December 23, 2024

Earlier today the Greater New York Hospital Association President and CEO Ken Raske posted on ‘X’ that New York’s request to create a new tax on MCOs had been approved by CMS. Later in the day the post was removed from X (Twitter) but Kate Lisa, a journalist with State of Politics just posted a story online that says ‘budget officials have confirmed’ (the approval).  No press release yet from the Governor’s Office which may be why GNYHA took down the news.

Ultimately the ’24-’25 enacted state budget included rather vague language requiring New York State to apply to CMS for approval of the Tax that would generate some $4B in Medicaid funds the state needs to keep commitments made to hospitals and nursing homes for funds they fought for during budget negotiations.  The funds were to be placed in a ‘healthcare fund’.

A top priority for the NYS Council continues to be our advocacy to compel state leaders to set aside proceeds from the Tax for mental health and substance use disorder providers and our systems of care in the revenue that results from implementation of the Tax.