Proposal to scrap managed long term care plans will threaten New York’s most vulnerable
As a leading home care provider in New York, Royal Care stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in Managed Long Term Care plans, jointly committed to enhancing the lives of New York’s most vulnerable residents. Our collaboration with MLTC plans is not merely administrative; it’s a lifeline for those who depend on us for essential services, enabling them to maintain independence and dignity in the comfort of their own homes.
Together with MLTC plans, Royal Care has seamlessly coordinated an extensive range of services, meticulously tailored to address the multifaceted needs of our valued clients. Our collaborative efforts transcend the conventional boundaries of home care, embracing a holistic approach that encompasses vital social determinants of health, such as stable housing, employment opportunities, educational access, and nutritional support. By synergizing these essential services, we empower individuals grappling with long-term care needs to not only maintain autonomy but also thrive within the fabric of their communities.
Moreover, our holistic approach yields tangible health benefits, fostering improved well-being and resilience amongst our clients while concurrently mitigating the frequency of hospitalizations. Through our innovative partnership, we not only enhance individual health outcomes but also contribute to the broader goal of building healthier, more vibrant communities where every New Yorker has the opportunity to flourish.
However, the proposed legislation currently under consideration in Albany threatens to upend this collaborative framework and jeopardize the well-being of the 280,000 at-risk New Yorkers who rely on MLTC plans for their care. The shift towards a “fee-for-service” model not only undermines patient choice but also introduces unnecessary disruption and instability into the healthcare landscape. Under the proposed changes, MLTC members face the grim prospect of being forcibly removed from their current plans, a scenario that could have devastating consequences for continuity of care and overall health outcomes. For many individuals grappling with complex health conditions, such upheaval is not just inconvenient—it’s potentially life-threatening.
Moreover, the proposed overhaul contradicts the state’s broader efforts to promote health equity and address longstanding disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. By dismantling the MLTC program, we risk undoing years of progress in narrowing racial and ethnic disparities and building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Royal Care’s dedication to exemplary care is evidenced by our longstanding collaboration with MLTC plans, resulting in favorable health outcomes for our clients. High levels of member satisfaction, as consistently indicated by data from the NY State Department of Health, testify to the success of our coordinated approach. This data underscores the effectiveness of our strategies in promoting health and ensuring active engagement in care among individuals. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to maintain this standard of excellence, continuously improving the well-being of those we serve.
In light of these concerns, Royal Care joins approximately 200 home care, provider, and community organizations in urging policymakers to reject this ill-conceived legislation. Rather than restricting options and fragmenting care delivery, the focus should be on safeguarding patient choice and preserving the vital services that support New York’s most vulnerable residents.
Now is not the time to gamble with the health and well-being of our most vulnerable populations. The state must prioritize the needs of those who rely on MLTC plans for their care and ensure that their voices are heard in the legislative process. Anything less would be a disservice to the principles of equity, compassion, and dignity that should guide our healthcare system.
Josh Klein is the CEO of Royal Care, a home care provider serving New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
