Category: DOH

Administrative Systems and Service Delivery Concerns for New York State’s Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

  • Recent data justify growth in OPWDD’s typically stagnant budget.  Data collected through the Center for Disease Control’s National Health Interview Survey show 1 in 6 children (17.8%) diagnosed with at least one developmental disability in 2017 (increased from 16.2% in 2009).[1] 
  • Additional state funding must be made available to address the ongoing workforce crisis which continues to compromise continuity of supports and services for individuals with IDD within the nonprofit sector.  According to National Core Indicators, the average turnover rate for Direct Support Professionals in New York State is 33 percent.[2]
  • Additional, targeted state funding is necessary for high needs adult individuals with IDD who require a more acute level of care and are more at risk of being underserved, due to the increased labor and costs associated with their high level of need.  Federal education funding legislation (H.R.4676) was recently introduced in the House of Representatives on for this very reason; to provide additional funding for schools who serve students with more complex needs.
  • New York would be wise to pause and take a step back to assess its system transformation goals and benchmarks to; gather, analyze and publish data, establish strong, person centered quality measures, ensure consumer centered policies and create strong oversight measures.  “The problems of MLTSS programs for people with IDD have caused states to rethink managed care as the model for IDD service system reform.”[3]
  •  The critical foundation for case management through Care Coordination Organizations (CCO) in New York is not fully operational, as technology and monitoring infrastructure systems are not yet in place. “Case management and supports coordination for people with IDD is often a much more significant and involved role than for many other populations.”[4]
  •  “While much research has been conducted on whether Managed Care delivery systems result in better outcomes than fee for service (FFS), there is no definitive conclusion as to whether managed care improves or worsens access to or quality of care for beneficiaries”.[5]
  • Results of a recent survey of fifteen states that moved some Long Term Services and Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to Managed Care Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) found that “most states did not realize a cost savings…” and that “there are no commonly accepted measures of quality” for the IDD population.[6]
  • Additional state funding will be necessary to implement MLTSS for individuals with IDD; however, the cost-benefit analysis is not necessarily beneficial.  “While there are savings achieved on long term supports and services claims, the amount of increased administrative expenditures outweighs savings from claims”.[7]
  • Experience in other states has shown many challenges in successfully transitioning to MLTSS  “… due to “lack of potential cost savings, limited experience serving people with IDD, limited state experience in setting managed care rates, need for meaningful quality measures, lack of managed care experience among providers, and the unique role of IDD case management and supports coordination…”[8]
  • “Recent experiences in other states demonstrate that a focus primarily on cost savings, especially in the short-term is unlikely to result in success and may drive reductions in quality and/or service cuts that harm IDD beneficiaries.”[9]
  • As major stakeholders, families and self-advocates play an integral role in the transformation of New York’s service provision for individuals with IDD and should be included in all stakeholder groups.  “…Successful programs are most likely to result from careful planning, significant and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, and a clear policy vision intended to advance the goals of integrated, quality home and community-based services.”[10]

The State-Wide Family Advocacy Network of New York State is an independent coalition of like-minded organizations from around New York State, comprised of the families, guardians, and friends of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Our mission is to educate and inform policy makers, the media and the public on issues impacting our disabled children and loved ones. SWAN is an

independent, all-volunteer organization that receives no government or service provider money; its activities are entirely self-supported. 

[1] Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Prevalence and Trends of Developmental Disabilities among Children in the United States: 2009-2017, October 2019; 144 (4) e20190811.

