Young Adults Can Now Continue to Receive Specialized Pediatric Care Beyond Age 21
Albany, NY – In a significant victory for medically fragile residents and their families, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow. This groundbreaking measure ensures that individuals aging out of pediatric nursing homes at 21 can remain in these specialized care facilities until age 36, guaranteeing them continued access to the complex, personalized care they require.
“Quality care for individuals who are medically fragile is both personalized and complex, so their life expectancy often plummets when they are transferred to adult nursing homes,” said Senator Harckham. “This law ensures that special young adults, who have had to endure so much in their lives, will no longer be summarily and routinely removed from programs and facilities that have provided them with a safe and nurturing haven.”
The law addresses a critical gap in New York’s healthcare system. Although a law enacted in 2021 allowed for the construction of two new specialized care facilities, those centers are not yet operational and will likely not accommodate the growing population of medically fragile young adults. Currently, only six specialized care facilities exist for individuals over 21 statewide.
J. Gary Pretlow
Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow emphasized the law’s importance, stating, “By allowing medically fragile young adults to remain in pediatric specialized nursing facilities until age 36, we are ensuring they receive the compassionate and specialized care they deserve. This law affirms our commitment to supporting some of our most vulnerable residents and their families, providing them with stability and peace of mind.”
Ensuring Stability and Specialized Care
Medically fragile children often require intense care due to complex medical conditions, and thanks to medical advancements, these individuals are now living longer. However, transitioning to adult care at 21 has historically resulted in severe disruptions in their treatment and support systems. The new law codifies the existing practice of pediatric nursing homes extending care for aging-out residents, allowing Medicaid to cover 100% of the pediatric rate for patients up to age 53.
Ari Friedman, co-owner of Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehabilitation Center in Ossining, NY, praised the legislation:
“This vital new law ensures continued care for medically fragile children as they transition into adulthood. Indeed, this will have a lasting and meaningful impact on these children and their families. We are truly appreciative to Governor Hochul for enacting the law.”
Growing Need for Specialized Facilities
The number of medically fragile children has increased significantly over the past two decades, intensifying the need for sustained, high-quality care. The legislation comes as a response to this pressing issue, ensuring that medically fragile young adults retain access to the familiarity and expertise provided by pediatric nursing homes.
Legislative Champions
The legislation (S.5969A / A.3674) reflects years of advocacy by healthcare professionals, families, and lawmakers.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins commended the effort: “These patients deserve specialized, compassionate, and tailored care, and this legislation ensures they can remain in the facilities that provide the expertise and familiarity so critical to their well-being.”