NYSACRA

GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION WINS CMS POSTPONEMENTOF NEW MEDICAID REGS

After strenuous protests from governors of both parties, the Bush administration said Sunday that it would reconsider tough new rules o­n the financing of Medicaid that could limit the states' ability to provide health care for millions of poor people. The NGA sent HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson a letter regarding a CMS proposal to change Medicaid financing and reporting systems, and a o­ne-day comment period for proposed changes in the CMS-37 reporting form. Secretary Thompson provided the governors written confirmation of the Administration's reconsideration of the proposal and stated that the o­ne-day comment period was not sufficient. In his letter to governors, Thompson said: "I intend to enter into consultations o­n the proposal with the states through the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Medicaid Directors. o­nce those consultations are complete, I intend to republish the notice in the Federal Register and provide for a 60-day formal comment period."

The governors also spoke about protecting existing Medicaid financing mechanisms that are used as state match resources. Governors expressed their concerns about efforts by CMS to crackdown o­n intergovernmental transfers (IGTs) and other financial mechanisms that are used by states for their share of the Medicaid match. It appears that the Administration is focusing o­n IGTs it alleges states have extended beyond the scope of current law. However, governors "took issue" with that inference and they instead suggested that the administration has changed the rules after the fact to create a situation where IGTs may not be appropriate. Governors continue to argue that federal permission has already been given for their IGTs and that states have used them to provide health care access for those in need. They said that disallowance of IGTs that are legitimate would force states to make drastic decisions o­n whether to continue services to children and the elderly.

ON-TIME BUDGET IS ON-TRACK

With a month to go until a new state fiscal year begins, The state Assembly and Senate majorities have advanced their revenue projections nearly two weeks earlier than normal and legislative leaders say they're already talking seriously among themselves and with Gov. George Pataki about major pieces of the 2004-05 spending plan. This would be the first time the state has had an o­n-time budget since 1984. State Assemblyman Jack McEneny said he had budget-related meetings with his chamber's Ways and Means Committee chairman in late January this year that normally are not held until late February or March. In addition, McEneny said the Ways and Means Committee wants legislators' lists of "member items," or locally-oriented pork barrel appropriations, by the end of this week. In the past, the committee hasn't asked for the lists until about a week before the budget was adopted _ sometimes not until June or July as past budget impasses have dragged o­n. The Assembly is talking of restoring the cuts made to podiatry, dental and other services, and the Senate is believed to be willing to move in that direction as well. Fingerprinting and background check law amendments remain stalled, most likely until after the Budget is passed.

JOB POSTING

Due to recent promotions/expansion, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is seeking two Residential Directors and a Director Day Treatment. Energetic, dedicated and hardworking individuals who seek a fast-track career with a terrific organization are desired. Three years of management experience in the Human Services field and a valid NY State Driver's License are required. A very competitive salary and excellent benefits package is available. Fax resume with salary requirements to the HR Department at (212) 545-0434.