[2] Pg. 17, NASDDDS, Human Services Research Institute; National Core Indicators 2017 Staff Stability Survey Report. Jan 2019

[3] Pg 16, Center for Consumer Engagement in Health and Innovation; Service Disrupted: Managed Long Term Services and Supports Falling Short for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. November 2019

[4] Pg. 5, Health Management Associates; Current Landscape; Managed Long-Term Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, prepared for ANCOR. June 11 2018

[5] Medicaid and Chip Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC); Managed Care’s Effect on Outcomes

[6] Pg. 35, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Care Evaluation, University of Texas School of Public Health. December 31, 2018

[7] Pg 12, IDD LTSS Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Carve-In Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation Report. Deloitte, Jan11, 2019

[8] Pg 1, Health Management Associates; Current Landscape; Managed Long-Term Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, prepared for ANCOR. June 11 2018

[9] Pg 1, Health Management Associates; Current Landscape; Managed Long-Term Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, prepared for ANCOR. June 11 2018

[10] Pg 43, Health Management Associates; Current Landscape; Managed Long-Term Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, prepared for ANCOR. June 11 2018

SWAN-data-analysis-1-14-20-FINAL-VERSION

Managed Care Position Paper(s)

Please find  attached a paper from SWAN on what we see will be the effect on individuals with IDD if the state  transitions to  Managed Care. To summarize,  we are urging OPWDD, the Dept of Health, and our representatives in State Government to reconsider the timeline and scope of this transition.

For those who are interested, we are also attaching several other position papers on this topic that various agencies and associations have also submitted to decision makers .  These are posted for your information and education ONLY.

WE ARE NOT ENDORSING ANY OF THESE DOCUMENTS.   

SWAN will be doing a detailed analysis of the various elements and positions

SWAN

SWAN position paper on MC dated 082819final.docx (1)

 

Provider Papers

SWAN meeting with NYS Officials 9/22/18

SWAN meeting with NYS Officials  9/22/18

Our discussion focused on the following three concerns:

  • Workforce Crisis
  • Implementation of Managed Care
  • Data Needs for System Health Assessment

SEE ATTACHED MEETING MINUTES: SWAN October 2018 meeting with NYS Officials - final 11-12-18 (2)

 

SWAN Meeting with Paul Francis – 9/22/18 – Leave Behind Document

SWAN met with Paul Francis on October 22, 2018

Our discussion focused on the following three concerns:

  • Workforce Crisis
  • Implementation of Managed Care
  • Data Needs for System Health Assessment

Our leave-behind document is available here: Francis mtg leave behind FINAL3

 

SWAN Meeting With OPWDD Leadership – 9/17/18

SWAN Sept 17 mtg with OPWDD FINAL

Meeting Summary – 9/17/18

Attendees: OPWDD – Acting Commissioner Kerry Delaney,Kate Marley, Neil Mitchell, Greg Roberts, Leslie Fuld , Roger Bearden, Abiba Kindo

SWAN: Brad Pivar, Pat Curran, Meri Krassner, Elly Rufer, Fran Kermian*, Kathy Bunce*, Jim Karpe*, Barb DeLong, (*via video/teleconference)

Note: Action items are in bold for quick reference

 

Discussed the draft of NYS Medicaid Managed Care Organization I/DD System Transformation Requirements (SIP-PL) out for public comment. Kerry acknowledged our request for an extension on the time period and advised us that there would be a two-week extension that will announced formally shortly.   Further she emphasized that they will always take feedback regardless of published deadlines.

 

Kerry also shared that they are working on a simple summary presentation to educate families on the upcoming changes which would be posted to their website so families could see it. . She asked SWAN to gather what we think would be FAQ’s from a family or individual’s perspective as well as areas of concern so they can be addressed. Requested one-week turnaround which later was revised to ASAP. SWAN members forwarded their input to Greg Roberts directly.

 

The Coordinated Assessment Tool (CAS) was discussed. Many members of SWAN have had an opportunity to experience the CAS in the last 3 months. We shared our various experiences and Kerry indicated that the CAS leadership team in Albany absolutely needs to hear feedback from the experience and where the CAS failed to describe the person accurately. Furthermore, she heard us on the problem of amending the CAS and the need for a clear amendment process. It is unknown WHEN/IF the CAS is replacing the DDP-2. Further, she said the CAS was not intended to determine individual budgets but rather rate setting. ACTION: Kate/Diane will schedule a meeting with SWAN about the CAS.

