Freedom of Information and Access to Office of the Medicaid Inspector General Records

The Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”, Public Officers Law Article 6) is New York State's principal statute regarding public access to government records. The Personal Privacy Protection Law (Public Officers Law Article 6-a) relates to disclosure of personal information maintained by state agencies. The Records Access Officer is responsible for ensuring appropriate agency response to public requests for access to records.

"Record" means any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with, or for the office, in any physical form whatsoever including, but not limited to, reports, statements, examinations, memoranda, opinions, folders, files, books, manuals, pamphlets, forms, papers, designs, drawings, maps, photos, letters, microfilms, computer tapes or disks, rules, regulations or codes.

FOIL does not require a government agency to provide advice or prepare or create any record not possessed or maintained by it.

How to make a FOIL Request

If you wish to access records under the Freedom of Information Law, all requests must be made in writing, whether made via mail or email. You must include the following information:

• The requestor's name, address, phone number and email address so that OMIG can transmit records electronically, if practicable.
• Specific details regarding the records being requested. Please include as much detail about the records as possible, including relevant dates, names, descriptions, addresses, case numbers, etc.
• Please note that FOIL does not require the Office to do research for you, analyze data, answer written questions, or create a record not possessed or maintained by it in response to your request.

To submit a FOIL request please send your inquiry by:

Mail to:
Records Access Office
NYS OMIG
800 North Pearl Street
Albany, New York 12204

Email to:
[email protected]

In-person inspection and copying is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 800 North Pearl Street, Albany NY 12204. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling (518) 408-5845.

The Office’s Subject Matter Listing of Records contains a current list by subject matter of all records in the possession of the Office, whether or not available under the Freedom of Information Law.

For more information about the state’s Freedom of Information Law, contact the New York State Committee on Open Government.

OMIG charges the statutorily permitted fee of $.25 per page for photocopies of records requested under FOIL (Public Officers Law §87[1][b][iii]).  Additional fees may apply as permitted by law.  There is no provision in law or regulation requiring a waiver of this fee. Payment must be made to the OMIG by check or money order. Payment should not be submitted until you are notified that your request is granted and informed of the charge for your request.

If you have been denied access to a record requested under FOIL, you will be notified in writing by the Records Access Office. You may, within 30 days of notification, submit a written appeal of a denial. An appeal must be filed in writing and mailed or emailed to:

Records Access Appeals Officer
NYS Office of the Medicaid Inspector General
800 North Pearl Street
Albany, New York 12204

Email to:
[email protected]

Freedom of Information and Access to Office of the Medicaid Inspector General Records