Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Take Action to Stay Covered Through New York State Marketplace

 

Eligibility Redetermination Notices are Being Distributed to Over 9 Million New Yorkers Enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan as Federal Law Now Requires Eligibility Reviews for Public Programs to Resume

Enrollees in New York's Public Health Insurance Programs Will Need to Renew Their Insurance by the Deadline to Avoid a Gap in Health Insurance Coverage

NY State of Health Marketplace Prepares to Assist Consumers, Maintain Open Enrollment During Transition Out of Public Health Emergency

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that health insurance renewals have begun for more than 9 million New Yorkers enrolled in public health insurance programs, and New York stands ready to help consumers stay covered. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ended the requirement to keep individuals continuously enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. Federal law now requires eligibility reviews for public programs to resume. Current state enrollees will receive renewal notices in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions of how to stay covered and their deadline to take action.

"New Yorkers deserve access to quality and affordable health care, which is why my administration has prioritized delivering health insurance to a record number of New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "Through our nation-leading health care system, we continue to ensure everyone in our state has access to the best care available and I urge New Yorkers to renew their coverage in New York's public health insurance programs." 

In coordination with the Department of Health, participating health insurance plans, health care providers, and thousands of certified enrollment staff across the state stand prepared to assist consumers through the renewal process and keep New Yorkers covered. The Department of Health has reviewed federal government guidance; developed plans to enhance systems; increased resources and added staff; and collaborated with state and federal government officials, local departments of social services, partners, advocates and other stakeholders to help New Yorkers navigate the changes to their insurance programs.    

Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "COVID-19 took a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on New Yorkers, so it's critical that they have all the resources they need post-pandemic. The Department remains committed to ensuring that New Yorkers stay covered and have access to quality and affordable health coverage."

New York State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri said, "Over the past three years, the Department of Health has collaborated with other agencies, stakeholders and communities to help the state through the setbacks caused by the pandemic. As the transition to post-pandemic New York, our efforts to preserve health insurance coverage, protections and services for the most vulnerable New Yorkers who depend on them continue."

New York State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said, "During the pandemic, New York State of Health provided millions of New Yorkers with free or low-cost health insurance in the face of the unprecedented economic and public health uncertainties. We will not rest until we've ensured all of our members have had every opportunity to stay covered."

Throughout the next year, current enrollees will receive renewal notices based on the end date of their coverage.  Enrollees with coverage end dates of June 30 have already begun receiving their renewal notices. New York State of Health enrollees should follow the instructions on their renewal notices and take any needed actions once the renewal window opens to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage.  Members who enrolled through their county's Local Department of Social Services or the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) will receive a renewal packet in the mail and should follow the instructions and deadlines outlined in that packet to renew their coverage.

New Yorkers whose incomes and other family circumstances have changed since the pandemic began and are no longer eligible for fully subsidized public coverage, continue to have a broad range of free or low-cost health insurance options available. New York's Essential Plan for low-income individuals will smooth the transition for New Yorkers who no longer qualify for Medicaid and enhanced federal tax credits will make coverage more affordable for individuals transitioning to a Qualified Health Plan. 

Enrollment in NY State of Health will remain open through May 2024 so anyone who loses their Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or Essential Plan coverage during the redetermination process will be able to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan, if they qualify.

New York has made major strides in recent years, combined with federal efforts, to improve the affordability and accessibility of health insurance, bringing uninsured rates to historically low levels:

• In the State FY 2021 Budget, New York eliminated premiums in the Essential Plan for adults not eligible for Medicaid with incomes up to 200 percent of FPL;
• In 2021, New York expedited the availability of enhanced Premium Tax Credits for Qualified Health Plan coverage for New Yorkers with incomes above 200 percent of FPL;
• In the State FY 2023 Budget, New York extended 12 months postpartum coverage to pregnant individuals in Medicaid, eliminated premiums for children with incomes at or below 222 percent of FPL in the Child Health Plus programs, and aligned Medicaid eligibility levels for all adults at 138 percent of FPL;

• In the State FY 2024 Budget, the state reiterated its intention to seek a federal waiver to extend the Essential Plan to more low- and moderate-income New Yorkers with incomes up to 250 percent of FPL, which will smooth the transition for consumers moving from Medicaid. 