 

CCO implementation was discussed. OPWDD acknowledged that they were aware of Medisked having issues but to their knowledge they indicated things were resolved. They understand there has been significant frustration and are meeting with CCOs weekly, however the Medisked issues have to be resolved between the CCO’s and the vendor directly.

In addition OPWDD acknowledged the pain families are experiencing with the requirement to change Care Manager based on Tier level. OPWDD indicated that they are working with the CCO’s to devise strategies to allow some flexibility with case load, team assignments, etc.

Discussion regarding the expectation of CCO’s evolving into MCO’s. OPWDD indicated it was hard to tell how it will evolve – their preference would be for providers to apply. They mentioned that CCO’s may incorporate into a different entity apply as well. They expect their will be three MCO’s.

 

Workgroups were discussed and SWAN’s disappointment that it appeared that all the work fell into a black hole. Kerry indicated that final drafts will go back to each workgroup. Further ALL drafts will go to all SWAN members. In the process of prioritizing them, they will be implementing those recommendations that do not have fiscal impact and then determining if there are funds to cover other recommendations. Kerry also indicated that all workgroup leads would be required to present the items to their workgroup. Tamika Black is Deputy Commissioner of Quality.

We discussed the ongoing workforce crisis and how desperate families and individuals are feeling. Kerry agreed and indicated that as a field, we need to come together to discuss how to make it better in a proactive fashion. Kerry will request Sharon to send the workforce report to Brad. (He will forward to SWAN). In addition, SWAN shared that Self Direction is in general, broken.

 

We talked about the various organizational changes and our concern that so much institutional knowledge is walking out the door. We further expressed our continued expectation that OPWDD remains as its own entity and not be swallowed up by DOH. Kerry indicated that it will continue as its own entity and that DOH is deferential to OPWDD’s experience.

 

Kerry suggested that we should have monthly teleconferences to insure communication channels are open. She will have Suzanne set them up and advise us and that they are very helpful in dealing with CMS.

SWAN asked Kerry who in DOH should we be reaching out to inform/educate/advocate with. Kerry will advise.

 

 

 

 

Dated: 9/24/18

SWAN MEETING HELD WITH OPWDD 4/19/18

SWAN April 19 2018 mtg with OPWDD

Meeting held on April 19, 2018

Attendees: OPWDD – Acting Commissioner Kerry Delaney, JoAnn Lamphere, Jay Kiyonga, Kate      Bishop, Neil Mitchell, Meagan O’Conner, Greg Roberts,

SWAN: Brad Pivar, Pat Curran, Kathy Bunce*, Jim Karpe*, Meri Krassner*, Roy Probeyan*, Fran Kermian*, Dan Maillet*   (*via teleconference)

 

Meeting held on April 19, 2018

Attendees: OPWDD – Acting Commissioner Kerry Delaney, JoAnn Lamphere, Jay Kiyonga, Kate      Bishop, Neil Mitchell, Meagan O’Conner, Greg Roberts,

SWAN: Brad Pivar, Pat Curran, Kathy Bunce*, Jim Karpe*, Meri Krassner*, Roy Probeyan*, Fran Kermian*, Dan Maillet*   (*via teleconference)

Update on open action items:

  • SWAN appreciates being a part of the workgroups and looks forward to continued active participation. Kerry Delaney will continue to involve families in policy, messaging, and governance. This will be a continued and ongoing objective.
  • Discussion regarding road map to Managed Care. OPWDD suggested that SWAN review what is available on website in terms key steps and target dates and provide any feedback/questions to OPWDD. Also blueprint document is in process and they expect it to be posted sometime in August. Involvement will initially be voluntary and will move to mandatory at some point.  Jim Karpe suggested that a topic for our next discussion be regarding what they envision managed care to look like for the I/DD world. JoAnn suggested that a prerequisite be for SWAN to review the Transition document available on the website.
  • Brad Pivar has established ongoing communication with the Justice Center and has provided the Justice Center with focal points from each family group to facilitate involvement and local meetings. In addition the next SWAN meeting with Justice Center will be scheduled in combination with other meetings in Albany.
  • Still waiting for additional information on ABLE tax credit policies from Paul Francis’ office. SWAN will follow up with Shelly.
  • SWAN will follow up with Shelly W regarding her offer to set up meeting with new Medicaid Director
  • Great progress in communication with DOH regarding MAPP. SWAN white paper provided to DOH & OPWDD identifying key requirements. Follow up meeting occurred 2 weeks ago and good progress has been made toward first two priorities. By 4/27 we hope to know what the MAPP template will look like. JoAnn emphasized that the 27th is a tentative date and reminded us of the “crawl, walk,run” discussion. It was also pointed out that not all data will be available until the CCO’s are up and running.

