Dear Friends and Colleagues:
As we work to accomplish the goals in our Road to Reform and transformation agreement with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), I would like to update you on our progress.
We have convened steering committees for two of the three recently announced transformation teams. These steering committees have helped us determine how to organize subcommittees to guide our reform process. The subcommittees will help us create a redesigned service system that is a shared partnership with individuals, families, providers, and the community.
The Provider Efficiency and Innovation team will create, recommend, develop, track, and implement wide-ranging strategies designed to improve our system for people with developmental disabilities. Subcommittees include:
- · Regulatory Reform
- · Rate Rationalization and Reform
- · Provider Collaborations and Innovations
The team tasked with implementing the transformation agreement will develop strategies, engage stakeholders, and track progress in achieving the quarterly benchmarks outlined in the agreement with CMS. Subcommittees include:
- · Direct Support Professionals
- · Community-based Services and Supports
- · Individuals and Families
- · Employment
The third transformation team, which will guide our transition to managed care, will convene in the coming weeks. The subcommittees for each of the three transformation teams will be responsible for making recommendations that will help us make the necessary changes identified in our Road to Reform report, and will help us transition to a specialized managed care system; spread innovation; improve efficiency; and most importantly, expand opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in the areas of employment, integrated living, and self-direction of services.
Stakeholder engagement will be essential for us to be successful in our efforts. We appreciate the involvement of our stakeholders to date and look forward to continuing to work with you.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke
P.S. Communication is critical to our collective success, and OPWDD’s Facebook page is a great place for individuals, family members, employees, advocates, and other stakeholders to exchange thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to join the conversation.