DOH Monthly Briefing – May 2023
DOH held its Monthly Briefing earlier today. The following summarizes the topics discussed:
7.5% Rate Increase – DOH is working on the State Plan Amendment (SPA) to CMS. The SPA will request the full 7.5% rate increase. More information will be released going forward. A question was raised as to whether DOH could release the 6.5% state share in advance of CMS SPA approval. DOH indicated it would look into further.
Enhanced ATI Payments – The Federal Share portion of the enhanced Advanced Training Initiative payments for eligible providers will be released in Medicaid cycle #2386 (check release date 5/31/23). Eligible facilities were separately notified. Attached is the DAL with further information.
MDS Data Collection – DOH issued a DAL on 5/23/23 regarding the upcoming data collection period for assessments submitted with ARD’s between 10/1/22 and 3/31/23. Please ensure your updates are completed by June 7, 2023, as the certification deadline is June 14, 2023. Attached is the DAL with further information.
Note: due to technical issues, which have been corrected, the certification deadlines have now been extended by one day to June 8th and June 15th respectively.
2022 Cost Report – DOH expects to release the cost report software in the next few weeks. There are no major changes to the 2022 cost report. The filing deadline will remain at 60 days post software release.
Safe Staffing – the State Share of funding to assist nursing homes in meeting staffing level requirements was 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. DOH is directing any further questions on safe staffing to NHSafeStaffing@health.ny.gov.
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.
October MDS/CMI Change – 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. Internal discussions continue and the work plan, once drafted, will be shared with the Associations.
Healthcare Workers Bonus (HWB) – The HWB FAQs were last updated on 5/23/23. 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.
MDS audits – OMIG reported that the 2017 MDS final audits are complete, and the 2018 audits are in process across various regions of the State.
NYSHFA | NYSCAL CONTACT:
Carl J. Pucci
518-462-4800 x36