New Business:

  1. Staffing
  • Discussion regarding the loss of several key people at some of the regional offices. There is considerable concern relating to the loss of deep institutional knowledge as the “baby boomers” are retiring. Kerry shared that the turnover in the last five years is unprecedented and they expect it will continue for another 5 to 10 years. They agree it is a major and critical issue. Succession planning is important and will continue. OPWDD acknowledged that it took over a year to identify the right person to replace Donna Limiti. (with Mary Grace Guiliano) Their focus is to keep the day to day operations up and going. OPWDD urges SWAN to bring any specific concerns to Meaghan and Abiba..
  • SWAN offered their support to provide advocacy to the “2nd floor” as to the importance of OPWDD and the value they can provide. It was acknowledged that the budget reflects a 32 position decrease. Kerry shared that a majority of those positions have been in central office so the regions can continue to serve individuals. She indicated that these type cuts can often be dealt with without significant impact as they align divisions, seek synergy, etc. Jay indicated that whereas they hate to see any cuts at all, they are pleased that everything else in the budget was position and OPWDD received $120MM of new money.
  • Brad P. shared that participation in self direction has doubled, however the department has not grown accordingly. OPWDD indicated they would be happy to discuss further…  Dixie (OPWDD) indicated that there has been grown in the SD staff in LI regional office

 

  1. Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) 
  • SWAN shared that there is significant angst among families across the state with the CAS and particularly around the appeal process (or lack thereof)  The website doesn’t seem to have any information that is current that could help inform individuals/families. It was also communicated that it doesn’t appear that the MSC understands what is expected of them and can answer the detailed questions that families have. Is there a work process flow as well as a Role Clarity chart available? It was suggested that if loved ones of SWAN steering committee members were assessed, there would be first-hand knowledge that we could share and help to improve and communicate to others.
  • Kate Bishop acknowledged the concerns and shared that they have been conducting a lot of MSC education. Further, she indicated that they have a “quality review” process and not an “appeal” process and there is no time limitation on this. They did conduct a 100 person survey to see if the process was working. Almost 50% said the process had been followed. There is a written document to that provides the output. SWAN indicated that they are hearing that the output is terribly difficult to understand. OPWDD understands that there needs to be improvement and that they have created a guidance document to understand how to interpret the output. Also included is how the CAS interfaces with the person centered planning process. As it relates to SWAN participating In the assessment, Kate indicated that that may be a possibility Barb D. will submit names of willing steering team members to Kate.
  • JoAnn indicated that stakeholder advisory groups have been helping along the way. They understand how critical it is to get it all done properly. When there are problems, they are evaluating, is it the process, or the interpretation or not having the right people.
  • Jay indicated that OPWDD has informed CMS that the CAS will be used to set residential rates in July 2019. SWAN indicated the urgency to get it right.
  • Additional discussion regarding how families and individuals are informed about the feedback loop, the quality review process and how to confirm the results are a true reflection of their loved ones need and abilities. OPWDD is working on improving the website to provide increased knowledge. However, communication must occur that it exists.
  • JoAnn indicated that as they work thru improving information on the website, that families start with their MSC and then direct their concerns to Diane Woodward and Kate Bishop.

