Medicaid Redesign Progresses as New York State Health Department Begins Accepting Applications for Managed Long-Term Care Providers

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 14, 2011) - The New York State Department of Health today announced that applications are being accepted for entities to provide long-term managed care services. This initiative is part of Governor Andrew Cuomo's program to redesign New York's Medicaid system in ways that will decrease costs while improving the quality of care provided.

"Last year, Governor Cuomo initiated a new, more inclusive process to reform the Medicaid program and create a more sustainable Medicaid system with better results," said New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., "With the support of the state legislature, today's announcement reflects one important step among many needed to achieve his goal of better care at lower costs for New Yorkers."

Over the next few years, enrollment in Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plans will be mandatory for most adult Medicaid enrollees who need home and community based long-term care services for more than 120 days. More than 70,000 New Yorkers are expected to be enrolled in these programs by 2014-15.

Beginning in April 2012, enrollment in MLTC plans will be required for Medicaid enrollees living in New York City currently being served in personal care, Long term Home Health Care, Certified Home Health Agencies, as well as people who are new to long term care if they need care for more than 120 days. MLTC plans would be required to ensure continuity of health care workers for their members when they transition from a fee-for-service plan.

Mandatory enrollment would expand throughout the rest of the state as MLTC plans become available. Individuals exempted for now would include those in the Assisted Living Program and those served through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, as well as others.

Jason Helgerson, Executive Director of the Medicaid Redesign Team, said "Governor Cuomo's goal is to ensure that every Medicaid recipient has access to high quality care management. This announcement will take New York closer to that important goal."

Between 2003 and 2009, Medicaid long-term care expenditures in New York State increased by 26.4 percent, from $9.8 billion to $12.4 billion.

The applications are available on the MRT website and the department has set up a mechanism for prospective applicants to submit relevant question.

More information is available at http://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/long_term_care/managed_long_term_care.htm.