from losing their rooms at State Veterans Homes in the event they are temporarily hospitalized or transferred for therapeutic care by restoring “Bed Holds” for the five New York State Veterans Homes, including the Long Island Home in Stony Brook. “Recent changes have left our frail and elderly veterans and their loved ones at risk of displacement if they become ill and require hospitalization or therapy,” Assemblyman Stern said. “For many residents of these homes, changes to their routine are not merely inconvenient; they can cause a serious decline in physical, emotional and mental health.”

The legislation will require facilities to establish a bed day policy for residents who have resided at their facility for at least 30 days in locations with a lower than five percent vacancy rate. “All of us at the Long Island State Veterans Home are grateful to Assemblyman Steve Stern for his tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families,” Fred Sganga, Executive Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home said. “His support of legislation that will restore bed hold for our veterans on the Medicaid program who reside at any NYS Veterans Home is commendable. Assemblyman Stern realizes the importance of bed hold and how it impacts our frail, elderly veterans and their families. Kudos for his support.”

“We owe the brave men and women who sacrificed so much to protect our great nation more than mere words and platitudes,” Assemblyman Stern said. ‘We owe them meaningful action to ensure that they receive the care that they and their families need and deserve.”