 

  1. .CCOs
  • SWAN shared that all family groups have been hosting meetings with the CCO’s in that region presenting. All family groups have been also distributing the OPWDD schedule for public session and encouraging family members to attend. We will continue to host CCO’s at our meetings.
  • Pat C. indicated that many families do not have the time to go to these public forums. OPWDD shared they would be posted a recorded forum to their website  They are also relying heavily on the MSC’s to communicate the message since they are the primary conduit of information. However, SWAN indicated that many times the MSC’s know less than we do.
  • Kate shared that lots of information was sent out to MSCs. One of the challenges is that there are 400 different organizations with different levels of competency. The move to CCOs will help empower the Care Manager and it will be easier to communicate when they have a smaller caseload
  • Internal discussions have been robust with many concerns, confusion and fear. Some families have indicated they are not receiving a standardized message
  • The written material provided by OPWDD and the brochure were well received. The “chart” was particularly helpful.
  • Kerry indicated that there are a number of protection and continuity of care provisions. She emphasized that the goal of CCO’s are not to decrease level of service.
  • OPWDD indicated that any MCO will need to have a very broad network
  • Barb D suggested we have another discussion in 4 to 6 weeks as CCO “go live” gets closer. Jay emphasized that if critical issues come up in the meantime to reach out sooner 

 

.

Dated: 4/30/2018

 

 

 

  • SWAN appreciates being a part of the workgroups and looks forward to continued active participation. Kerry Delaney will continue to involve families in policy, messaging, and governance. This will be a continued and ongoing objective.
  • Discussion regarding road map to Managed Care. OPWDD suggested that SWAN review what is available on website in terms key steps and target dates and provide any feedback/questions to OPWDD. Also blueprint document is in process and they expect it to be posted sometime in August. Involvement will initially be voluntary and will move to mandatory at some point.  Jim Karpe suggested that a topic for our next discussion be regarding what they envision managed care to look like for the I/DD world. JoAnn suggested that a prerequisite be for SWAN to review the Transition document available on the website.
  • Brad Pivar has established ongoing communication with the Justice Center and has provided the Justice Center with focal points from each family group to facilitate involvement and local meetings. In addition the next SWAN meeting with Justice Center will be scheduled in combination with other meetings in Albany.
  • Still waiting for additional information on ABLE tax credit policies from Paul Francis’ office. SWAN will follow up with Shelly.
  • SWAN will follow up with Shelly W regarding her offer to set up meeting with new Medicaid Director
  • Great progress in communication with DOH regarding MAPP. SWAN white paper provided to DOH & OPWDD identifying key requirements. Follow up meeting occurred 2 weeks ago and good progress has been made toward first two priorities. By 4/27 we hope to know what the MAPP template will look like. JoAnn emphasized that the 27th is a tentative date and reminded us of the “crawl, walk,run” discussion. It was also pointed out that not all data will be available until the CCO’s are up and running.

New Business:

  1. Staffing
  • Discussion regarding the loss of several key people at some of the regional offices. There is considerable concern relating to the loss of deep institutional knowledge as the “baby boomers” are retiring. Kerry shared that the turnover in the last five years is unprecedented and they expect it will continue for another 5 to 10 years. They agree it is a major and critical issue. Succession planning is important and will continue. OPWDD acknowledged that it took over a year to identify the right person to replace Donna Limiti. (with Mary Grace Guiliano) Their focus is to keep the day to day operations up and going. OPWDD urges SWAN to bring any specific concerns to Meaghan and Abiba..
  • SWAN offered their support to provide advocacy to the “2nd floor” as to the importance of OPWDD and the value they can provide. It was acknowledged that the budget reflects a 32 position decrease. Kerry shared that a majority of those positions have been in central office so the regions can continue to serve individuals. She indicated that these type cuts can often be dealt with without significant impact as they align divisions, seek synergy, etc. Jay indicated that whereas they hate to see any cuts at all, they are pleased that everything else in the budget was position and OPWDD received $120MM of new money.
  • Brad P. shared that participation in self direction has doubled, however the department has not grown accordingly. OPWDD indicated they would be happy to discuss further…  Dixie (OPWDD) indicated that there has been grown in the SD staff in LI regional office

