OPEIU Guild 45 Congratulates Governor Cuomo and the Legislature as On-time Budget in New York State Includes Medicaid Funding For Diabetic Podiatry Services

NEW YORK, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- OPEIU Guild 45/The First National Guild for Healthcare Providers of the Lower Extremity and the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, are pleased to note that Governor Cuomo's 2012-2013 Executive Budget includes legislation to implement certain proposals made by the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT), based on the recommendations of various work groups that met over the course of the past year.  

The 2012-2013 agreed upon budget, which was voted on by the Legislature today and is expected to be signed by Governor Cuomo, includes language to extend Medicaid coverage to include essential foot care services by podiatrists for individuals with diabetes. This is a progressive public policy victory that will improve the health and quality of life for thousands of New Yorkers. Early detection and treatment of diabetic-related lower extremity conditions will also help to contain Medicaid costs going forward.

NYSPMA President, Vito J. Rizzo, DPM and Executive Director Len Thaler congratulated Governor Cuomo for his leadership in this area and said, "This is seen as a major policy win for podiatry in New York State.  Under the Governor's budget the Medicaid program will now cover foot care by a podiatrist for individuals with diabetes mellitus."

ABOUT OPEIU GUILD 45
OPEIU Guild 45 represents 1,200 podiatrists, members of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), organizations that advocate for practitioners of podiatry and for the communities they serve.  Members adhere to a code of strict ethical standards and participate in numerous programs to benefit patients, the podiatric profession and the general public.

Both Guild 45 and the NYSPMA work with the New York State Legislature on issues to correct injustices to podiatrists, such as full participation in the Medicaid program and scope of practice issues.

Guild 45 is affiliated with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

SOURCE Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)