NY Home Care Workers Deserve a Living Wage: The Advocacy Case for Higher Medicaid Rates
New York's home care workers are among the lowest-paid healthcare workers despite doing some of the most demanding work. Here is what advocates are saying and what would change if Medicaid reimbursement rates increased.
Home care workers in New York provide essential services that allow seniors and people with disabilities to live in their communities rather than nursing homes. Despite this critical role, many earn close to minimum wage.
The Current Reality
As of 2026, home care workers in NYC earn between $17 and $22 per hour depending on the program and employer. After taxes, many earn less than $36,000 annually for full-time work — in a city where the average rent exceeds $2,500/month for a one-bedroom.
The Advocacy Landscape
Coalitions including 1199SEIU, the Caring Majority Campaign, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance have pushed for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates that would allow agencies to pay workers more. New York's Fair Pay for Home Care Act, if passed, would link home care wages to 150% of the regional minimum wage.
Why Medicaid Rates Matter
Home care agencies cannot pay workers more than what they receive in Medicaid reimbursement. Until reimbursement rates reflect the true cost of quality care, wage growth is structurally limited.
What You Can Do
- Contact your State Assembly member or State Senator to support the Fair Pay for Home Care Act - Join advocacy organizations in your borough or county - Share your story — personal testimony from caregivers is the most powerful advocacy tool
Priority Groups' Position
We support living wages for all home care workers and advocate for rate increases through our industry associations. We offer competitive pay within existing reimbursement constraints and are committed to raising wages as rates increase.