MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR A $65 MILLION COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN FLUSHING

77,000 square-foot facility will bring healthcare to 25,000 underserved New Yorkers as part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods Initiative

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced plans for Healthview, a 77,000 square-foot medical facility that will be part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods Initiative in Flushing, Queens. Operated by the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, the new center will provide care to over 25,000 underserved New Yorkers and create over 140 new jobs in the first three years of operation.

“All New Yorker deserves equal access to healthcare and this state-of-the art facility means the tens of thousands of people in booming Flushing will get the primary care they need. As we work to make this city more equitable we are focused on neighborhoods that have been overlooked – and righting wrongs,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center is fully committed to providing affordable and culturally competent healthcare services to the people of Flushing and neighboring Queens,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, who leads the City’s mental health and substance misuse efforts. “Healthview is a wonderful example of how we strengthen a community by closing treatment gaps and addressing mental and physical health needs.”

Healthview will be located at 40th Road and College Point Boulevard amid Flushing’s bustling retail, transportation, and residential hub. The project will be a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facility designed to ensure primary care is available to all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Healthview will serve as a primary care access point with clinicians spanning the fields of internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, psychiatry, behavioral health and family dentistry.

As part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods initiative, the City is providing $1 million for the $65 million Healthview project through the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s Community Health Center Expansion Program. Other public funding comes from Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, whose office contributed $3 million, and the New York City Council, who helped secure $2 million for the project, and. A groundbreaking for the center expected this fall.

Caring Neighborhoods is a vital part of the administration’s commitment to reduce health disparities by building primary care capacity in neighborhoods where New Yorkers have faced limited options for convenient and affordable health care services. The City has committed $20 million to cover pre-development and start-up operating costs for new health centers. In total, over 100,000 new patients will be able to receive care in their own neighborhoods thanks to the community health centers expanded through Caring Neighborhoods.

“I am excited that we will be expanding our healthcare services for the Flushing community. There are many residents of Flushing who still lack access to affordable primary care services, particularly mental health and dental services,” said Jane T. Eng, President and CEO of Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. “The new site, located at College Point Boulevard and 40^th Road, will meet some of this increasing demand. The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center provides services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. We are proud to be an anchor employer, providing job opportunities for community members. We appreciate all of the support from elected officials including Mayor DeBlasio, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim, New York State Assembly Member Nily Rozic, New York City Council Member Peter Koo, New York City Council Member Margaret Chin, New York City Council Member Corey Johnson, New York City Council Member Paul Vallone and all the other government officials at the city, state, and federal level who have supported us.”

“Access to quality healthcare is an essential piece of any strong neighborhood,” saidNYCEDC President James Patchett. “That’s why we’re committed to helping the city’s health centers grow their reach through our Community Health Center Expansion Program. And with the healthcare industry employing more New Yorkers than any other sector, Healthview will not only provide much-needed care to thousands more patients, it will also bring more than a hundred new jobs to the local economy.”

“Increasing access to affordable, quality health care in neighborhoods across the city will allow communities to become healthier and reduce health disparities,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center is a well-established provider that not only engages its patients to improve their health, but it engages the community at large to create a healthier environment for all.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The comments from Queens elected officials on how wonderful this new building and the mayor are were left out.

NYC Council Member Andy King to host free mobile legal help center

  New York City Council Member Andy King is hosting a free civil legal services mobile van on Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the annual 12^thCouncil District, Fun In the Son Community Engagement Day event outside the Evander Childs Football Field, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.

The mobile legal help center is a partnership between the New York Legal Assistance Group and the New York State Court's Access to Justice Program and provides free civil legal assistance to New Yorkers in need.

Lawyers will be on hand to provide assistance in various areas, including: domestic violence/family law; orders of protection/emergency orders of protections; divorces; custody/visitation; child/spousal support, and immigration.

The van provides on-site, high-level technology allowing it to function as a full-service office. Private meeting rooms inside the van are available.

Space is limited and appointments are required. To set up an appointment, phone King’s office at 718-684-5509.

12^th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert

It will all happens on Saturday, August 5, 2017, starting with a community parade that kicks off at noon at the intersection of Eastchester Road and East Gun Hill Road and culminates at Evander Childs High School football field (800 East Gun Hill Road). More than 2,000 people from community-based organizations and businesses will be marching in the parade.

Inside the football field will be over 50 community-based exhibits and vendors, games for the children, health-care activities, free food, and music. Outside the field will be mobile vans that will pro-vide free health and wellness services, such as dental screenings, legal services, flu shots and more. There will also be a NYPD Rock Wall and a “Shooting 4 Peace” 3-on-3 Basketball tournament featuring celebrity pro ballers and local streetball legends.

Engel on Senate GOP Failure to Pass Trumpcare

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement:

“The President and Congressional Republicans have revealed, once again, that the emperor has no clothes. After seven years of demonizing Democrats and sabotaging the Affordable Care Act, they've shown that the ‘better way’ they've long promised didn't exist.

“It is thanks to the sustained commitment and activism of the American people, who refused to remain silent in the face of a rushed and unworkable plan, that ‘Trumpcare’ has once again failed.

