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Advocacy Resources

Thank you to all of the advocates who worked so hard for the request for a 7.8% increase to Medicaid. Both the Senate and the Assembly one-house budgets now include the full request! Please send a letter to your legislators to thank them and to encourage them to make this increase a top priority during the upcoming negotiations please visit HERE.

 

 

BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR NEW YORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (I/DD)

OUR TOP PRIORITY FOR THE 2025-26 BUDGET 

A 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize the system of care for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Senate and Assembly must support a stable care system for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Why do we Need to Invest?

  • Inflation has outpaced the state’s investment in services for New Yorkers with disabilities. 
  • Medicaid rates no longer reflect the true cost of care. 
  • Medicaid rates fund all facets of our service system, including wages for direct support providers, housing, food, transportation, and more. 
  • To sustain the essential services people with disabilities rely on, Medicaid rates must appropriately resource every aspect of care. 
  • This is more than just a budget request. It is a commitment to dignity, equity and quality care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Have recent increases helped?

  • Costs have nearly doubled over the past 20 years, and overall investment still lags behind inflation by nearly 20%. While the progress made by recent increases is appreciated, providers remain unable to cover rising costs and adjust wages to account for the inflation. 
  • Recent rate adjustments did not apply to the full system. Some crucial programs, like family respite and community habilitation, did not receive rate increases, leaving families supported by these programs struggling to access the services that allow them to remain in the workforce and have lives beyond caregiving. 
  • An imbalance in investment between non-profit providers and state-operated programs has created severe inequity in staff pay, which recent investments alone are insufficient to resolve.

What will the 7.8% increase fund?

Medicaid rates are all-inclusive. The increase would fund all facets of the comprehensive system of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:

  • Wages & mandated fringe benefits 
  • Food & transportation 
  • Maintenance & utilities for programs & homes 
  • Medical supplies and nursing care 
  • Insurance (commercial, property, liability) 
  • Professional development & technology 
  • Compliance, legal, accounting & audit Licensing, accreditation, security & more
Downloads:
2025 Legislative Advocacy Sheet