Medicaid Quality Incentive (QI) Program Key to New York Exceeding National Benchmarks
Increased State Investments Needed to Continue Quality Improvement, Eliminate Barriers to Care
Following a new state report showing Medicaid Managed Care meeting or exceeding the national average on nearly 90% of quality measures, the New York Health Plan Association (HPA) called on policymakers to fully fund the Medicaid Quality Incentive (QI) Program in the FY26 state budget at $300 million in state funds.
“The QI Program has been instrumental in the state’s ability to provide a high level of care for individuals enrolled in Medicaid. It supports innovative partnerships among health plans, providers and community organizations that advance the quality and equity of care for the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Eric Linzer, HPA President and CEO. “New York has been a national leader on quality. Maintaining that standard requires ongoing investment.”
The Department of Health’s recently released 2023 Statewide Executive Summary of Managed Care in New York State showed that Medicaid managed care plans met or exceeded the national average on 89% of quality measures, noting that plans “continue to surpass national benchmarks, especially Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, and Child and Adolescent Health domains.” The QI Program helps to support a broad range of programs across the state. This includes efforts to connect high-risk pregnant women with registered nurses and community health workers, initiatives that ensure that children and adults receive appropriate preventive care and screenings, in-home wellness visits, vaccination efforts, and other programs that are at the core of addressing health disparities in underserved communities. A more detailed overview of initiatives the QI Program supports is available here.
The FY26 Executive Budget and both chambers’ one-house budgets propose roughly $50 million for the QI Program. In the face of federal efforts to cut Medicaid and eliminate funding on health-related social needs programs, HPA is urging full funding for the program.
“It is more important than ever to protect the programs that improve the health of underserved populations, and we appreciate the Governor’s, the Senate’s and Assembly’s commitment to the QI Program. Fully funding the program at $300 million will maintain and enhance New York’s high level of quality and continue the work of eliminating barriers to equitable care,” said Linzer.
