Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Hospital Survey, Plans for “Reimagining” Health Care
Today (May 6th), Governor Cuomo held a press conference during which he announced preliminary results from a survey completed by 113 hospitals over a three-day period regarding new COVID-19 cases. This survey was conducted to provide detailed information on new COVID-19 hospitalizations to support the State’s efforts to combat the virus. The survey found that the majority of individuals being hospitalized are in the downstate region (Long Island, New York City, and Rockland/Westchester). The survey also found that minority populations, males, older populations, and individuals with comorbidities are most likely to be hospitalized. The majority of individuals (66 percent) being hospitalized came from their homes, with 18 percent coming from nursing homes, 2 percent who are homeless, and less than 1 percent from the jail/prison system. The survey also found that in addition to most hospital cases coming from the patient’s home, the majority of hospitalized individuals were not essential employees and were not taking public transportation.
The Governor also discussed plans to reimagine the State’s health care system to prepare for future public health emergencies. Under this vision, hospitals would be able to act as a single statewide system during such an emergency by ensuring wider availability of telemedicine, allocating health care resources statewide, preparing for challenges to the health care system, and protecting and supporting health care workers. The Governor announced that Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, will be leading an effort to prepare the health care system for future public health emergencies, while plans to reimagine the education system will be supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Governor also announced that Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, will serve as the chair of a commission that will help determine how the State can better incorporate technology into the “new normal” of the economy, education system, and health care system.
Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Extending Permissions for Out-of-State Professionals
On May 5th, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.27 (available here) that extends for 30 days any suspension or modification of laws and regulations included in previously issued Executive Orders that allowed professionals to practice in New York State without a current New York State licensure or registration. This includes health care professionals who are validly licensed in another state or Canada who are providing services in support of New York State’s COVID-19 response.
New York State of Health Special Enrollment Period Extended
In order to ensure that more individuals have health coverage during the COVID-19 emergency, New York State of Health (NYSOH), the State’s health insurance marketplace, will extend the special enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers to enroll for an additional 30 days until June 15th. Uninsured individuals may enroll in coverage through the NYSOH marketplace or directly through insurers.
Updated Guidance Documents
Recently updated New York State and City guidance documents are listed below.