ACFs That Serve SSI and Safety Net Recipients Can Apply for EQUAL Funds Now

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued the application for EQUAL funds on the Health Commerce System (HCS). Any adult care facility (ACF) that serves recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Safety Net benefits is eligible to apply. The application must be submitted in its entirety on the HCS by 5 p.m. on July 6, 2018.

DOH is requiring that applicants be up to date in the submission of all reports required by DOH. In addition, ACFs that did not submit a completed Section I: EQUAL Program Certification Page for prior years' EQUAL funds will be considered ineligible until all required documentation from previous years' funding is received. A Statewide Financial System (SFS) account is required to receive EQUAL funds; the Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) provides information on how to set up an account.

Members should note a new procedure this year: ACFs who receive EQUAL funds must submit a completed Section J: Expense Schedule for EQUAL Program Funds 2018-2019 and attach all expenditure receipts totaling to the amount of the funding received. Receipts must be in PDF format and emailed along with the completed Section I: EQUAL Program Certification Page to equal@health.ny.gov no later than one year from the date the funds were received. All expenditures must be consistent with the approved expenditure plan developed with resident input.

Members are strongly encouraged to review the DAL, as it outlines important details about the application process and new requirements.

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