Albany County DSS says Medicaid costs drive modest county share increase, flags SNAP, child care and shelter pressures

The commissioner of the Albany County Department of Social Services told the Legislature’s finance committee that the 2026 proposed budget reflects Medicaid-driven cost pressure and several program-level risks tied to federal policy.

"Over $75,000,000 because the New York State required Medicaid share. The remaining 78,000,000 is for the operation of our state and federal mandated programs and services," the commissioner said, characterizing Medicaid as the largest budget driver. The department projects an overall appropriation increase of 0.7% with a 0.6% increase in county share driven by Medicaid costs.

The department asked for several new eligibility positions in its Medicaid division and clerical positions intended to maintain caseload processing and compliance with state and federal mandates. The commissioner said some new positions will be converted from existing roles ‘‘so we can remain budget neutral.’’ She also…