Below please find the latest information related to Covid-19 since our update last night:
This Update Includes:
  • Appendix K Waiver Analysis
  • MC COP Telehealth Webinar
  • COVID-19 Data
  • Self-Directed Services
  • CCOs Letter on Care Manager’s Role
Appendix K Waiver Analysis:

  • The NY Alliance is pleased to provide you with our analysis of the approved Appendix K to OPWDD's 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services Waiver released today. Please note that we continue to work with the State to refine some of the provisions in the waiver mostly related to billing provisions and will be updating this analysis as necessary. 
MCCOP Telehealth Webinar:

  • Today the Managed Care Community of Practice (MCCOP), a project of the New York Alliance, facilitated a telehealth webinar in conjunction with staff from OPWDD. If you were unable to attend that webinar today, a copy of the slides and recording will be available on the MCCOP website in a few days. A link to the MCCOP website can be found here.

Covid-19 Data - Syracuse University Study and OPWDD Reporting:

  • The Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion at Syracuse University has released a study related to the impacts of Covid-19 on individuals with I/DD which can be found here.

  • Additionally, OPWDD released updated infection and fatality counts for individuals with I/DD during our call this evening and the results are:
  • 1,562 positive infections to date, this is different than the standard that was reported last week which was 1,898 presumed positive cases
  • 213 fatalities 

Self-Directed Services:

  • Today, OPWDD advised that for staff who support people through Self-Direction, staff may be paid through the retainer day mechanism, however the individual must not exceed their PRA. Formal guidance on this will be forthcoming from OPWDD.
  
  • OPWDD also advised that PPEs for staff who support people in Self-Direction may be paid for through the OTPS portion of the Self-Direction budget.

CCOs Letter on Care Manager’s Role:

  • Today, the CCOs sent a letter to residential providers outlining the CCO Care Manager’s role in outreaching to individuals in the residential setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.