Data Point: July Global Cap Report

The slower than expected phase-out of the Family Health Plus program meant that the program cost $24 million more than projected but spending decreases elsewhere meant overall Medicaid spending stood at 0.2 percent below the State's Medicaid Global Cap projections at the end of July. Nursing home and emergency room spending was slightly higher than projected while spending for mainstream Medicaid Managed Care and non-institutional fee-for-service care were lower. Another area that resulted in lower spending was the continued wait for federal approval for the State to restore the two percent across-the-board Medicaid cut (and savings measures enacted in lieu of the cut) retroactive to April 2014.

Through the end of July, retroactive rates owed to the State were $598 million. This reflects an increase of $368 million since March 2014, which is associated with rate adjustments implemented for State Operated OPWDD providers. The State expects the increase in A/R related to the State Operated OPWDD providers to be resolved within the next few months. Total Medicaid enrollment has increased by 2.4 percent since March. The July Global Cap Report is available here.

Contact: Darius Kirstein, dkirstein@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8841