Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that legislation she authored to help protect seniors living independently under long term managed care plans has passed the Assembly (A.7458). The passage of Wallace’s bill comes during World Elder Abuse Month, and just days after World Elder Abuse Day on June 15, which brought together communities around the world to re-commit to protecting older adults from financial, physical, mental, and other forms of abuse.

“Many older New Yorkers require assistance from others in daily living,” said Wallace. “Unfortunately, that leaves them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. This measure ensures that seniors in long term care plans have an advocate looking out for their interests without having to give up their independence.”

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is an important resource for residents of nursing homes and other assisted living facilities to ensure they are receiving the care they require. In addition, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is currently authorized to advocate on behalf of seniors living at home under long term managed care programs as a result of legislation Wallace introduced and passed in 2017 to renew the long term care ombudsman program for managed long term care plans for two years. However, without legislative action, it is set to expire in December of this year. This legislation extends the authorization of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to advocate on behalf of managed long term care participants through December 2021. For those seeking additional information or assistance, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program can be reached at 1-855-582-6769.

Earlier this month, Wallace joined Western New York leaders in Buffalo to recognize June as World Elder Abuse Month, bringing attention to the vulnerability and abuse that older adults are subjected to. In doing so, Wallace and her colleagues in government and non-profits aim to eradicate elder abuse in Western New York.

“The ombudsman program has proven itself to be critical resource in combatting elder abuse, and I’m proud to pass legislation to build upon its record of success,” concluded Wallace.