HANYS News

HANYS to Advise Governor's Health Care Reform Cabinet

2010-09-03T14:00:00-05:00

On Tuesday, Governor David Paterson announced the appointment of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) to the External Advisory Group of the Governor's Health Care Reform Cabinet. As a member of this important group, HANYS will leverage its position to ensure the interests of New York's patients and providers are represented as the state begins the task of implementing federal health care reform legislation. A copy of the Governor's press release and HANYS' statement about this historic announcement are available online.

Contact: William Van Slyke

FMAP Contingency Law Repealer Introduced

2010-09-03T14:00:00-05:00

The state Senate Rules Committee today introduced a bill (S.8479) to repeal the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) contingency plan law (Chapter 313 of the Laws of 2010) enacted in August.

HANYS continues to press the legislature and Executive for a complete repeal of this law, considering the state's receipt of $1.4 billion in enhanced FMAP and education funding—$315 more than the contingency plan target of $1.085 billion. Further, the state just received an additional $700 million in federal education funding for the Race to the Top program.

HANYS also joined a coalition of more than 150 health and human services organizations, coordinated by Greater New York Hospital Association, in signing a statement urging the New York State Legislature to repeal the contingency law. HANYS will continue pushing for a repeal of this law, and will update members on any new developments.

Contact: Nicholas Henley

New York Announces $50 Million for Medicaid Transition Grants

2010-09-03T14:00:00-05:00

The state is awarding $49.9 million in grants to 17 hospitals in the state that have incurred operating losses as a result of recent reforms to the Medicaid system. A list of recipients is available on the Department of Health's (DOH) Web site.

The awards, made under the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY) Phase 15, are geared toward assisting facilities in reconfiguring their services to reduce excess inpatient beds and expand outpatient services. The funds were targeted toward those facilities that were adversely impacted by the Medicaid reform enacted in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 state budgets.

Facilities that applied for funds under HEAL 15 but did not receive an award may want to consider applying for the latest round of HEAL, which is also geared toward financially distressed facilities.

Contact: Karen Roach

Statewide Summits to Plan and Coordinate Tobacco Use Cessation Treatments

2010-09-03T14:00:00-05:00

The New York State ActionToQuit Project is sponsoring three planning summits. The programs will focus on strategies that employers and health plans can utilize to affect positive change in reducing tobacco dependence. The goal is to work together to ensure that tobacco users have access to comprehensive tobacco use cessation treatments. The full day programs, which are free of charge, are targeted towards employers, insurers, health care systems, and policymakers.

Participants can register at the NYS Smokers' Quitline. The programs will be held on September 28 in Buffalo, October 5 in Albany, and December 1 in New York City.

Contact: Kathy Ciccone

William Allison Joins HANYS as Vice President of Fiscal Policy

2010-08-25T14:00:00-05:00

HANYS is pleased to announce William Allison has been appointed Vice President of Fiscal Policy. In this role, he will work closely with the Association's membership to develop consensus on fiscal policy issues, and leverage HANYS' analytical and communication resources to advocate effectively on their behalf.

Mr. Allison has extensive, high-level experience in health care finance and delivery in New York State. In the 1970's he was chief financial officer (CFO) and chief executive officer (CEO) at Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn, and subsequently served as vice president of financial planning at St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center; from 1980 to 1985 Mr. Allison held the position of controller at South Nassau Communities Hospital; and from 1985 to 2010, he served in variety of executive capacities at Catholic Health Services of Long Island, including hospital chief operating officer, CFO, and CEO.

Mr. Allison received his B.S. and M.B.A. from St. John's University, and his M.P.A. from New York University.

President Obama Proposes Amendments to Increase HRSA Account for Health Care Workforce Training Enhancements

2010-08-25T14:00:00-05:00

In a letter Friday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Obama asked Congress to consider reallocating $400 million in proposed appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services in fiscal year 2011. Part of this proposal would reduce funding to the Centers for Disease Control for public health emergency preparedness to provide an additional $250 million in funding for training to address the expected demand for primary care providers and the geriatric health professions workforce. HANYS will post any grant opportunities related to this funding as information becomes available.

Contact: Sherry Chorost