GENESEO, N.Y., Feb. 8, 2023 – Livingston County is joining with a growing chorus that includes the New York State Association of Counties in calling on the State of New York to continue providing pass-through assistance from Affordable Care Act Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funds.
Originally intended to incentivize states to expand the Medicaid program and help Counties and New York City shoulder the costs associated with supporting Medicaid, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing in her 2023-2024 Executive Budget to keep the pass-through funding in an effort to cover other state spending obligations. In doing so, the State would ensure that its 57 Counties have an added financial burden to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars annually while New York City could face even higher amounts in unbudgeted costs.
“We respectfully implore Governor Hochul to change her proposed plan in the Executive Budget and continue to share this critical Federal aid,” said David L. LeFeber, Chair of the Livingston County Board of Supervisors. “While our County is continually applauded for its responsible fiscal planning, having to stare down a significant added cost is a heavy added burden for our residents to bear. The expected impact to Livingston County alone is projected to be $1.1 million in 2023.”
Since 2003, the State has shared funding received through eFMAP proportionally with Counties after the program was enacted by the United States Congress. Should local governments no longer receive the pass-through funding, as it was intended, many Counties may be forced to adjust programming and funding used to support other important initiatives.
“At a time when New York is facing an affordability crisis, the last thing the Governor should do is burden local taxpayers with more costs that will drive up the cost of homeownership and rent, increase business expenses and make New York more unaffordable,” added Michael E. Zurlo, President of the New York State Association of Counties.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.