Situation Report | February 22, 2021
We remind HCA members that the next round of state-required wage parity certification forms is due March 1, 2021 for Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) and Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) that contract with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), and/or Long Term Home Care Programs (LTHHCPs) that serve New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
The Wage Parity Law and related certification requirement do not apply to areas outside of New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
MCOs, CHHAs and/or LTHHCPs that contract with LHCSAs and FIs are required to obtain a written certification on a quarterly basis from the LHCSA/FI or other entity which attests to the LHCSA/FI’s compliance. The form due March 1, 2021 covers the period March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021 and is sent to the MCO, CHHA and/or LTHHCP, not the state Department of Health (DOH).
See here for the certification forms (at “Wage Parity Reminders”) and required wage parity levels (at “Official Notices”).
As described in many HCA communications, the final 2020-21 state budget included some important provisions that affect wage parity, including new requirements for certifications; enforcement provisions; monitoring and reporting; annual compliance and independent auditor statements; and what can be done with funds not used to satisfy wage parity.
DOH is developing a new annual certification form for MCOs, CHHAs/LTHHCPs, LHCSAs and FIs that will be posted sometime soon and will be due back to DOH by June 1, 2021.
HCA will inform members when DOH posts the new certification form and any guidance.
Questions about wage parity can be sent to DOH at HCWorkerParity@health.ny.gov.