Yesterday, Executive Directors from our five downstate Chapters shared their experiences, challenges and best practices managing the COVID-19 Crisis in a virtual presentation. More than 400 attendees learned strategies to strengthen the response to this pandemic throughout the state. Resources from the Chapters and webinar materials can be found below: 

• Recorded presentation
• Presentation slides 
• Nassau COVID-19 Resource Materials 
• Rockland COVID-19 Crosswalk 

The COVID-19 Telehealth Program will provide $200 million in Medicare funding as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to help health care providers connect care services to patients at their homes or mobile locations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide immediate support to eligible health care providers by fully funding telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care until the program's funds have been expended or the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.

Health care providers seeking to participate in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program must obtain an eligibility determination from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) for each site they include in their application. Health care provider sites that USAC has already deemed eligible to participate in the Commission's existing Rural Health Care (RHC) Programs may rely on that eligibility determination for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

In advance of filing an application, parties should:

A helpful FAQ has been provided to assist with questions you may have regarding the program and application process. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has created a factsheet on the expansion of telehealth services during the declared COVID-19 national emergency.

It is not clear whether our Article 16 and 28 clinics would be eligible, but we believe those who provide  services to Medicare beneficiaries may very well be. You do not have to wait for an eligibility determination to submit an application.  It is only $200 million and the funding is first come first serve.

SSI Recipients to Automatically Receive COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

There has been ongoing concern regarding how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments without taking arduous additional steps. The Arc US and The Arc New York, along with a national coalition, have diligently lobbied the Treasury Department, Social Security Administration, and congressional leaders to find a solution to this oversight. As a result, the Social Security Administration announced today that SSI recipients with no qualifying children will automatically receive their Economic Impact Payments in the same manner as they normally receive their SSI payments. Payments will be issued by early May. Individuals with children should use the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" portal on the IRS website. More information can be found here.

A Congressional letter circulated by The Arc US and Arc NY addressing this matter can be found  here. Additional advocacy le tters circulated to congressional leaders by The Arc US, joined by The Arc NY and a coalition of disability providers can be found here and here.  

OPWDD Releases Poster and Plain Language Guidance

OPWDD developed a poster on best practices and procedures for COVID-19, and a flyer with plain language guidance for individuals and providers. Please share these tools at your discretion.