LeadingAge NY presented comments focusing on the draft waiver's startling omission of the needs of older adults and meaningful investment in the long term care system.

The waiver would invest $13.5 billion over five years in the health care system to address health disparities and health care delivery issues. Virtual public hearings will be held on April 28^th and May 3^rd. Written comments are due by May 13^th.

Following up on a prior letter criticizing the omission of LTC from the State's $17 billion Medicaid waiver concept paper, LeadingAge NY wrote to the State's Medicaid Director recommending specific modifications to address the needs of older adults and strengthen the LTC system.

CMS approval of the waiver amendment is needed to implement the new activities of daily living eligibility requirements imposed under the 2020-21 State Budget and to allow new dually eligible Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to remain enrolled in their mainstream Medicaid managed care plan.

CMS rejected the State's application seeking $8 billion over a four-year period, including unspent funds from the existing waiver and an additional $7.3 billion reinvestment of savings generated under the waiver.

DOH has convened the first meeting of the LTC Advisory Group, received stakeholder input at three public hearings around the state, and accepted written proposals for Medicaid savings and reform.

The first meeting of the MRT 2 highlighted growth in LTC spending, and an LTC Advisory Group was named. Public hearings began with meetings in New York City last week and Rochester this week.

DOH last week submitted a request to CMS to extend and renew its 1115 Medicaid waiver. The proposal includes the creation of new VMOs to support the transition to VBP, requires VMOs to engage in specified LTC promising practices, and continues training funds for LTC workforce.