Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) awarded the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) $44.6 billion under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778) for fiscal year 2026, with an award date of October 1, 2025 and completion date of September 30, 2026. This entitlement block grant provides financial assistance to New York State for medical assistance payments on behalf of eligible low-income populations, including cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and other categorically-eligible groups who meet income and resource requirements. The funds enable NYSDOH to deliver essential healthcare services to Medicaid beneficiaries throughout the state and support the operation of the state Medicaid program in compliance with federal regulations and the approved State Plan.

NYSDOH administers this substantial funding allocation as the primary state entity responsible for Medicaid program implementation and may distribute funds to local health departments, community organizations, and other subrecipients to accomplish broad healthcare objectives. The quarterly grant structure requires NYSDOH to submit estimates of funds needed to ensure timely allocation, with awards distributed on October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1 each fiscal year. Individual recipients receive medical assistance through participating Medicaid providers as long as they maintain eligibility under state requirements.