“But now, the President and Senate Majority Leader plan to gut the ACA—and, with it, the American health care system—without the slightest idea of how to pick up the pieces. 

“This is the height of irresponsibility. Rather than even consider Democrats' ideas to improve the ACA, Republican leadership has chosen to throw the baby out with the bathwater, even though some Republican Senators have openly said they want to work with Democrats to make the ACA work better. Apparently, to some, fulfilling a seven-year political ploy is worth devastating American families.

“The vigilance of the American people has foiled the GOP's disastrous health care plot at every turn. That vigilance and activism is needed more now than ever before. Know that I will keep fighting with you to protect our care.”

BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD NO. 8 Amended Land Use Committee Meeting July 27th

BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD NO. 8

**AMENDED

MEETING NOTICE

LAND USE COMMITTEE

DATE: Thursday, July 27, 2017

TIME: 7:30 PM

PLACE: Riverdale Y/YMHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Multi-Purpose Room

Agenda

1. Department of City Planning Application No. N170329ZAX, N170330ZAX, N170331ZAX, 4490 Fieldston Road (Lot 1) – For the grant of authorizations for modification of topographic features on Tier I sites, for a development on a portion of a zoning lot having a steep slope or steep slope buffer, and for modification of botanic environment and tree preservation and planting requirements to allow the construction of a single-family detached residence located at 4490 Fieldston Road (Block 5808, Lot 1) within the Special Natural Area District (NA-2), within Community District 8, Borough of The Bronx.

2. Department of City Planning Application No. N170332ZAX, N170333ZAX, N170334ZAX, N170335ZAX, 4490 Fieldston Road (Lot 2) – For the grant of authorizations for the development on a Tier II site or portion of a zoning lot having a steep slope or steep slope buffer, medication of botanic environment and tree preservation and planting requirements, modification of grading controls, and modification of requirements for private roads and driveways to allow the construction of a single-family detached residence located at 4490 Fieldston Road (Block 5808, Lot 2) within the Special Natural Area District (NA-2), within Community District 8, Borough of The Bronx.

3. 3061 Scenic Place SNAD status

4. Application for unenclosed sidewalk café # 8513-2017 - ASWC – Blackstone Bar & Grill, 3713 Riverdale Avenue.

5. St. Jemuel Back to School Rally – Block Party – with full street closure on September 2, 2017, to be held on Webb Avenue between West 197 Street and Reservoir Avenue/2836 Webb Avenue.

6. NEW Applications - Liquor License or Beer/Wine License:

Skyclub Café, LLC, 5701 Arlington Avenue

Welcome to the Family Coffee Shop Corp., 219 West 230 Street

Tin Brother’s (formerly Kelly Ryan’s), 5790 Mosholu Avenue

7. RENEWAL Applications - Liquor License or Beer/Wine License:

Metate, 3515 Johnson Avenue

Beccofino, 5704 Mosholu Avenue

Bronx Burger House, 5816 Mosholu Avenue

Gourmet Dining, LLC, 4513 Thomas Hall

Sunrise International LLC, 3717 Riverdale Avenue

8. Khalle Bar & Grill, 3638 Bailey Avenue, request for extension of hours

9. **Department of Homeless Services - Families with Children shelter at 5731 Broadway: Facility will open mid-August and house 81 families

Attorney General Schneiderman And Governor Cuomo Announce That New York Will Bring Lawsuit If Health Care Bill Becomes Law

New York Attorney General And Governor Stand United Against Repeal Of Affordable Care Act

  Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today stood together to announce that, if the House or Senate health care bill is signed into law, New York State will bring a lawsuit challenging the bill's constitutionality.

Attorney General Schneiderman and Governor Cuomo made the announcement at an event at Mount Sinai Hospital, encouraging members of New York’s Congressional delegation to stand against the bill. Should it pass and be signed into law, New York will challenge the Republican health care bill in court on the basis of several constitutional defects, including the placement of unconstitutional conditions on federal dollars used for health care.

“This bill isn’t simply unconscionable and unjust – it’s unconstitutional. That’s why I’ve made clear: if this bill ever becomes law, I will challenge it in court, to protect the millions of New Yorkers whose health care is at stake,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “This bill’s attacks on Planned Parenthood would create an undue burden on women’s fundamental constitutional right to reproductive health care, while placing unconstitutional conditions on federal dollars that fund vital services like breast cancer screenings, STD tests, and more. Meanwhile, the Faso-Collins amendment represents a cynical ploy to meddle in New York’s Medicaid funding system, requiring massive state tax increases to offset billions in lost federal funds. We won’t stand for it. And we will sue – because this is about New Yorkers' health, their lives, and their basic rights.”

"The Senate health care bill is an assault on New Yorkers and our New York values that would decimate the New York healthcare system and devastate healthcare access,” Governor Cuomo said. “Token changes cannot hide the fact that this is a cruel and heartless bill. New Yorkers are not easily fooled, and, if this harmful bill passes, are going to stand up as New Yorkers and sue the federal government. My first priority is always the health of New Yorkers, and we will not allow Washington to take health care from our people."

