• The waiver will be submitted imminently, if it hasn’t happened already. OPWDD is expecting a very quick reaction/approval from CMS. Monday’s MC COP webinar will include a briefing from OPWDD on the parameters of what is included in the submission and what it will afford providers, when approved.

• As a follow up to our update this morning, the effective date for the revised rates for Supervised IRAs is linked to the date of the closure of the day programs, however OPWDD is including language that would allow them to consider actions that go back to the date of the declaration of emergency by the Governor (3/7).

• 1135 Update - The 1135 governs other areas and OPWDD has reviewed components of it that will be submitted. The 1135 will likely cover the following when approved:
• Extend Medicaid eligibility through this crisis
• Allow for off-site Article 16 services
• Health Home visits do not require a face to face
• Extends retainer days beyond what is in the Appendix K 

• OPWDD is developing a process by which to collect information on the need for PPE in provider organizations and helping to direct a process more centrally to provide those supplies. In the meantime, providers should send information relating to the need for PPE through the IMU process and the quality@opwdd.ny.gov mailbox.  

• Provider associations continue to press for relief for providers associated with the 7/1/19 rate rebasing recoupments. OPWDD expressed that the rate load for the enhanced residential rates associated with the K waiver/1135 application is the first priority – and that they expect to get those rates out this coming week.

• OPWDD is looking to issue guidance shortly limiting or preventing family members from taking their loved ones with disabilities in residential supports home and returning them to the residence.

• Providers can expect to see a request for information regarding site availability including day habilitation programs coming from OPWDD shortly. The survey will help OPWDD assess the availability and appropriateness of such space for potential emergency placement use.  

• Another Executive Order is in the works to provide flexibility related to utilizing fingerprinting from other providers, including programs overseen by other state agencies (e.g. OMH). OPWDD is working on making sure that fingerprinting sites remain available in all areas of the state.