Vital Access Provider (VAP) Program

Note: Please direct all inquiries to BVAPR@health.ny.gov with "VAP" in the subject line.

Purpose

To provide operating assistance to financially distressed hospitals, nursing homes, DTCs, and CHHAs for the purpose of redesigning their healthcare delivery systems in order to assist in financial stability.

Program Overview:

Specifically, the Vital Access Provider Program (VAP) was implemented to help fund operational costs for turnaround initiatives to help financially distressed New York State healthcare entities:

  • Improve facility financial viability
  • Meet community service needs
  • Improve the quality of care, and
  • Increase health equity for populations at risk

The program is funded through even shares of state and federal dollars. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must approve the State Plan Amendment (SPA) before funds can be distributed. Eligible applicants include Article 28 Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (DTCs), and Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs).

Providers receiving large VAP Awards and facilities deemed to need assistance to operate in a financially efficient manner will have a strategic planner (SP). The assigned SP can help guide them through the VAP funding requirements and ensure that funds are used efficiently, effectively and for the intended purposes.

Expected Outcomes Include:

  • Financially stabilize facilities
  • Improve community access to the appropriate level of services
  • Improve quality of care
  • Reduce Medicaid program costs