WNY Hospitals Allocated $155 Million of $1.5 Billion Statewide for DSRIP Projects

Thank you to all our hospital executives who participated in Statewide Hospital Leadership Advocacy Day with HANYS!

See below for the announcement of capital fund flow to Western New York, issued by Gov. Cuomo's press office today:

March 4, 2016

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Announces More than $155 Million in Funding to Strengthen and Improve Health Care in Western New York

State investing a total of $1.5 billion to fund 162 projects statewide

Critical projects will improve patient care and make facilities more sustainable in the long term

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $155.7 million in grant awards for 10 projects that will dramatically transform and improve the delivery of health care in Western New York. This funding is a portion of a $1.5 billion commitment made by New York State to help health care providers statewide fund critical capital and infrastructure improvements, as well as integrate and further develop health systems.

"We have a responsibility to continue to make critical capital and infrastructure improvements that transform our health care system into one of sustainability with a deep focus on improving patient care and delivery of vital services." Governor Cuomo said. "This funding allows them to do just that and is yet another example of how New York is leading the nation in adapting to meet 21^st Century health care needs."

The awards are being made through the Capital Restructuring Financing Program and Essential Health Care Provider Support Program. Both were created by Governor Cuomo to support the goals of the Delivery System Reform Incentive Program (DSRIP), the main mechanism for investing the $7.3 billion in Medicaid savings that resulted from the groundbreaking waiver between New York and the federal government in 2014.

The goals of DSRIP include reducing health care costs, improving the health of New Yorkers, reducing avoidable hospital admissions and emergency room visits by 25 percent by 2020, and ensuring the financial sustainability of safety net health care providers.

Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said, "The significant investments announced today are an important step in helping many facilities start their transformation to an even better model of health care that will benefit all New Yorkers. With the ongoing support of Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon, our Senate colleagues, and other partners in government, we will continue working with health care providers to help improve the quality of care in all communities as part of this system-wide transition."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "Access to quality health care has always been a top priority for the Assembly Majority, and first rate hospitals and health care facilities are fundamentally important to communities everywhere. As the number of insured New Yorkers has gone up, the demand for quality health care has as well. This funding is critically important as it represents an opportunity for health care facilities to better meet the state’s needs and offer New Yorkers the best care possible."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Restructuring New York's vast health care system will require extensive structural changes to our facilities as well as new approaches to the delivery of health care. These funds will help us balance system wide reforms with the preservation of essential health care services during this time of change."

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, “DASNY is proud to partner with the New York State Department of Health in administering these grants that support the transformation of health care across New York. A strong health care system underpins the economy of our great state by keeping New York competitive and healthy.”

The following providers will receive funding:

Provider	Total Funding	Project
Cuba Memorial Hospital	$4,689,250	Electronic Health Record Conversion Project (Upper Allegany Health System Affiliation Plan)
Brooks Hospital and TLC Health Network	$57,000,000	Northern Chautauqua and Southern Erie Healthcare Delivery Transformation Plan
WCA Hospital	$26,366,709	WCA Transformation Plan--Capital Projects
Catholic Health System, Inc.	$27,720,118	Integrated Delivery System for Population Health Management
Kaleida Health	$11,243,055	Pediatric and Maternal Ambulatory Care Center on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo	$20,000,000	John R. Oishei Children's Hospital
Eastern Niagara Hospital	$3,700,000	Debt Restructuring and Financial Stabilization Project
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center	$1,059,744	Full Circle of Heart Care
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center	$1,931,849	Center for Community Health
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center	$2,000,000	Communities Health Innovation for Niagara--Post-Acute Cardiac/Stroke Unit

Senator Kemp Hannon, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, said, "The Department of Health is to be commended for the arduous task of evaluating the many complicated grant requests: making the awards based geographic considerations and innovative health care initiatives. The timeliness of the announcement is significant as it affords the Legislature and the Executive the opportunity to ascertain other institutions deserving of assistance, or awardees needing additional support, in the upcoming budget. The range and diversity of today's awards illustrates the challenge, which health policy makers face as they seek to improve and transform NY's health care system."

Senator Catharine Young said, "It's a brand new day for patients in the Western New York and the Southern Tier. Today’s announcement means a bright future for my hospitals, and these multi-million dollar awards will ensure access to high quality health care where we need it most – right here in our communities. I thank Governor Cuomo and the Department of Health for their commitment to protecting and preserving excellent health care for the people of our region."

Senator Tim Kennedy said, "While our doctors and nurses are doing everything in their power to save lives and provide the critical care that patients across Western New York deserve, we need to do everything in our power to ensure that they have the necessary equipment and resources at their fingertips to do their job successfully and efficiently. The funding announced today will allow them to do just that. I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for recognizing that the way to provide first-class care to patients is by providing first-rate funding for the local hospitals responsible for their care."

