New York Lawmakers Push for More Funding for Medicaid Quality Incentive Program

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New York state lawmakers are calling for increased funding for the Medicaid Quality Incentive Program, which provides critical support to community-based organizations addressing health disparities and improving care for underserved populations. The program, which has been in place for over two decades, is facing potential federal Medicaid cuts that could cripple health care access for hundreds of thousands of residents. While the governor's budget proposal maintains current year funding levels, lawmakers argue that more state support is needed to fully fund the program and sustain the important initiatives it supports in communities across the state.

Why it matters

The Medicaid Quality Incentive Program is a vital resource for improving health outcomes and advancing equity in New York's health care system. By funding community-based programs that address the root causes of disparities, the program helps ensure vulnerable populations have access to the services and support they need. With the threat of federal Medicaid cuts looming, maintaining and increasing state-level funding for the program is crucial to protecting health care access for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.

The details

The Medicaid Quality Incentive Program provides funding to community-based organizations that work with health plans to develop and expand critical services for Medicaid enrollees. These initiatives address social determinants of health, connect patients to care, and support efforts to improve quality and equity. Examples of QI-funded programs include Family Promise of the Capital Region, which helps homeless families find stable housing and access health care, and CapitalCare Pediatrics in Troy, which delivers 'newborn care packages' to new parents with information and resources on topics like breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and childhood immunizations.

• The Medicaid Quality Incentive Program has been in place for more than 20 years.
• Governor Hochul's executive budget proposal maintains the current year's $50 million in QI Program funding.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The New York State Legislature will need to determine the final funding level for the Medicaid Quality Incentive Program as part of the state budget process.