The New York State Health Care Worker Bonus (HWB) Program provides financial rewards to eligible frontline health care and mental hygiene workers. This program acknowledges their dedication and sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to attract and retain talent in these crucial fields. This guide outlines eligibility requirements, bonus amounts, vesting periods, and application procedures.
Understanding the NY Health Care Worker Bonus
New York State allocated $1.2 billion to fund the HWB Program, recognizing the invaluable contributions of frontline healthcare workers. The program offers bonuses of up to $3,000 per eligible worker, based on the number of hours worked during specific vesting periods.
Who is Eligible for the Bonus?
Eligibility for the Health Care Worker Bonus Program in NY hinges on meeting several criteria:
- Employment: Continuous employment with a qualified employer for at least one full vesting period.
- Job Title: Holding an eligible worker title as defined in the program guidelines (see below).
- Salary: An annualized base salary (excluding bonuses and overtime) not exceeding $125,000, verified by an Employee Attestation Form.
- Employment Status: Eligible for full-time, part-time, temporary employees, and independent contractors.
- Medicaid Status: Not being suspended or excluded from the Medicaid program during the vesting period.
How Much is the Bonus?
The bonus amount depends on the number of hours worked per week during a vesting period:
- $500: For those working 20-30 hours per week.
- $1,000: For those working 30-35 hours per week.
- $1,500: For those working 35 hours or more per week.
An employee can receive bonuses for up to two vesting periods, with a maximum total bonus of $3,000.
What are the Vesting Periods?
Vesting periods are consecutive six-month intervals between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2024.
Eligible Worker Titles
A wide range of healthcare professionals are eligible, including:
- Direct Care: Nurses, physicians’ assistants, therapists (physical, occupational, respiratory), medical assistants, certified first responders.
- Mental Hygiene: Counselors, psychologists, social workers, behavior intervention specialists.
- Support Staff: Certified Recovery Peer Advocates, technicians, aides, and other support roles directly assisting with patient care. A full list of eligible titles is available on the program website.
How to Apply for the Health Care Worker Bonus
Employers, not employees, must submit claims for the bonus. The process involves:
- Employer Enrollment: Qualified employers must register on the HWB Program Portal using their MMIS ID (for Medicaid employers) or SFS Vendor ID (for non-Medicaid employers).
- Claim Submission: Employers can submit claims via bulk upload or manual entry within 30 days of the end of a vesting period.
- Employee Attestation: Employers must provide eligible employees with an Employee Attestation Form to verify salary information.
- Bonus Payment: Employers are responsible for distributing bonuses to eligible employees within 30 days of receiving funds from the state.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Employers failing to claim or distribute bonuses for more than 10% of eligible employees may face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
Additional Resources and Information
For detailed information, including FAQs and the complete list of eligible worker titles, visit the HWB Program Portal. Assistance is also available via the Health Care Worker Bonus Call Center at (866) 682-0077. The program has undergone expansions to include additional eligible titles and provider types. Refer to the HWB Program Expansion Notice for the latest updates.
