NYSACRA

STATE BUDGET PASSED!

The New York State Legislature finished passing the State Budget last night.  The two houses agreed to a $101.3 billion spending plan, which added $1.2 billion overall to Governor Pataki's proposal.  The budget takes over the cost of the state's Family Health Plus program through a multi-year graduated system, saving local governments money; includes money to save several prisons that had been slated to close; and restores a student loan program that the governor had wanted to change, among other things.  It also extends the sales tax on clothing under $110, which had been set to expire.  This is in addition to the bill recently passed that would add $740 million in aid for school districts statewide for the current 2004-05 fiscal year.   The OMRDD budget, A. 9554-b, appears to have been passed without any changes, but NYSACRA will complete a full analysis and report the final figures once again, since it was January when they were introduced and reported on.  The one piece still not clear is the individual Member Item grants, since they decided to lump it into one appropriation to avoid the Governor’s individual line item veto.  Both the Senate and Assembly remained in Albany to work on major issues such as the Rockefeller Drug Laws and HAVA.  Since the State Senate passed the budget first it maintains control over possible veto overrides, so none are expected until after the September 14^th Primary Election.

PROPOSED RULE FOR NEW DRUG BENEFIT PUBLISHED:
DUAL ELIGIBLES UNCLEAR

CMS to hold 3-hour Open Door Forum August 16^th at 2PM

While CMS publicly released the draft rules July 26^th, the 1300+ pages were officially published in the August 3^rd Federal Register.  The proposed rules appear to leave many unanswered questions for states and thus, dual eligibles—beneficiaries who are concurrently eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.  The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) stated that CMS will establish a process for states to automatically enroll duals in Medicare by January 2006—when dually eligible individuals will no longer be eligible to receive drug coverage from state Medicaid programs.  It is also unclear how states would save the expected $8.2 billion over 5 years under the new benefit.  Under the “clawback” provision in the new Medicare law, states are to pay the Federal government $48.7 billion over the next 5 years to defray the cost of Medicare covering dually eligible individuals under the new Part D drug benefit program.  A fact sheet on the NPRM is available from the CMS website.  CMS is sponsoring a special 3-hour Open Door Forum beginning at 2PM EDT on August 16^th to clarify and discuss the NPRM.  (Dial 1-800-837-1935 & reference Conference ID:  8677406).   CMS is also planning other national conference calls to solicit input.  Comments on the proposed rule are due by October 4^th; comments may be submitted online by e-mail.

EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

Director of Business Operations for Arc of Onondaga; - Responsible for directing and managing all business operations including manufacturing, sales and marketing; maintaining existing customers and identifying opportunities for increased sales.  Must have experience in manufacturing methods, production, scheduling, layout, safety, inventory and warehousing.  Background must also include developing excellent customer relations, managing contract sales, establishing bidding procedures including developing cost criteria and quotes.  Min of a bachelor's degree in Business or related field with at least 5-7 years in manufacturing, marketing and sales.  Resume and salary req. to: Arc of Onondaga, Human Resources Coordinator, 600 S. Wilbur Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204, fax (315) 472-0873, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  EOE

Director of Programs – For HeartShare Human Services of New York, a not for profit Brooklyn Heights based organization, is currently seeking a Director of Programs to join our dynamic team of professionals helping individuals with developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives.  Qualified individual will have at least five years experience working with the DD populations as well as strong supervisory skills. Must also have a Bachelor's degree and working knowledge of IRA/residential programs.  Full time position based in Brooklyn Heights, with excellent salary and benefits package.  For more information, please call 718-422-3221 or to apply, please either fax, mail or e-mail your resume to Asst. Director of HR: at 191 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Fax: 718-855-5821, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Director of Quality Assurance – For Continuing Developmental Services: BA degree in related field and 3-5 yrs exp. in providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  Must have 2yrs exp. related to quality assurance and individual services and 2yrs exp. investigating incidents and sensitive situations. Knowledge of state regulations that relate to QA and exp. in policy and procedure development and implementation required.  Resume to: CDS, 71 Perinton Pkwy, Fairport, NY 14450 or fax to (585) 223-1321.  EOE.

Quality Assurance Manager – For Continuing Developmental Services: Ensure quality services to people with developmental disabilities through investigation and resolution of Agency incidents and audits. Must have AAS and min of 3 yrs exp. with OMRDD and 2yrs exp. providing QA and improvement services including incidents and internal events. Resumes to: CDS, 71 Perinton Pkwy, Fairport, NY 14450 or fax: 585-223-1321. EOE.