NYS Medicaid Waiver for Western New York

WELCOME to our Medicaid Waiver blog page.

   Nothing looms as more important for our hospitals in Western New York as the Medicaid Waiver and the equitable distribution of that $8 billion across the state.  Toward that end, at the request of Senator Mark Grisanti, we provided language to him that was reflected in a dear colleague letter signed by his fellow Western New York senators, asking the State to be certain that no region of New York be treated unfairly in that important distribution of funds.  We provided a similar letter to Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, at his request.

   Most of the funds are earmarked for healthcare transformation, and are not to be used for operating or capital projects.  These funds are designed to help synchronize collaboration, to ensure that the patient has a clear path to comprehensive healthcare, and that providers have a clear path to accountable care.

   This is a goal that is as true in Wellsville, Buffalo, Olean, Jamestown or any other city, village or hamlet in our eight-county region as it is for New York City.  Our citizens deserve the benefits that healthcare transformation will yield, and we are gratified that our Western New York elected leaders have joined forces in a truly bipartisan effort to help ensure equitable distribution of those funds to our region.

    This blog/listserv is designed to allow you, our members, to share ideas and to engender conversation as to how we in Western New York can construct compelling cases for an equitable share of that money.  It is also designed as a forum for dissemination of information regarding the waiver.  Even after the grant monies are awarded, this will be an ideal forum to share ideas of success and frustrations as the projects are unveiled and put into play.

     We will monitor this blog/listserv and update as needed.  We hope you enjoy the digital conversation, and we look forward to any suggestions you have.  Thank you as always for your interest and participation in this vital issue for Western New York.