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "This capital funding will go a long way in transforming our health care facilities that will result in improved patient care and delivery of vital care services that our community demands and deserves. I thank the Governor for standing with us to make this funding a reality and for his vision in making infrastructure improvements across the state a top priority."

Assemblyman John Ceretto said, “Providing our community with quality health care and state of the art facilities has and continues to be a priority for all of us.  Today’s announcement delivers on our commitment to invest in our hospitals to ensure that that all patients receive the highest care possible.  I thank the Governor and all our colleagues at every level of government for securing these vital funds that will have an immediate and direct impact on our community.”

Assemblyman Joseph Giglio said, "We are incredibly excited and grateful that the Governor is making these funds available for our rural hospitals." 

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, "This investment is an example of our state’s continued efforts of increase access to health care though improving our hospital infrastructure and essential health services in Niagara County. The funding awarded to Eastern Niagara Hospital will go far in improving that care and enhance the quality of life for our residents. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for his attention to our community."

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown stated, "I am pleased that Catholic Health’s Integrated Delivery System for Population Health Management, Kaleida Health’s Pediatric and Maternal Ambulatory Care Center on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, as well as The John R. Oishei Children's Hospital have been awarded grants, totaling nearly $59 million, under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Capital Restructuring Financing Program and Essential Health Care Provider Support Program. These grants are very much needed and will improve healthcare services at these medical facilities in Buffalo.  I thank Governor Cuomo for working with my office and for his leadership and dedication in delivering these grants to further improve the quality of life for the people of our city.”

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan said, "I am thrilled to hear the news of the Governor's major health care investment in Chautauqua County. A strong health care system is essential for the quality of life for our citizens and keeps us on a path of growth and opportunity going forward."

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said, "Today's announcement of nearly $5 million of capital and programatic support to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is a big win for the City of Niagara Falls. Re-admissions and unnecessary Emergency Room trips drive up the cost's of health care delivery. By investing in a community health care model, we not only save ever scarce tax payer dollars, but we also improve health care outcomes, raising the level of overall community health.  I applaud Governor Cuomo for his continued investment in the well being of all New Yorkers." 

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said, "On behalf of city residents, we are extremely grateful to the Governor for his continued attention toward our needs here in Northern Chautauqua County and the City of Dunkirk. This $57 million grant allocation will go a long way toward ensuring the kind of quality and affordable health care services upon which we depend and help further secure our community's future."

Greater New York Hospital Association president Kenneth E. Raske said, "These capital awards will enable hospitals to transform their care delivery models and provide better, more efficient patient care via projects that will improve infrastructure, promote integrated health systems, and expand primary care capacity. I thank and applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership and steadfast support of New York’s hospital community."

Healthcare Association of New York State President Dennis Whalen said, "Capital investment is key for the successful transformation of New York’s healthcare system. HANYS thanks Governor Cuomo and the Department of Health for supporting the state’s providers with these critically needed funds that are essential to advancing the goals of healthcare reform and help improve our healthcare infrastructure."

Community Health Care Association of New York State President and CEO Elizabeth Swain said, "CHCANYS thanks Governor Cuomo and the Department of Health for the significant investment to support the expansion of primary care services throughout NYS. Federally Qualified Health Centers are critical partners in the State’s transformation efforts and we look forward to continuing to strengthen community based safety net providers."

 

ORLEANS COUNTY Resolution Against State-Mandated Ratios

On December 16, 2016, the Orleans County Legislature passed a resolution against the concept of state-mandated staffing ratios. Thank you to all who worked on this effort:

NYS Medicaid Waiver Timeline: Updated Oct. 15, 2015

Good afternoon,


Please see below for the latest updated MRT Waiver timeline posted this afternoon by the New York State Department of Health.  This link will take you to the Waiver website.

UPDATED Tentative MRT Waiver/DSRIP Key Dates Year 1*
2015
October 13	Final PPS First Quarterly Reports / Domain 1 & Project Implementation Plans posted to DSRIP Website
Mid-October	Open PPS Performance Networks in MAPP for edits and additions
Mid-October	Phase I DSRIP Notice and Opt out letters mailed to Medicaid members
October 31	PPS Second Quarterly Report (7/1/15 - 9/30/15) due from PPS
November 9 & 10	DSRIP Project Approval & Oversight Panel Bi-Annual Meeting
Mid-November	Close PPS Performance Networks in MAPP for edits and additions
December 1	Independent Assessor provides feedback to PPS on PPS Second Quarterly Reports; 15-day Remediation window begins
December 15	Revised PPS Second Quarterly Report due from PPS; 15-day Remediation window closes
December 30	Final Approval of PPS Second Quarterly Reports

