New York's federally required nursing home oversight program should receive a $15 million boost in funding and efforts to lower prescription drug costs for older people should be expanded, AARP New York on Wednesday urged in a report released by the group. 

The group released its 2023 agenda that includes proposals to make it easier for people to access benefit programs and increase transparency for large drug makers. And the group wants higher wages for homes care workers while also boosting funding for in-home services for elderly people who are living in their own homes. 

The group's NYS Blueprint, too, contains proposals that have struggled to gain traction such as allowing accessory dwelling units, a proposal that was shelved last year amid suburban opposition. 

“New York’s 50-plus have the experience, expertise and commitment to make our state’s future bright,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “We must address the challenges they experience, and this blueprint provides a roadmap to help our leaders, legislators and policymakers tackle that task.”

New York is a rapidly aging state, with people who are age 50 and older the fastest demographic. But the pandemmic has created a series of challenges for benefit delivery, nursing home care and long-term care programs for people who struggle financially.