Stephen B. Hanse, Esq. serves as president and CEO of the New York State Health Facilities Association/New York State Center for Assisted Living (NYSHFA|NYSCAL). NYSHFA|NYSCAL is a statewide association of providers of long-term care services, caring for individuals of all ages in proprietary, not-for-profit, and government-sponsored skilled nursing, postacute, rehab, adult care and assisted living communities across New York. Mr. Hanse previously served as vice president and counsel for NYSHFA|NYSCAL.
What influenced you to pursue a career in the health care field?
I have been fortunate to represent health care providers for the majority of my career. Giving my all in advocating for and addressing the needs and concerns of New York’s skilled nursing and assisted living providers and the residents we serve is extremely fulfilling. Each day at NYSHFA|NYSCAL we are advancing the causes of the women and men on the front lines of long-term care and the residents we serve.
What is the biggest challenge currently facing New York’s health care system?
There are two major challenges facing skilled nursing and assisted living providers throughout New York – the long-term care staffing shortage crisis and the State’s history of underfunding Medicaid. Nursing home providers are facing a labor force that is still over 10% below pre-COVID employment levels. New York’s average per-day gap between nursing home provider costs of care and the State Medicaid reimbursement rate is $91. New York must address these challenges in 2024.
How do you describe your position to people outside of the health care industry?
My position is one in which I am blessed to lead an organization that is laser-focused on providing critical advocacy and education initiatives to advance and address the interests and concerns of New York’s skilled nursing and assisted living providers and the residents we serve.
What can policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality health care?
Equitable access to essential long-term care in New York can only be achieved through the State’s commitment to fully fund the cost of care for Medicaid residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Fully funding the cost of care will ensure access to care by enabling providers to compete in the labor market in the recruitment and retention of long-term care employees.