EQUAL Funding Application Available for ACFs
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) announcing the opportunity to apply for Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living (EQUAL) Program funding. Applications are due electronically by 5 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 18, 2019. Late applications and hard copies will not be accepted.
Operators of adult homes and enriched housing programs (including assisted living programs and assisted living residences) who provide services to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Security Program (SSP) benefits, a combination of SSI/SSP, and/or Safety Net benefits (SN) are eligible for these payments. The purpose of EQUAL is to enhance both residents’ quality of care and life experience in Adult Care Facilities (ACFs), and resident input into the plan for EQUAL funds is required. Please see the DAL for more details. All facility operators that apply will receive a per person amount based on the number of SSI, SSP, a combination of SSI/SSP residents, and/or Safety Net residents reported on their 2018 4th Quarter Statistical Information Report.
The DAL provides information about how to access the EQUAL application on the Health Commerce System (HCS). Members should make note of the following:
- Facility operators who 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.
- Facilities who receive EQUAL funds must submit a completed Section J: Expense Schedule for EQUAL Program Funds 2019-2020 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.
- Facility operators who do not have an established Statewide Financial System (SFS) account will need to register. The DAL provides instructions on how to do so.
Any questions regarding EQUAL can be directed to DOH’s Georgina Raus at 518-408-1133.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828