Does New York require assisted living communities to disclose their rates and fee increases in writing?
Short answer: New York requires ALR-licensed communities to provide a written admission agreement disclosing services and fees, though the specific format and level of itemization can vary by operator — always ask for the full written schedule, not a verbal quote.
Because New York layers licenses (ACF, ALR, EALR, SNALR) rather than using a single simple license type, fee structures can vary quite a bit between a plain ALR, an ALP-certified community, and one offering EALR or SNALR services, since each layer can carry different service inclusions. Ask specifically for the written admission agreement, the current base rate, what triggers a level-of-care reassessment and fee change, and the facility's rate-increase history over the last three years. Verbal ballpark figures given during a tour are not binding — only the written agreement is, and Buffalo-area operators can differ meaningfully on how transparent that document is before you ask directly.
