The final State budget for state fiscal year (SFY) 2017-2018 resulted in more continuity than was widely expected after the November 2016 federal elections. The budget maintains funding for a large majority of State health care programs. It includes an expansion of the Health Care Facility Transformation Program, provides additional wage support, new safety net facility funding, and opioid prevention and treatment funding. The budget also includes a new global cap on pharmacy costs, and cuts to certain public health programs. Acknowledging the uncertainty in Washington, the final language in the budget creates a process for the Governor to reduce appropriations from budgeted amounts if federal financial participation is reduced by more than $850 million.
The attached document summarizes major health care provisions and changes in the budget.