As such, persons with Alzheimer's and their families bear the brunt of any state Medicaid cost containment efforts. Persons with Alzheimer's must have access to appropriate, quality care. The New York State Legislature FY 2000-2001 budget responded to several of the issues raised in the Coalition's Legislative Agenda for the year 2000. Increased funding was approved for the chapters and ADAC programs to support early diagnosis, education, caregiver training and essential support services. In addition, legislation passed creating an Alzheimer's income tax check-off option for tax forms beginning with the year 2000 filing.
Funds are to be used for services to families and caregivers.
No new Medicaid cuts are to be proposed and there were none in the FY 2000-2001 state budget. The Alzheimer's community is deeply appreciative of the Legislature's recognition of the needs of persons with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Nevertheless, much still remains to be done to assure protections for cognitively-impaired persons requiring long term care. There are important and continuing issues in home and community-based services and residential care, described below, which require the Legislature's immediate attention. An overriding principle concerning this population is that persons with Alzheimer's should be able to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.