August 30, 2010

Enhanced FMAP Rate is Extended with Reductions

Federal legislation (HR 1586) enacts a phased-down extension of the enhanced FMAP rate over 6 months, which was originally set to expire on Dec. 31, 2010. The FMAP extension is expected to bring $16.1 billion in additional aid to states. Under the new law, the increase in FMAP rates will be reduced from the current level of 6.2% to 3.2% from January to March 2011, 1.2% from March to June 2011.

Earlier this month, NYS lawmakers approved an FMAP contingency plan to cover more than $1 billion in the budget, should the enhanced rate have ended completely. However, the contingency plan will now only have to cover a $281 million deficit, as estimated by the Division of Budget. It will be implemented as an across the board cut of about 1% to all local assistance funding. This includes Medicaid, General Fund and HCRA expenditures made after September 16, 2010, and through the end of the fiscal year. We do not yet know the details of the impact on behavioral health.

New Change in Insurance Law Mandates Coverage for DWI Emergency Services

Governor David Paterson signed legislation to prohibit insurers from denying payment for emergency services for people injured from driving while intoxicated. Chapter 303 of bill S.7845/A.11116, which will help to advance addiction as a public health issue, was acknowledged by NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo in a letter sent to providers on August 17, 2010. According to the Commissioner, the law will help increase screenings for drug and alcohol problems during emergency medical treatments, and give more New Yorkers the opportunity of recovery. OASAS has also developed a new impaired driver services section on their website.

HUD 2009 Continuum of Care (CoC) Debriefing Webcast Now Available Online

On August 13, 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) held a debriefing webcast on the 2009 Continuum of Care (CoC) competition. It provided information on scoring distributions, funding, renewals, new projects funded and an analysis of spending on housing versus services. The webcast also reviewed lessons learned from 2009, detailed pro-rata and hold harmless needs, and concluded with information on the 2010 CoC application process. Included in the webcast is a PowerPoint presentation to help guide users through it.

OMH News

Clinic & Ambulatory Restructuring Trainings in September

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) will hold trainings on clinic and ambulatory reform throughout the month of September at various venues across the State. Trainings will occur on September 2, 2010 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. at Long Island at the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, September 8, 2010 at Albany at the Empire State Plaza, September 14 & 15, 2010 in New York City at the at the SUNY School of Optometry, and September 28, 2010 in Rochester at the University of Rochester. Details on locations and the agenda are available through the training registration site. The guidance document on Part 599 regulations is now available online for you to review. 

Draft Version of 2010-2014 State Plan and Public Hearing

OMH has also made available a draft version of its 2010-2014 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services. On August 24, 2010, Commissioner Michael Hogan will hold a public hearing on the plan in Albany, NY, which will be broadcast in New York City and Syracuse. For details on how to submit comments in writing, or to provide input into the draft plan at one of the hearing sites, please go to: Invitation to Participate in the 5.07 Public Hearing.

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