REMARKS
Low rates of veteran self-identification and disability applications in NYC
1:58:49
ยท
143 sec
Council Member Robert Holden raises concerns about the low rates of veterans self-identifying and applying for disability benefits in NYC compared to national averages. Ashton Stewart, a member of the New York City Veterans Advisory Board, emphasizes the importance of connecting veterans with VA services to access benefits and potentially reduce the city's Medicaid burden.
- Holden highlights the economic benefits of veterans accessing federal services
- The potential positive impact on New York City's economy if veterans receive their fair share of funding is discussed
- Stewart emphasizes the importance of getting veterans to the VA to learn about eligibility and benefits
- The potential for veterans to transition from Medicaid to federal benefits is highlighted
Robert Holden
1:58:49
But but the commissioner mentioned this, and he mentions a lot at hearings.
1:58:52
He he mentions that our veterans are not self identifying like the national average.
1:59:01
I think we're, we're way below.
1:59:03
We're not for disability, we're, we're lagging behind for disability, applications or at least to try to get a percentage of our veterans to qualify for, disabled veteran.
1:59:17
We're not getting that either.
1:59:18
We're lagging behind in that.
1:59:19
So that's why the city and I I I brought this up to the mayor and I I think I brought it up to the council a number of times that we'll get we'll get that money back because if veterans get if our veterans, New York City veterans get more services, from the government, that they'll spend it in New York City.
1:59:40
So the economy will improve and it'll be a marked difference with a 100, you know, how many, 200, a 100000 veterans in New York City.
1:59:49
You'll see a marked difference if they start getting their fair share of funding.
1:59:53
So it's up to a small investment, we're not talking about a lot, a small investment by New York City into veterans will pay dividends.
2:00:01
So, and that I have no more questions.
2:00:05
Does anybody okay.
2:00:07
Thank you.
2:00:07
Thank you so much.
2:00:09
You you can't, from
Mercedes Elias
2:00:11
Yeah.
2:00:11
Ashton is the Then you can
Robert Holden
2:00:12
come up.
2:00:13
Oh, you can come up then.
2:00:14
Yeah.
2:00:15
I
James Hendon
2:00:15
just have one thing
Robert Holden
2:00:17
I'm just saying you can't sit there and say something.
Ashton Stewart
2:00:19
You're just
Robert Holden
2:00:20
saying Thank
Ashton Stewart
2:00:20
you so much, chairman.
2:00:22
And you have done such a tremendous job as the chair of this committee over the years.
2:00:26
All the legislation resonating with the community.
2:00:34
And I
Robert Holden
2:00:34
Well, I I it's funny.
2:00:35
I don't feel I've made enough progress at all.
2:00:37
You are.
2:00:38
You're getting the
Ashton Stewart
2:00:38
conversation started.
2:00:39
Even your attempt to to talk to the mayor.
2:00:41
And as far as the VA, this is their role.
2:00:44
The problem is that the veterans that we're trying to get in touch with aren't going to the VA.
2:00:49
Mhmm.
2:00:49
But if we can get them there, then suddenly a whole new opportunity can open.
2:00:55
They can find out about eligibility.
2:00:57
They can be empowered by learning about benefits that they might be eligible for.
2:01:01
And if that happens, then suddenly you can take some of these veterans off Medicaid and they start getting the the money from the federal government, which is a good thing for the city.
2:01:10
And that's what we're missing here.
Robert Holden
2:01:11
And I Well, that's a great argument, but it's a catch 22.