Updates & Analysis

Note: This is SPG’s last weekly update for 2022. Our next update will be distributed on January 3, 2023. As always, we will continue to distribute notable information that arises to clients individually, and please feel free to contact us at any time to discuss any policy issues on your mind. We’d also appreciate any feedback on…

On December 12th, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) released a Request for Applications (RFA) for a second round of the 2022 Integrated Supportive Housing (ISH) program. The ISH program encourages and supports the development of new housing opportunities for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who can benefit…

In this update:  Legislative Update Congress Continues Slow Progress on Spending Bill Senate Finance Committee Releases Final Draft Behavioral Health Legislation on Parity House Lawmakers Express Concern on No Surprises Act Implementation Bipartisan Group of Senators Seeks Input on Dual Eligibles Administration Updates Administration Launches New Opioid Surveillance Tracker, Announces One-Year Progress on Overdose Prevention…

On December 5th, the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced that it is seeking Letters of Interest for the following two opportunities: Pilot projects on evidence-based practice (EBP) diagnostic and case conceptualization; and  A needs assessment of EBPs in children’s mental health in NYS. These opportunities will support the State’s efforts…

On November 21st, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) finalized changes to the Part 599 regulations for Article 31 outpatient mental health clinics. Article 31 clinics have been reclassified as rehabilitative services under the Medicaid state plan under the name “Mental Health Outpatient Treatment and Rehabilitation Services” (MHOTRS). The regulatory amendments add…

On November 22nd, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators released a letter seeking input on ways to improve coverage for the 12.2 million individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligibles”). In order to develop legislation to reform the system of care for dual eligibles, the senators seek responses from patients, providers,…

In this update: Administration Updates HHS Makes Climate Resilience Announcements at COP27 Federal Agencies CMS Updates Medicare Care Compare with Clinician Facility Affiliation Information CMS Releases Medicaid Coverage and Behavioral Health Data CMMI to Hold VBID Hospice Webinar  CMS Releases Estimated Improper Payment Rates for 2022 CMS Doctor/Clinician Preview Period Begins November 21st Other Updates…

On November 17th, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) announced that the Healthcare Worker Bonus (HWB) Program has been expanded to include both newly eligible employers and titles, as follows:  New Qualified Employers DOH-funded Health Homes DOH-funded Permanent Supportive Housing Agencies New Eligible Titles Health Home Care Managers Security Guards and Peace Officers…

In this update:  Administration Updates Biden Administration Indicates PHE Will Continue Past January Federal Agencies CMMI to Host Specialty Care Strategy Listening Session HHS Proposes Rule to Update Standards for Electronic Drug Transactions GAO Issues Study on Private Health Insurance Market Concentration Other Updates SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in Nursing Home Case Voters Approve Ballot…

On November 10th, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced a new program to support licensed community mental health programs with recruiting and retaining psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). The OMH Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program (OMH CMHLRP) will award $9 million in total annual funding through State Aid grants…

On November 1st, the New York State (NYS) Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) released the final 2023-2027 Strategic Plan following a public comment period. Based on stakeholder feedback and a review of state data and policy, the Plan outlines the following three strategic goals for 2023-2027:  Strengthen the workforce, technology, and collaboration;  Transform…

In this update:  Legislative Update Senate Finance Committee Chair Releases Report on Deceptive Marketing in MA Federal Agencies CMS Finalizes CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule CMS Finalizes CY 2023 Hospital Outpatient and ASC Payment Rules CMS Finalizes CY 2023 Home Health PPS CMS Finalizes CY 2023 ESRD PPS Rule CMMI Publishes One-Year Update on Strategic…