Weather Emergencies

TO:	Members Impacted by Recent Weather Emergencies
FROM:	Patrick Cucinelli, Senior Director of Public Policy Solutions
DATE:	November 1, 2011
SUBJECT:	Weather Emergencies
ROUTE TO:	Administrator, CFO

ABSTRACT: DOH issues additional guidance of weather related emergencies.

DOH Message Dated: October 25, 2011

Dear Administrators/Controllers,

A number of questions have been raised by providers and vendors regarding billing procedures during
the period of time of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. The attached document states both the general
principles and the payment policies that have been developed for the Medicaid program as well as
addresses several billing and census questions submitted to our Bureau. These policies are an
expansion on the general guidelines sent out on September 28, 2011 to all providers (attached).
Examples of the payment policies are in the attached Medicaid Payment Scenarios document.

It should be noted that this document and these payment policies specifically address those providers
affected by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene which was of a short term nature. While some of these
policies may apply to providers affected by Tropical Storm Lee, the duration of time and the impacts
are vastly different. Further information as it pertains to Tropical Storm Lee will be forthcoming as
the policies and procedures for longer term evacuations and repairs are developed.

Please contact us via email at bpacr@health.state.ny.us if you have any questions. Thank you very much
and we look forward to continued communications regarding these issues over the next several months.

John W. Gahan Jr.
Director
Bureau of Primary & Acute Care Reimbursement
Room 1043
NYS Department of Health
518-474-3267