NYAPRS Note: Even the jostling of Washington politicians does not seem to be deterring CMS from approving the 1115 waiver amendment submitted by NYS in December. Sebelius clearly indicated that the repayment of OPWDD charges is being determined separately from the $10 billion Medicaid waiver. However, as the legislative season continues, it is difficult to predict how the passage of the waiver during session may impact the decision-making of lawmakers in Albany.
Capital Healthcare; Dan Goldberg, 2/12/2014
RANTING AND WAIVING –- Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee sent a letter Tuesday to Secretary Sebelius, urging her to recover some of the overpayments made to New York’s Medicaid program before the federal government grants the state any waiver money. Rep. Issa is a frequent critic of the Obama administration, and his suggestion is unlikely to carry much sway with the secretary, but the committee’s opposition to the waiver makes for inconvenient headlines, as the Cuomo administration tries to press the feds for a decision. Democrats were quick to hit back. “Rep. Issa’s request is an affront to the hardworking families of New York state who rely on our hospitals for care,” said Rep. Charles Rangel. “This multimillionaire Congressman wants to decimate a health care system that everyday people rely on. Either he is so out of touch with reality or he just doesn’t care who his radical ideology harms.”
SCOOP — Late last night, a spokeswoman for CMS confirmed for me that New York’s audit “is distinct and separate” from the waiver application. One has no bearing on the other and the Obama administration will respond directly to the committee. She also said New York “is in the final stages of a path towards approval.”