DOH Monthly Briefing – July 2023
DOH held its Monthly Briefing earlier today. The following summarizes the topics discussed:
7.5% Rate Increase – DOH has submitted the State Plan Amendment (SPA) to CMS. The rate package was also submitted for state executive review.
July 2023 Rates – No timeline for rate release. Hoping to move forward for executive review soon.
October MDS/CMI Change – DOH recognizes the importance of the upcoming 10/2023 assessment changes related to PDPM. They are not planning on moving to the Optional State Assessment (OSA) for collection of data, but rather are developing a plan to change to PDPM. Final RUGs related rate will be the January 1, 2024. After that a rate freeze is being considered. They are in the early stages of planning, however, will work on future methodology with stakeholders to ensure it is tailored to the LTC population and is capturing acuity changes.
2% Quality Penalty – In executive review.
MDS audits – 2018 audits are ongoing in the upstate area. NYC and Long Island audits to begin in August.
The following items were not discussed on the call today, however, please see summary below from the previous monthly meeting:
2022 Cost Report – DOH released the cost report software on June 9th. There are no major changes to the 2022 cost report. The filing deadline is Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Members are strongly urged to verify their HCS access capabilities prior to the filing deadline.
Safe Staffing – the State Share of funding to assist nursing homes in meeting staffing level requirements was contained in Medicaid cycle #2377 (check release date 3/29/23). DOH is working with CMS on the related SPA, and upon approval, a second lump distribution will be made for the federal share. DOH conducted a webinar on 7/6/23 regarding the minimum staffing level compliance reviews, which has been archived. See NYSHFA member mailing (attached) for a summary of the webinar. DOH is directing any further questions on safe staffing to NHSafeStaffing@health.ny.gov.
2022 CRA Reconciliation – Currently in process, as additional time from the 2022 CY is required to complete the reconciliation.
Healthcare Workers Bonus (HWB) – The HWB FAQs were recently updated on 7/6/23. The updated HWB webpage can be found here. Health Care Worker Bonus Program Frequently Asked Questions (ny.gov)
Below is the update with regard to vesting period 3:
- I’m an eligible Employer, I submitted for vesting period three, when should I receive payment?
- If you submitted for vesting period three, please see the table below for payment information. This table will be updated as information becomes available.
| Submission Period | MMIS Submission | SFS Submission |
| One (08/03/2022 – 09/02/2022) | eMedNY Cycle 2352 | 10/05/2022 |
| Two (10/01/2022 – 11/30/2022) | eMedNY Cycle2366 | 01/11/2023 |
| 2.5 (02/01/2023 – 03/03/2023) | eMedNY Cycle 2382 | 05/032023 |
| Three (04/01/2023 – 05/01/2023) | eMedNY Cycle 2393 | 07/19/2023 |
IGT/UPL – The Department of Health continues to work with CMS to provide all necessary information to enable CMS approval of the 2022 State Plan Amendment related to the UPL and associated payments. Please contact NFRates@health.ny.gov with “2022 NH UPL” in the subject line if you have any questions. DOH has had positive interactions with CMS but did not specify a payment release date.
NYSHFA | NYSCAL CONTACT:
Carl J. Pucci
518-462-4800 x36
