Update Regarding Healthcare Worker Bonus (HWB) Program

Apr 8, 2024
In response to questions from the New York State Dental Association, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued updated FAQs that make it clear that no private dental or medical practices, no matter how many Medicaid patients they serve, are eligible for the Health Care Worker Bonus Program.

NYSDOH is requiring that the employer be a facility, such as a dental clinic, and the facility serve at least 20% Medicaid patients, unless it is a facility that requires a Certificate of Need to be licensed.

According to page 4 of the NYS Healthcare Worker Bonus Program FAQs, employers eligible for the HWB program are limited to providers and facilities licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized under the following:

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Article 28 of the Public Health Law
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (D&TCs)
- Residential Health Care Facilities (RHCF)

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Article 36 of the Public Health Law
- Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHA)
- Long-Term Home Health Care Programs (LTHHCP)

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Article 40 of the Public Health Law
- Hospices

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Articles 16, 31, 32 or 36 of the mental hygiene law

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Article 7 of the social services law

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Pharmacies registered under §6808 the education law

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School-based health centers

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Programs funded by the OMH, OASAS, Office of the Aging, or OPWDD, AND

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Other provider types determined by the commissioner and approved by the director of the budget (at this time no other provider types have been determined).

Private dental or medical practices do not fall within any of the above referenced employers.

Providers with additional questions may contact the NYS Department of Health via email at nysworkersbonus@health.ny.gov.