Healthcare Worker Bonus FAQ’s have been updated

DOH has updated the HWB FAQ’s, as noted below. In addition to the time extension for Period 1 and 2 submissions, DOH also reiterated their position on temporary staff as follows: “Contracted temporary staff that are employed or contracted by a staffing agency or other intermediary entity on a temporary basis are not eligible for the HWB program.”

Dear MRT Listserv Subscriber,

The Healthcare Worker Bonus (HWB) Program has updated the Frequently Asked Questions page on the New York State Department of Health website. Updated questions are highlighted for convenience. Qualified employers are encouraged to routinely review these resources for the latest information.

As announced yesterday, in order to allow appropriate time for all Employers to submit claims for Vesting Period 1 and 2, the Department will keep the HWB Program Portal open to claims submissions until November 30, 2022.  Qualified Employers can continue to submit claims for eligible employees during this time.

Please be advised that, in accordance with SOS § 367-w(4)(f), claims submitted after October 31, 2022 for Vesting Period 1 and 2 are technically late for filing purposes. The Department is aware of several technical issues during the initial submission periods for Vesting Periods 1 and 2 that impeded the ability of certain Qualified Employers to submit claims. All Employers should document and retain information regarding the reason for any late submission for audits and investigation purposes relating to the submission of claims for the HWB Program

Additionally, the Department is committed to updating the HWB Program information it has provided as new questions come in and are answered. To this end, the Department has established an email address dedicated to the HWB Program. Please direct your inquiry to NYSWorkersBonus@health.ny.gov to make sure your question(s) are received and processed. The Department has also established the HWB Call Center dedicated to answering questions about the online claims portal and assisting qualified employers with submitting their claims. The HWB Call Center can be reached at 1 (866) 682-0077.

Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Updates

New York State Department of Health
Office of Health Insurance Programs
One Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
mrtupdates@health.ny.gov