Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that legislation she authored to help protect seniors with long-term managed care plans has passed the Assembly (A.8105).

“Many New Yorkers require assistance in daily living, unfortunately making them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation,” said Wallace. “This measure ensures that seniors have someone looking out for their interests without having to give up their independence.”

The legislation extends the ombudsman program for residents of nursing homes and other assisted living facilities and authorizes the ombudsman to also advocate on behalf of seniors living at home under long-term managed care programs. The program was set to expire in December of this year. This legislation extends the program through 2019.

The bill is one of several measures Wallace is working on to protect seniors, combat elder abuse and prevent financial exploitation. In addition, she wants to make sure seniors know of the resources available to them and urges any senior needing free legal services to contact the Center for Elder Law and Justice at elderjusticeny.org or by calling 716-853-3087.