The 30-day amendments to the proposed 2013-14 Executive Budget were released yesterday. The amendments include a 6% across the board cut to the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ (OPWDD) Aid to Localities budget. Upon release of the proposed 2013-14 Executive Budget in January, the Division of Budget was preparing a contingency budget reduction plan to address the potential loss of $1.1 billion in federal funding. The 30-day amendments address a portion of the loss in federal funds through various actions, one which includes the 6% reduction in funding to OPWDD. While the details as to distribution of the cut are not yet available, NYSACRA understands the 6% cut translates into a reduction of $120 million ($240 million total which includes the federal share). During a conference call with OPWDD Commissioner Burke and key agency staff yesterday, OPWDD indicated that timing is essential as amendments to the State’s Medicaid Plan must be submitted, in addition to technical amendments as well as changes to current regulation. The next State Fiscal Year begins in approximately five weeks and the state will want to resolve this issue before the next fiscal year begins.
The 6% cut is targeted to not-for-profit providers. The Governor held a press conference Wednesday to highlight the changes that are included in the 30-day amendments to the proposed Executive Budget. According to Division of Budget Director, Bob Megna, the State of New York has agreed upon a change to the rate methodology for developmental disabilities programs which represents the cut to OPWDD. Cuts to the State’s Medicaid program total $500 million. In addition to the $120 million cut to OPWDD, the State will implement a series of initiatives including acceleration of Medicaid Redesign Team recommendations and proposed investments (that would have taken place in 2013-14) will be placed “on hold” ($180 million). A total of $200 million (state share) will be achieved through adjustments to the global Medicaid cap. To view the Governor’s press conference, go to: http://www.governor.ny.gov/
NYSACRA will obtain additional details on the 30-amendments as well as relevant information on the proposed 6% cut to OPWDD. Jason Helgerson, State Medicaid Director, will join the Provider Association meeting on Monday to discuss the 30-day amendments and negotiations with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We look forward to providing members with timely and updated information.
It is important to underscore the proposed 2013-14 Executive Budget is subject to approval by the New York State Legislature. The Assembly and Senate must agree with the Governor on the proposal. We will work to advocate on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and the agencies that serve them to mitigate the consequences of budget cuts to the sector.
To read media coverage of the Governor’s press conference go to the following links:
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013130220015&nclick_check=1
Marco Damiani
Executive Vice President
YAI Network
and
Chair, Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
<a href=”mailto:marco.damiani@yai.org”>marco.damiani@yai.org</a></spam></em>, 212-273-6188