Letter from ENYDDA, NYC Fair, DDAWNY,LIANDD, SWAN, GROW, SOYAN, NYADD and New York Self Determination Coalition
Dear Governor Hochul,
We are independent consumer and family advocates across NYS, and we want you to know: We remain opposed to Managed Care Support Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Managed Care for I/DD services will not save money, will not provide better care and will not address issues of equity and access to services.
The OPWDD service system faces many challenges. Growing demand, problems with supply and quality, and an on-going work-force shortage have amplified those challenges. Following more than a decade of system transformation and exploration, we are hearing a repeated message from some, that Managed Care for I/DD is the solution. This narrative creates the impression that a transition to Managed Care for I/DD services is inevitable.
Managed Care promises to improve access by leveraging its provider networks. It promises to improve quality by instituting value-based payments and risk sharing. It promises to bring more innovation, and many, many more promises. These promises sound too good to be true for a very simple reason – they are too good to be true.
We reject the unproven aspirations of managed care for I/DD support services. Instead, we want to focus on making improvements that have a direct and positive impact on people’s lives, starting now. As the exploration of Managed Care for I/DD services continues, we will continue to challenge it. Managed Care for I/DD services is not here, is not inevitable, and is not a good idea. This is the first of a series, ‘Debunking the Myths of Managed Care’. Please reach out to any one of us to discuss this issue.
Thank you,
Respectfully submitted on behalf of;
Families and Self-Advocates Representing People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities across New York State
CC: Dr. Mary Bassett, Department of Health
Kerri Neifeld, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
Jihoon Kim, Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene
Kim Hill, Chief Disability Officer
Robert Mujica, Division of Budget
Senate and Assembly Disability Committee Chairs
Senate Majority Leader
Assembly Speaker
Senate and Assembly Legislators
ENYDDA 