Long on Bronx work requirement exemption application
Long says New York State has applied to CMS for a work requirement exemption for the Bronx, which he believes meets the criteria but awaits approval. He says it would help in year one but H&H should build capacity and do outreach regardless.
I couldn't agree more.
As you know, I've been a primary care doctor in the Bronx for almost 10 years now.
So I am desperately worried about every single one of my patients when they come in.
I'm already thinking, you know, what's your role going to look like when you have to recertify over six months?
What's your role going to look like when you have to go through the work requirements?
Because I know you're not working now for X, Y, and Z reasons.
In the Bronx specifically, New York State has an application now to CMS, which I don't believe has been approved, but I think New York State's done everything they can to have the work requirement exemption for the Bronx.
I believe New York State believes that the criteria are met, but I think CMS has to approve it.
That will be– I don't want to make it seem like that's a panacea to the problem, to the issues that people in the Bronx, my patients, will have.
But it will be something that will be helpful to get our feet under us in year one, especially the program.
From my point of view, though.
Just to agree with you, even if we get this exemption in year one that's specific to the Bronx, I don't think we should do anything else differently, though.
I think we should build capacity the same way.
Maybe we should have a little bit more time.
And I think we should do the same outreach to get people ready.
to recertify, see what it takes, see what it feels like, see what it means for them.
And I think we should treat the work requirements in a similar way to get people ready too.
So regardless, we're going to have all the folks on the Bronx that we need.
And if we happen to get this exemption too, that would make it potentially a little bit easier for my patients.
Thank you.