 

  1. Coordinated Assessment System (CAS)
  • SWAN shared that there is significant angst among families across the state with the CAS and particularly around the appeal process (or lack thereof)  The website doesn’t seem to have any information that is current that could help inform individuals/families. It was also communicated that it doesn’t appear that the MSC understands what is expected of them and can answer the detailed questions that families have. Is there a work process flow as well as a Role Clarity chart available? It was suggested that if loved ones of SWAN steering committee members were assessed, there would be first-hand knowledge that we could share and help to improve and communicate to others.
  • Kate Bishop acknowledged the concerns and shared that they have been conducting a lot of MSC education. Further, she indicated that they have a “quality review” process and not an “appeal” process and there is no time limitation on this. They did conduct a 100 person survey to see if the process was working. Almost 50% said the process had been followed. There is a written document to that provides the output. SWAN indicated that they are hearing that the output is terribly difficult to understand. OPWDD understands that there needs to be improvement and that they have created a guidance document to understand how to interpret the output. Also included is how the CAS interfaces with the person centered planning process. As it relates to SWAN participating In the assessment, Kate indicated that that may be a possibility Barb D. will submit names of willing steering team members to Kate.
  • JoAnn indicated that stakeholder advisory groups have been helping along the way. They understand how critical it is to get it all done properly. When there are problems, they are evaluating, is it the process, or the interpretation or not having the right people.
  • Jay indicated that OPWDD has informed CMS that the CAS will be used to set residential rates in July 2019. SWAN indicated the urgency to get it right.
  • Additional discussion regarding how families and individuals are informed about the feedback loop, the quality review process and how to confirm the results are a true reflection of their loved ones need and abilities. OPWDD is working on improving the website to provide increased knowledge. However, communication must occur that it exists.
  • JoAnn indicated that as they work thru improving information on the website, that families start with their MSC and then direct their concerns to Diane Woodward and Kate Bishop.

 

  1. .CCOs
  • SWAN shared that all family groups have been hosting meetings with the CCO’s in that region presenting. All family groups have been also distributing the OPWDD schedule for public session and encouraging family members to attend. We will continue to host CCO’s at our meetings.
  • Pat C. indicated that many families do not have the time to go to these public forums. OPWDD shared they would be posted a recorded forum to their website  They are also relying heavily on the MSC’s to communicate the message since they are the primary conduit of information. However, SWAN indicated that many times the MSC’s know less than we do.
  • Kate shared that lots of information was sent out to MSCs. One of the challenges is that there are 400 different organizations with different levels of competency. The move to CCOs will help empower the Care Manager and it will be easier to communicate when they have a smaller caseload
  • Internal discussions have been robust with many concerns, confusion and fear. Some families have indicated they are not receiving a standardized message
  • The written material provided by OPWDD and the brochure were well received. The “chart” was particularly helpful.
  • Kerry indicated that there are a number of protection and continuity of care provisions. She emphasized that the goal of CCO’s are not to decrease level of service.
  • OPWDD indicated that any MCO will need to have a very broad network
  • Barb D suggested we have another discussion in 4 to 6 weeks as CCO “go live” gets closer. Jay emphasized that if critical issues come up in the meantime to reach out sooner 

 

.

Dated: 4/30/2018

 

 

 

SWAN meeting with Paul Francis’ office and OPWDD – 2/18/18

Meeting held on Feb 28, 2018

Attendees

SWAN swannys.org: Brad Pivar and Pat Curran of ENYDDA , Kathy Bunce and Barb Delong DDAWNY Family Committee, Dan Maillet of GROW, Margaret Raustiala of LIANDD, Elly Rufer & Jim Karpe & Meri Krassner of NYC FAIR

New York State: Kerry Delaney, Acting Commissioner OPWDD; Shelly Weizman, Asst. Secretary for Mental Hygiene; JoAnn Lamphere, Executive Deputy Commissioner of Person-Centered Supports OPWDD; Meagan O’Conner, Deputy Commissioner of Service Delivery OPWDD; Greg Roberts, Director of Legislative Affairs OPWDD; Kevin Valenchis, Deputy Commissioner OPWDD.

