Dear Friends and Colleagues:
This communication is to provide updates on the on-going discussions with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the renewal of OPWDD’s Comprehensive Waiver. As was described in previous communications, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) are working with CMS on a series of reform initiatives that will culminate in the implementation of the People First 1915 (b)/(c) concurrent Comprehensive Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. The concurrent 1915 (b)/(c) HCBS Waiver is expected to be submitted in 2015, with a revised start date of October 1, 2015.
A major step in this process was the submission of a waiver renewal application for the OPWDD 1915(c) Comprehensive HCBS Medicaid Waiver for People with Developmental Disabilities on July 1, 2014, with a desired start date of October 1, 2014. A copy of the application was posted on the OPWDD website on August 1, 2014 for public comment for a 30-day period, and the response to these comments is available on the OPWDD website.*
Based on subsequent discussions with CMS, New York State has received an extension of the current waiver for a 90-day period. As a result, New York State is seeking to implement the waiver renewal on January 1, 2015, following the 90-day extension.
CMS and New York State are working jointly to ensure that needed changes in the current HCBS waiver agreement are in place to maintain funding for self-directed services with the implementation of the new methodology for these services effective October 1, 2014. This will be accomplished by modifying the current submitted amendment to make the changes necessary to ensure that individuals can continue receiving services which were previously provided under Consolidated Supports and Services. These changes will be consistent with changes made in the waiver renewal application that is posted on the OPWDD website.
The extension will allow New York State to work with stakeholders and CMS on the reform of the remaining services: Prevocational Services, Respite, Individual Day Habilitation and Family Care Residential Habilitation. In addition, there will also be changes to Supported Employment fees. Additional information will be forthcoming as work proceeds on these initiatives. CMS expects that New York State will initiate reforms to these services beginning January 2015.
As we work towards the renewal of the OPWDD HCBS Comprehensive waiver program,
New York State will continue to notify stakeholders regarding any proposed changes to the waiver.
Sincerely,
Kerry A. Delaney
Acting Commissioner
*Note: If you were unable to access the link above, please copy and paste this web address into your browser: http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/people_first_waiver/news/ResponseToPublicCommenOnTheOPWDDComprehensiveWaiver