As part of the state’s efforts under Medicaid Redesign to provide “Care Management for All,” DOH intends to transition the state’s permanently placed Medicaid-only nursing home residents into Medicaid managed care plans. LeadingAge New York is seeking member input on this initiative.

LeadingAge New York learned that the three million dollars for a pilot program to support capital initiatives and supportive service development in affordable senior housing remains intact in the final budget.

DOH issued proposed regulations that would require staff and volunteers working in hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, hospices, home care agencies and assisted living programs (by virtue of having a home care agency) who have not received a flu vaccination to wear a surgical or procedure mask in areas where patients may be present.

DOH has issued a Dear Administrator letter (DAL) reminding nursing homes, Adult Care Facilities (ACFs) and adult day health care programs that, by law, they must submit an annual report regarding their immunization efforts against the influenza virus, and, as appropriate, pneumococcal disease.

On March 12, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Marie Head sent LeadingAge and other stakeholders a memorandum on the agency's plans to manage the funding of Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) under the cuts imposed by the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 sequestration, or across-the-board cuts, applicable to all HUD programs.

LeadingAge New York and the Adult Day Health Care Council (ADHCC) are seeking policy clarifications from DOH on nursing home and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program services.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), April 16, is the effort of multiple organizations to provide access to information about health care decision making to all persons with decision making capacity. The information will allow them to communicate and document their decisions.

Under a U.S. Department of the Treasury rule, most federal benefits now require an electronic payment instead of a paper check, effective March 1.