DOH Monthly Briefing – March 2023
DOH held its Monthly Briefing earlier today. The following summarizes the topics discussed:
1/1/23 Rates – The 1/1/23 Medicaid rates were released on 3/8/23. The rates included a CMI adjustment based on the 4/1/22 – 9/30/22 MDS data assessments. The 1.5% ATB increase implemented in November 2018 was recalculated to reflect the January operating rate. The Minimum Wage add-on was also updated for 2023 increases. The capital component of the rate reflects the submitted capital attestations and includes the 5% capital rate cut previously enacted. Payment for these rates will be in Medicaid cycle #2377 (check release date 3/29/23). Attached is the DAL with further information.
2021 NHQP – The 2021 Nursing Home Quality Pool was issued on 3/7/23 (DAL attached). Payments and/or recoupments will be processed in Medicaid cycle#2377 (check release date 3/29/23). The NHQP is being processed in conjunction with the 1/1/23 rate package to alleviate cash flow issues related to facilities with NHQP recoupments.
Enhanced ATI Payments – The State Share portion of the enhanced Advanced Training Initiative payments for eligible providers will also be released in Medicaid cycle #2377 (check release date 3/29/23). Eligible facilities were separately notified. Upon CMS approval of the related SPA, the remaining federal share will be released. Attached is the DAL with further information.
Safe Staffing – the State Share of funding to assist nursing homes in meeting staffing level requirements is also contained in Medicaid cycle #2377. DOH is working with CMS on the related SPA, and upon approval, a second lump distribution will be made for the federal share. A press release and notification letters are expected to be released in the next day or so.
2021 CRA Reconciliation – has been completed and will be processed in Medicaid cycle #2378 (check release date 4/5/23).
2022 CRA Reconciliation – is currently in process, as additional time from the 2022 CY is required to complete the reconciliation.
2% Quality Penalty – DOH did not give a timetable for processing.
Benchmark Rate Posting – the 2021 and 2022 Benchmark rates have been updated. The 2023 Benchmark rates should be updated within the next two weeks.
Assessment Filing Changes (PDPM) – DOH recognizes the importance of the upcoming 10/2023 assessment changes related to PDPM. They are seeking a broader solution and will engage support from the field as they continue work on this transition. DOH indicated that a solution would be within the context of next year’s state fiscal budget.
Healthcare Workers Bonus (HWB) – The HWB FAQs were last updated on 3/14/23. The updated HWB webpage can be found here. Health Care Worker Bonus Program Frequently Asked Questions (ny.gov)
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. Attached is the DAL with further information.
MDS audits – OMIG reported that the 2017 MDS final audits are nearing completion, and the 2018 audits are in process.
ALP 2022 Rates – The individual survey results from the 2022 ALP minimum Wage surveys have been incorporated into the January 1, 2022 ALP rates effective in cycle #2378 (check release date 4/5/2023). Accordingly, the minimum wage add-on component is now included in the April 1, 2022 and October 1, 2022 rates, which are also in the cycle #2378 update. The provider-specific rates have been posted for your information at the following location under ALP 2022 Minimum Wage Add-On: https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/long_term_care/reimbursement/alp/
If you have any questions regarding the Home Care Aide Wage Increase, please send an email with the subject line ALP January 2022 Minimum Wage Increase to ALP-Rates@health.ny.gov.
NYSHFA | NYSCAL CONTACT:
Carl J. Pucci
518-462-4800 x36