“The Senate’s proposed tax cut for millionaires poorly disguised as a health care bill is a disaster for New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Hundreds of thousands would lose health coverage and the pressure on our public hospitals and first responders would be enormous. It will send us back to a time when New Yorkers were forced to choose between the care they need and feeding their families. That's why we are organizing to stop this bill. I applaud Governor Cuomo and Attorney General Schneiderman for vowing to take this critical step if this bill becomes a reality.”

The bill delivers tax cuts to insurance companies, medical device companies and high-income people while jeopardizing health care coverage for millions of middle class New Yorkers, exacerbating the opioid epidemic ravaging the country and driving up costs for people with preexisting conditions.  If passed, it would cut billions of dollars from New York’s Medicaid program and includes a proposal by two reckless members of New York's own congressional delegation, Representatives John Faso and Chris Collins, that seeks to eliminate $2.3 billion dollars in payments, forcing all New Yorkers to pay a "Faso-Collins Federal Tax."

New York has taken aggressive action to protect New Yorkers’ access to quality, affordable health care, mandating that insurance companies cannot discriminate against New Yorkers with preexisting conditions or based on age or gender; mandating that insurance policies cover all 10 essential benefits laid out in the Affordable Care Act; and banning all insurers who withdraw from offering Qualified Health Plans on the State Health Marketplace from future participation in the marketplace.​

This also follows a number of steps Attorney General Schneiderman has taken to protect women’s reproductive rights, including issuing a formal legal opinion to cement the fact that New York State’s criminal law does not interfere with the reproductive health rights ensured by Roe v. Wade and later cases; investigation of New York health plans’ adherence to federal no-cost sharing requirements for contraceptives, and introducing the New York Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act to protect cost-free access to birth control; and filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn  a Texas law imposing unnecessary and burdensome requirements on abortion clinics with the purpose and effect of closing many of them.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Joint State And Federal $4.4 Million Settlement With Visiting Nurse Service Managed Long-Term Care Plan

VNS Choice Improperly Billed Medicaid, Agrees To Pay $4.4 Million To Settle Reverse False Claims Act Allegations In Whistleblower Case

New York State Will Receive $2.63 Million

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Acting United States Attorney Joon H. Kim today announced that Visiting Nurse Service of New York and its Managed Long-Term Care Plan, VNS Choice, will pay a total of $4,392,150.00 to resolve allegations that the plan improperly obtained public funds and knowingly retained over $1.6 million in Medicaid overpayments. Under the settlement, the service provider admitted that between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2015 it failed to identify and disenroll 365 VNS Choice members in a timely manner and consequently continued receiving payment for care it did not provide. Once VNS disenrolled the members, it did not repay Medicaid for the funds it had improperly received. By knowingly retaining overpayments for many of these members for more than 60 days, the entities involved—Visiting Nurse Service of New York, VNS Choice, and VNS Choice Community Care (collectively, “VNS”)—violated both the federal and state false claim acts. As a result, New York State will receive $2.63 million as part of the settlement agreement.

“Blatantly retaining and failing to repay Medicaid overpayments undermines the system on which so many vulnerable New Yorkers rely,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “The law makes clear that overpayments must be repaid in a timely manner – and we’ll hold providers to the law.”

Pursuant to Medicaid regulations, Managed Long Term Care plans (“MLTCs”), like VNS Choice, receive monthly capitation payments for each member enrolled in the MLTC plan, in exchange for arranging and providing certain community-based long-term care services, such as care management, skilled nursing services, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and preventive services for the member. From January 2011 to March 2015, VNS received monthly capitation payments between $3,800-4,200 from Medicaid for providing services to MLTC members.

However, VNS’s contract with the State required it to disenroll MLTC members under certain circumstances—including when a member no longer resides in the service area, has been absent from the service area for a specified number of consecutive days, is hospitalized for 45 consecutive days or longer, or is no longer eligible for the MLTC plan.

The settlements, unsealed today in federal court, resolve allegations that although VNS ultimately — albeit belatedly — disenrolled the 365 members, it never reimbursed Medicaid for the monthly capitation payments improperly received for these members. During the period in question, VNS was aware that many of the members should have been disenrolled earlier and that it was not entitled to the recent capitation payments. However, despite this knowledge, VNS kept the Medicaid capitation payments for the members who should have been disenrolled, often as many as four and five months earlier.

Today’s settlement is the second reached with VNS regarding its MLTC plan, VNS Choice. In November 2014, the court unsealed settlement agreements by the Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office with VNS for nearly $35 million to settle allegations relating to the improper use of social adult day care centers to enroll members in VNS Choice.

This investigation was initiated after a whistleblower filed a lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the federal and New York False Claims Acts, which allow private persons, known as “relators,” to file civil actions on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The relator in this case will receive from the State a share of the settlement proceeds after full payment by the defendants. 

The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office.  Attorney General Schneiderman would like to the Office of the New York State Medicaid Inspector General for its assistance in the matter.  

The case is captioned United States and the State of New York, ex rel. David Heisler v. VNS Choice, VNS Choice Community Care, and Visiting Nurse Service of New York, and is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under Civil Action No. 13 Civ. 4261 (Abrams, J.)

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