DOH Distributes ALP Minimum Wage Survey
On Jan. 31st, the Department of Health (DOH) distributed a minimum wage reconciliation survey for 2020 and 2021 to Medicaid Assisted Living Programs (ALPs). The email distribution included three documents: a Microsoft Excel file driven by formulas for entering data, a detailed instructions document, and an attestation form to be signed by the CEO or CFO attesting that the data submitted is accurate and complete. Both the survey and the attestation form are due no later than March 2, 2022 and must be submitted by email to alp-rates@health.ny.gov. DOH requests that the data file be named using the ALP’s name followed by “2020-2021 minimum wage reconciliation.”
Please note that the information provided in the survey will be used to reconcile estimated minimum wage funding that a facility may have received previously for 2020. While DOH did not update 2021 rates with a 2021 minimum wage add-on, members should keep in mind that the funding is cumulative, meaning that reconciliation of 2020 add-on amounts is likely to impact 2021 rates as well.
Members do have an opportunity to opt out of the survey by completing the opt-out section and submitting the signed attestation. However, those who choose NOT to submit this survey will not be entitled to any funds provided by the State to support minimum wage costs during the referenced time periods.
The survey is a similar instrument that was used in prior years when there was some confusion regarding the staff eligible for minimum wage funding. At the time, DOH clarified that it was not just direct care, but all ALP workers who were eligible for funding, although minimum wage funding can only be used to increase hourly wages to the minimum wage for those workers whose wages need to be increased at the start of the year to meet the new minimum.
If you have concerns or questions, please let us know or reach out to DOH at alp-rates@health.ny.gov.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828 or Darius Kirstein, dkirstein@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8841