DOH Releases Application for EQUAL Funding for ACFs
On Oct. 26th, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) #21-18: Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living (EQUAL) Program for SFY 2021-2022 announcing the release of the application for EQUAL funding. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Nov. 19th.
Operators of Adult Homes and Enriched Housing Programs who provide services to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplemental Program (SSP) benefits, Safety Net (SN) assistance, and/or Medicaid (with respect to residents of assisted living programs) are eligible to apply for EQUAL funding. The purpose of this program is to enhance the quality of care and life experience for residents receiving SSI, SSP, SN, and/or Medicaid by providing additional funding to licensed and certified Adult Care Facility (ACF) operators. Funding is utilized to improve or expand services and/or enhance the facility’s physical environment. As was the case last year, the funding has been divided into two separate funding programs: Local Assistance and Capital Improvement Projects.
Some aspects of the application process have changed since last year, however, based on LeadingAge NY's advocacy regarding issues that members encountered during the last application process. We trust that the changes will result in a clearer, more efficient, and more transparent process for members. To this end, the Department has provided a recorded training for completion of applications. We encourage you to review the DAL carefully and view the training, which is located here. Questions may be referred to DOH at equal@health.ny.gov.
Members are encouraged to provide us with feedback regarding the changes in this year’s application process.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828