Public Employee Press

Medicaid changes threaten DC 37 jobs

The union is working to stop the state from privatizing elder-care social services as it assumes control of Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, which calls for Medicaid savings.

The jobs of up to 4,000 DC 37 members could be adversely affected by the takeover.

"We are paying close attention to the changes to make sure members are not adversely affected," said DC 37 Associate Director Henry Garrido.

One of the goals of Medicaid reform is a "coordinated care model" for 209,000 seniors in long-term care, including nursing homes and full- and part-time home care.

Currently, at the city Human Resources Administration, Local 371 Caseworkers interview clients and 1,500 Local 1549 Eligibility Specialists handle 36,000 home-care cases, which stand to be shifted into privately run managed-care programs.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has applied for a waiver from the federal government to allow significant changes in Medicaid services, including eligibility and enrollment work.

County-based social service districts provide services now, but the reform would scrap the current system and consolidate Medicaid management. New York City is a social service district helping 2.9 million residents. Because of the city's unique size, needs and demographic diversity, DC 37 will press the state to let the city keep running the Medicaid program itself, DC 37 Political Director Wanda Williams said.

"The work should be done by civil servants like our members, who have a history of servicing the Medicaid population," said Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez.

"We are fighting to put the brakes on privatization," said SSEU Local 371 President Anthony Wells.

Earlier this year, assessment services at the HRA Community Alternative Systems Administration program were contracted out to comply with Medicaid changes adopted by the state. About 700 Local 371 members were transferred to other positions, but their long-term employment is uncertain because of the coming Medicaid changes.

In addition to working with DC 37 and Local 1549 on the state Medicaid takeover, Local 371 is stepping up its campaign to support the former CASA workers.

"The managed-care model will hurt clients," said Senior Assistant Director Moira Dolan of DC 37's Research and Negotiations Dept. "Private companies are paid a fixed rate per client, which gives them an incentive to limit services."