Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than $50 million has been awarded to the state’s 59 county-based Area Agencies on Aging to help New York’s seniors remain in their homes and communities of choice. The funding, which is made available through the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program, will help maximize independence and prevent advanced and more expensive levels of care for seniors – the cost of which is often shouldered by Medicaid.

“This funding will help more New York seniors stay in their homes, and live with independence and dignity,” Governor Cuomo said. “By partnering with local governments statewide, we will provide services to support these efforts and help improve the overall quality of life for seniors in every corner of the state.”

The in-home services program is a case-managed community-based long-term care initiative designed to serve functionally impaired older people who are lower income but not yet Medicaid eligible, and who need assistance to remain safely in the community with an acceptable quality of life. The program is a partnership between the state and the counties; the $50.1 million state commitment will generate an additional $16 million in funding from the counties, plus an additional $1.8 million in direct contributions from program participants.