NYAPRS Note: According to a press release from the NYS Department of Health, DOH, NYS counties will receive a combined total of $323 million in enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds. See the estimated county allocation breakdown at:
https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2020/docs/covid_efmap_to_counties_6-19.pdf
The press release notes that “the final support for each county will be based on spending level and could be impacted by further changes to federal guidance.”
$323M In Federal Medicaid Funds Are Headed To New York Counties
By Amanda Fries Albany Times Union June 25, 2020
ALBANY – An expected $323 million in federal Medicaid funds are headed to counties across the state as communities continue to grapple with millions of dollars in lost revenue from the shuttering of businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, president of the state County Executive’s Association and the National Association of Counties, said the enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funds will mean a boost of $2.7 million to the county over the next nine months.
“This essential funding will help county government leaders continue to serve the public during these challenging economic times,” McCoy said in a statement Thursday. “I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Gov. (Andrew M.) Cuomo and the state Department of Health for their commitment to continue the state cap on local Medicaid expenses. This is an important public health program which serves millions of New Yorkers.”
The funds were included as part of the Families First Coronavirus stimulus package passed by federal lawmakers in March, and aimed to help states and counties get through the national health emergency from COVID-19.
About a week ago, the governor was criticized by Republican members of Congress – U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, John Katko, R-Camillus, and Peter King, R-Seaford – and accused of withholding the funds from counties. At that time, state officials said they were still tallying how much each county was entitled to, but the funds would be released soon.
New York State Association of Counties President John F. Marren applauded congressional delegates in New York for securing the funding.
“Counties are at a decisive moment in the battle against COVID-19, as we confront new cases and communities begin the delicate task of reopening,” he said. “Now more than ever, local governments need resources to keep up the fight, but with county sales tax revenues down by 30 to 40 percent and state reimbursement at risk, counties are facing major gaps in their 2020 budgets that could jeopardize this progress.”
Nearly $6 billion in funds slated for New York were initially in jeopardy due to the state’s plans to cut $2.5 billion from its Medicaid program as part of efforts to slow down cost growth. The funds were contingent on states making no changes to their programs.
While the state’s budget passed including changes to Medicaid, when they take effect has been postponed, ensuring New York would get the federal money.