LeadingAge NY and Other Stakeholders Push for Resolution to Hospice Access Issues for ALP Residents

(July 30, 2024) Members may recall that LeadingAge NY and other stakeholders participated in a work group developed as a result of legislation we worked to pass that would enable Medicaid-eligible assisted living program (ALP) residents to access hospice care. The work group, which was required in the legislation, was being convened to make recommendations on the coordination and division of services, responsibilities, and reimbursement. Click here for more background. The group concluded its initial work in October 2023, with the Department of Health (DOH) tasked with implementing recommendations by submitting a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Unfortunately, that has yet to occur.

LeadingAge NY, together with the other association work group members, sent this letter to DOH, urging them to take steps to finally resolve this longstanding access issue. DOH responded to the letter to share that Department staff are actively working on the issue. It was explained that given the providers and payment issues inherent in this matter, on a state and federal level, there are several steps that must be taken. We will keep members apprised of developments regarding this matter.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828