For more on New York State Marketplace eligibility and renewals, New Yorkers should reach out to their local Department of Social Services office, or learn more on the NY State of Health website and the Department of Health's Medicaid website. Governor Hochul's FY 2024 Enacted Budget provides an additional $22 billion multi-year investment to support the State's health care system, including an additional $1 billion in health care capital funding for providers and expanded Medicaid benefits for more than 7.8 million low-income New Yorkers.

Prominent Ghanaian Influencer Charged For Role In Romance Scheme And Extradited From United Kingdom To The United States

 

Mona Faiz Montrage Received Over $2 Million in Fraud Proceeds and Pretended to Marry One Victim to Further the Fraud Scheme

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count Indictment charging MONA FAIZ MONTRAGE for her role in a series of romance schemes and for laundering the proceeds of those schemes.  MONTRAGE was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and was extradited from the United Kingdom on May 12, 2023.  MONTRAGE will be presented before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, to whom the case is assigned, later today.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Mona Faiz Montrage was a member of a criminal conspiracy that specifically targeted older Americans through romance scams.  These scams can be both financially and emotionally devastating for vulnerable victims.  Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, Montrage was arrested abroad and has been brought to the United States to face justice.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “We alleged today that Ms. Montrage participated in multiple romance scams – often targeting elderly victims – resulting in more than $2 million in fraudulent funds under her control.  Romance scams – especially those that target older individuals – are of major concern.  The FBI will be tireless in our efforts to hold fraudsters accountable in the criminal justice system.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other publicly filed materials:[1]

From at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, MONTRAGE was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in West Africa that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the United States, including romance scams. 

Many of the Enterprise’s romance scam victims were vulnerable, older men and women who lived alone.  The Enterprise frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who had, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise.  Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretenses, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise.

MONTRAGE is a Ghanaian public figure who rose to fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile, under the username “Hajia4Reall,” which at one point had approximately 3.4 million Instagram followers and was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana.

MONTRAGE received money from several victims of romance frauds whom members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money.  Among the false pretenses used to induce victims to send money to MONTRAGE were (i) payments to transport gold to the United States from overseas; (ii) payments to resolve a fake FBI unemployment investigation; and (iii) payments to assist a fake United States army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan.

As to one victim, MONTRAGE used her real name and spoke to the victim several times by phone.  MONTRAGE sent the victim a tribal marriage certificate purporting to show that MONTRAGE and the victim had been married in Ghana.  The victim sent MONTRAGE approximately 82 wire transfers totaling approximately $89,000 to purportedly help with costs associated with MONTRAGE’s father’s farm in Ghana.

In total, MONTRAGE controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise.

MONTRAGE, 30, of Accra, Ghana, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of money laundering, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  MONTRAGE is also charged with one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of MONTRAGE will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Marshals Services, the National Extradition Unit, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI Legal Attaché in London for their assistance in the investigation.  The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from the United Kingdom.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitzi Steiner and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of Round XIII Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

 

New York State Consolidated Funding Application Now Open With Available Funding from 30 Programs

Councils Will Update Strategic Plans to Reflect Regional Strengths and Priorities

New Competition Will Award Three Regions with $10 Million Each for Implementing Creative Solutions to Statewide Challenges

New Micro Programs Will Award Capital Grants to Craft Beverage Manufacturers and Non-Profit Organizations

 Governor Hochul today announced the launch of Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis. The Councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities - including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding. New this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York State craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth. Also, for the first time since 2015, the Councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.

"Our Regional Economic Development Council Initiative continues to transform communities across the state, creating jobs and driving private investment all over New York," Governor Hochul said. "The launch of this latest round builds on state efforts to address our most pressing economic priorities — from sustainable development to the growing demand for childcare — all while empowering communities to tap into their regional strengths. Thanks to the work of the REDCs, New York is continuing to make the catalytic investments that foster economic growth and continued success in every corner of our state."

Consolidated Funding Application

The Regional Councils will score projects submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the State's single application for State resources which includes programs from numerous agencies. It is designed to give project applicants expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs. This year, funding is available from 10 State agencies across 30 programs. Regional Councils will review projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region's goals and strategies.