* All dates are subject to change.
POSTED October 15, 2015

2016
January	DSRIP Project Approval & Oversight Panel Bi-Annual Meeting
Late January	Implementation of Phase I MAPP Performance Dashboards
Late January	Second Performance DSRIP Payment to PPS
January 31	PPS Third Quarterly Report (10/1/15 - 12/31/15) due from PPS
Mid-February	Phase II DSRIP Notice and Opt out letters mailed to Medicaid members
March 2	Independent Assessor provides feedback to PPS on PPS Third Quarterly Reports; 15- day Remediation window begins
March 16	Revised PPS Third Quarterly Report due from PPS; 15-day Remediation window closes
March 31	Final Approval of PPS Third Quarterly Reports
April 1	DSRIP Year 2 begins
April 30	PPS Fourth Quarterly Report (1/1/16 - 3/31/16) due from PPS
May 31	Independent Assessor provides feedback to PPS on PPS Fourth Quarterly Reports; 15-day Remediation window begins
June 14	Revised PPS Fourth Quarterly Report due from PPS; 15-day Remediation window closes
June 29	Final Approval of PPS Fourth Quarterly Reports
Late July	Third Performance DSRIP Payment to PPS

Article points to surge in Chautaqua County Health Insurance Enrollment

Western New York Healthcare Association President John Bartimole is quoted in the story published this week in the Jamestown Post-Journal; see story and link, below:

http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/674592/Doubling-Up.html

Doubling Up

Health Insurance Enrollment In Chautauqua County Surges

August 24, 2015

By Jimmy McCarthy jmmccarthy@post-journal.com , Post-Journal

          

A little over 9,500 Chautauqua County residents enrolled in health insurance through New York's Marketplace in 2015.

This year's enrollment numbers increased from the 5,000 county residents who signed up for health insurance in 2014 through the Marketplace. John Bartimole, president of the Western New York Healthcare Association, believes many people were unaware and uncomfortable with the process of the Affordable Care Act in its first year.

"I think the federal government and New York state government have done a good job educating people," Bartimole said. "As far as we're concerned in health care, the more people who have insurance, the better it is for everybody. The goal of course is to have no one going into a doctor's office or a hospital lacking insurance."

The NY State of Health Marketplace gives New Yorkers the choice to enroll in unsubsidized or subsidized private coverage, Medicaid or Child Health Plus.

A total of 2,378 enrollees in the county applied for a qualified health plan through one of five insurance companies: Health Republic Insurance of New York, Fidelis Care, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Independent Health and Univera Care.

Health Republic Insurance of New York was the top choice for 51 percent of the applicants in Chautauqua County. Twenty-one percent enrolled through Fidelis Care.
Medicaid enrollment in the county accounted for 6,510 residents. A total of 710 individuals enrolled through Child Health Plus.

Five percent of the state's 2.1 million enrollees were from Western New York, the lowest percentage by region. Fifty-six percent of applicants were from New York City, 15 percent of applicants between the Capital and North Country regions, 12 percent of applicants from Long Island and 11 percent of applicants from the Central region.

Bartimole said the percentage of enrollees from Western New York is low because most people in the area have preexisting insurance coverage.

"We have a decent amount of insurance penetration to begin with," he said. "We still need to do more on the education front (for those) who are not yet enrolled."

Bartimole said he hopes enrollment numbers in the county and region will increase as people begin to see the affordable health insurance options. Educating people on the Affordable Care Act is important in making them aware of the process, he said.

"I hope enrollment doesn't increase because of layoffs or lost jobs since that could certainly happen. I would hope the economy in Western New York improves," he said.

The 2.1 million New Yorkers enrolled in the Marketplace in 2015 is more than double the enrollment numbers in 2014 (960,762). Eighty-nine percent of enrollees across the state reported being uninsured when they applied for coverage this year. Sixty percent of those who enrolled through the Marketplace were under the age of 35.

In Cattaraugus County, 6,704 individuals enrolled in health insurance plans through the Marketplace. A total of 4,729 individuals enrolled through Medicaid, 1,479 enrolled through qualified health plans and 496 enrolled through Child Health Plus.

"Year two of NY State of Health was nothing short of an overwhelming success," said Donna Frescatore, executive director of New York's Marketplace. "We built upon our first year's solid foundation with significant increases in enrollment and high satisfaction rates across the board. As we move closer to the third open enrollment period, slated to begin Nov. 1, this data will inform our efforts to reach more New Yorkers."

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