February 2018 Follow-up action items

There has been progress on four of the five August 2017 follow-up areas, and many signs of hope. And, those five items from last August remain a concern for SWAN (see next page). New items, numbered starting from :

6. Barb Delong- Schedule follow-up conferences with OPWDD and with     HHS office. Meeting with OPW will need to deal with vacancies in MSCs and at DDROs.

7. Shelly Weizman- Arrange for early meeting with next State Medicaid Director, to assure that Jason Helgerson’s successor understands this unique population.

8. Jim Karpe- By March 9th send Shelly Weizman & Kerry Delaney the “SWAN requests for MAPP”.

Meeting Summary

SWAN requested this meeting to continue the process of involving families in making improvements to the services provided to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in New York State. SWAN announced that LIANND, a family advocacy group from both Nassau and Suffolk counties, has now joined SWAN. Discussion focused on six topics.

Follow-up on August 2017 Action items. See numbered list below.

  1.  Justice Center. Established with good intentions the Justice Center has created additional barriers to attracting and retaining direct service staff. SWAN is encouraged by the changes to date under the leadership of Denise Miranda. We are hopeful that the early promises of reform and transparency will result in a more effective and efficient process. We will continue to follow up.
  2. bFair2DirectCare. SWAN had advocated, two years ago, to pay the DSPs a salary that better matches the demands made upon them. We are grateful for the approval of the salary increases that bFair requested. However, across the state, the problem of recruiting and retention is getting worse. In 2005, average DSP salary was 30% higher than minimum wage. In 2018, even with the raises, it is only 2% higher. In addition the money promised for the salary increases has not yet reached the agencies. SWAN members stated that they are now a part of the bFair coalition and support the
    coalitions request for a spin up of the funding request so that the targeted living wage would be reached by 1/1/20.
  3. Managed Care timeline rollout. Shelly Weizman assured us that the timeline for transition will not be impacted by Jason Helgerson’s departure.
  4. High needs funding. SWAN brought up again that there is not yet any funding in place for those who are medically fragile, or who have difficult behaviors. We suggested that this problem needs a new type of service, to allow their needs to be met in a least restrictive setting, without endangering others.
  5.  MAPP. SWAN got an early demo of the Medicaid Analytics Perform Platform. We have a first set of requests to be put on the road map. These MAPP changes can be the beginning of the desired need for transparency. We believe that these requests are easy to implement, inexpensive, and absolutely essential to the transformation of the system. MAPP with these updates will be a “fast feedback loop” which will allow the monitoring the service delivery system, spot potential problems and take corrective action. SWAN will need assistance from HHS and OPWDD to ensure that these changes are given high priority in the MAPP road map.

 

February 2018 updates on August 2017 Follow-up action items

1. Kerry Delaney- Work to continue involving families in policy, messaging and governance. As of Feb 2018 SWAN has been invited to participate in workgroups on a number of topics, and we look forward to these starting.

2. Paul Francis and Kerry Delaney- The road-map for Managed Care roll-out to I/DD population. As of Feb 2018, not yet clear, aside from the July 1st CCO rollout.

3. Shelly Weizman- Justice Center feedback. As of Feb 2018, coordination between SWAN and the new leadership has been going well, and we hope this will continue.

4. Meagan O’Conner- Funding for high acuity individuals is still not available for individuals who are already part of the system. As of Feb 2018, there is now a workgroup on high acuity, but no meeting yet.

5. Paul Francis and SWAN- Paul Francis’s staff to provide information about possible ABLE tax credit policies. Then SWAN will come back with a response and recommendation. As of February 2018, we have not seen that information from Paul’s staff.