In Round XIII, ESD is launching two new micro grant programs: the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program and the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program. Up to $5 million will be available through the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program, designed to increase the production capacity, business infrastructure and profitability of businesses licensed to produce wine, beer, spirits, hard cider and mead in New York State. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 would support equipment purchases and facility upgrades.

Up to $5 million will be available through the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant program, which will award matching funds grants to not-for-profit organizations who provide economic and community benefits in their region to assist with facility improvements and upgrades. Grant awards would range from $25,000 to $100,000. 

The 2023 REDC Guidebook and a list of additional resources available to REDC Members are accessible here. The CFA is available here; the deadline for applications is Friday, July 28 at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the REDC Initiative, more than $7.7 billion has been awarded to more than 9,500 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plan.

About the Consolidated Funding Application              

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way State resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple State funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils  

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

DASHBOARD UPDATE: NYC Comptroller Releases New Monthly Data on Department of Correction Operations

The New York City Comptroller’s Office released its monthly update to the Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard, available here.

Key monthly DOC metrics show:

• As of May 1, 6,024 people were incarcerated in the city’s jails, nearly double the bed capacity of the new borough-based jails intended to replace facilities on Rikers Island.
  • In April, DOC admitted 1,860 people to the city’s jails, a decline of 15 from the previous month, but DOC also discharged 1,731 people —154 fewer than in the prior month.
  • In April, the average length-of-stay dropped to 98 days—an 11 day decrease from the prior month.
• Judges assigned cash bail to over 1,000 people in March (latest data available), for the tenth consecutive month in a row.
• The number of people with serious mental illness held at Rikers declined slightly from 1,165 in February to 1,158 in March based on the available data.
• People with serious mental illness represent 19.6% of detained people.
• In March, incarcerated individuals missed their medical appointments 10,279 times—the first time this number exceeded 10,000 since May 2022.
• The average number of uniformed staff increased by 70 officers between March and April, totaling 6,591.
  • The total number of uniformed staff on sick leave continues to trend downward, declining to 596 in April.
• Violence indicators mostly decreased in April: assaults on staff decreased to 53, slashings and stabbings decreased to 19, but fights increased to 439.

“Rikers has become the de facto treatment hub for people suffering from mental illness, but it is not a therapeutic or healthcare facility. For people like Jordan Neely, who revolved in and out of the criminal legal system, Rikers is not a place where anyone gets better. Our City must build out better systems of mental health response like permanent supportive housing, which work efficiently, are more cost effective, and would allow all New Yorkers to live in dignity. In Jordan’s memory, we can build a city where people have the care, health, and safety that they need and in turn, a city that is safer and more compassionate for all of us,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

Former U.S. Army Employee Arrested In Bribery And Kickbacks Scheme Involving Defense Contracts

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and L. Scott Moreland, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (“Army CID”) Major Procurement Fraud Field Office, announced today the arrest YOUNG BEOM KIM, a native of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”) and a United States citizen, on charges of honest services wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering.  As alleged in an Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, KIM, while acting in his capacity as Chief of the Design Branch at Army Garrison Yongsan/Casey in Korea (“USAG-Y/C”), schemed to enrich himself through bribes and kickbacks from various manufacturers and suppliers of parts used in U.S. Army contracts.  KIM is expected to be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Richard M. Berman.   

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Indictment, Young Beom Kim was responsible for overseeing construction contracts, including for the repair of bunkers, at Army Garrison Yongsan/Casey in Korea, located just miles from the North Korean border.  The importance of Kim’s work and duties to the Army and its troops cannot be overstated.  Kim betrayed those duties in exchange for a quick buck.  Individuals who would betray their positions of trust for personal financial gain will continue to be held to account by this Office.”

Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland said: “Today’s arrest should serve as a stark reminder that our agents are relentless in their pursuit of those who choose to defraud the government.  We have a very robust group of highly trained special agents and analysts who are masters at combating and uncovering fraud, deception, and other criminal acts associated with government contracting and purchasing.  CID will continue to see to it that anyone suspected of contract fraud and corruption is brought to justice.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and other publicly filed documents: [1]

From at least May 2017 through at least August 2021, KIM was a civilian employee for the U.S. Army, primarily serving as Chief of the Design Branch for the Directorate of Public Works at USAG-Y/C in Korea.  KIM’s responsibilities included designing, reviewing, approving, and/or amending various maintenance, repair, and construction contracts at USAG-Y/C.  While acting in that capacity, KIM helped ensure that certain Army contracts included the use of parts manufactured or supplied by specific companies.  Some of these parts included blast doors, blast valves, shock mounts, and shock isolators (i.e., equipment designed to protect Army personnel in the event of an attack).  In return, the companies manufacturing or supplying those parts collectively sent over $400,000 in kickbacks to KIM.  A significant portion of these funds were laundered through bank accounts controlled by KIM’s adult relatives – including one account held in the name of a shell company (i.e. a company which existed in name only and which performed no legitimate business functions) – and were ultimately used to enrich KIM and to pay for bills and expenses incurred by KIM.

KIM, 62, a resident of Korea, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; two counts of honest services wire fraud; each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of bribery, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of Army CID and Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  Mr. Williams thanked the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice for its assistance in this case.

The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

NYSGC Chair O’Dwyer: NYS Budget Guarantees Improved Backstretch Housing for Belmont & Saratoga Race Course

 

The enacted 2023-24 New York State Budget amends New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law section 212(8)(i) to require the New York State Franchise Oversight Board to “ensure adequate funds for maintenance and repair of existing structures at Saratoga racetrack and Belmont Park racetrack and for the improvement of onsite backstretch personnel housing and quality of life.”

New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer applauded the measure, stating:

“This Budget ensures the hundreds of backstretch workers who live and work at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course will always have up-to-date housing and improved quality of life. This is a necessary and welcome guarantee of basic living needs for these dedicated employees and their families, who are the backbone of the sport.

“I’ve been a strong advocate for improving conditions for the backstretch community who work tirelessly to care for horses and make New York State’s nation-leading horse racing possible.

 “I applaud and thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and NYRA for recognizing the contribution these individuals make to New York’s Thoroughbred racing, as well as our state’s agricultural and economic development.”

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

Movies Under the Stars Kickoff

Council Member Salamanca thanks everyone who attended the first 'Movies Under the Stars' event!

Keep an eye on the Council Member's social media pages for further 'Movies Under the Stars' events.

Establishing the Framework for Affordable Housing To curb NYC’s growing housing crisis, I have joined forces with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and my New York City Council colleagues to create a framework piece of legislation to ensure that New Yorkers are receiving equal access to affordable housing options. By adopting the Fair Housing Framework, we will be able to increase the City’s overall housing production by establishing targets that are based on actual need and capacity, so that all New Yorkers can enjoy and benefit from improved living conditions. We have the legislation - let’s get the job done. Email Council Member Salamanca Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on the Death of Clarence Little

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Clarence Little in Brooklyn. Following a thorough investigation, including review of security camera video, body-worn camera (BWC) footage, interviews with responding officers and civilian witnesses, ballistics testing, and evidence from the scene, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of deadly force against Mr. Little was justified under New York law.

On January 4, 2022, around 4:20 p.m., Mr. Little entered a Dollar Tree store on Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn. He purchased a few items with cash before leaving the store. About 20 minutes later, Mr. Little returned to the store and made another purchase. Surveillance video shows that when the cashier opened the register, Mr. Little took a gun out of his coat pocket and pointed it at the employees before taking the contents of the register and exiting the store.

A Dollar Tree employee had previously called 911, as they thought they recognized Mr. Little from past incidents at the store. Two officers arrived as Mr. Little was attempting to leave. According to BWC footage, one of the officers grabbed Mr. Little and the two struggled to the ground. Mr. Little fired his gun twice, and the second officer, who remained standing, fired his service weapon in response. Mr. Little was transported to a local hospital and eventually died on February 3, 2022. Officers recovered a gun at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a person may use deadly physical force to defend against the imminent use of deadly physical force by another. To convict a person of a crime when the defense of justification is raised at trial, the prosecution must disprove justification beyond a reasonable doubt.

In this case, the investigation showed that Mr. Little had robbed the store and then struggled with and shot at an officer. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer who fired was justified, and OSI determined that criminal charges could not be pursued against the officer.