EQUAL Funding Application for ACFs Now Available on HCS

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) announcing the availability of funding under the Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living (EQUAL) Program. Adult Care Facility (ACF) and Assisted Living providers that serve people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Safety Net benefits (SN) are eligible for these payments. Funding distribution will be based on a per person amount based on the amount of SSI and Safety Net residents reported on their 2016 census. An additional funding allotment will be provided to facilities with a capacity of 100 beds and under. EQUAL funding is intended to help provide quality care and services to eligible residents to better meet their needs and improve a facility's physical environment.

Prior to applying for EQUAL program funds, a facility must receive approval of its proposed expenditure plan from its resident council. Funds will not be awarded to subsidize daily operational expenses such as staffing or utilities.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Fri., July 7, 2017. After this date and time, the application will no longer be available. Hard copies will not be accepted.

Click here to view the DAL, here for the Conditions of Participation, and here for the attestation page. We urge you to review these documents carefully to ensure that you meet the requirements of the program and submit all necessary documentation.

Please note that facility operators who do not have an established Statewide Financial System (SFS) account will need to register by completing the “New York State Office of the State Comptroller Substitute Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.” Please see the DAL for more information.

Questions regarding the EQUAL Program should be directed to DOH’s Dorothy Persico or Nancy Nowakowski at 518-408-1133, or by email at equal@health.ny.gov.

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