OPWDD is pleased to announce the opportunity for you to provide your comments and concerns about changes that will be included in the 1915 (c) Comprehensive Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Application “Amendment 01.”
A thirty-day public comment period will begin on August 1, 2016 with the publication of the draft Amendment at the following website:
http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/people_first_waiver/HCBS_waiver_services.
The period of public comment will be open from August 1, 2016 through August 31, 2016.
The Amendment will include a transition plan for Conflict-Free Case Management (CFCM) to comply with the Federal rule for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings and person-centered planning, technical changes to Community Transition Services, Environmental Modifications and Assistive Technology Waiver services to align definitions with New York State Plan 1915(k) Community First Choice Option (CFCO), the creation of Vehicle Modifications as a separate Waiver service (currently Vehicle Modifications are included within the Assistive Technology service), a technical change of Residential and Day Habilitation rates to offer increased staffing for individuals with high needs and also requests a multi-year phase-in to a new Respite fee methodology. During the comment period, OPWDD and the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) will continue to work with stakeholders regarding the implementation of the new Respite methodology.
Sign Up Now for a WebEx Session on the Overview of the Changes
On Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016, OPWDD will be hosting three WebEx sessions to provide an overview of the draft 1915 (c) Comprehensive HCBS Waiver agreement, “Amendment 01.” The WebEx sessions will provide an overview of the draft amendment and will outline the proposed changes. The WebEx sessions are open to the public and we welcome all interested parties to participate.
Please register for one of the three WebEx sessions at the following OPWDD link:
http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/people_first_waiver/HCBS_waiver_services.
To participate in the one of the WebEx Sessions, you will need to connect to the visual presentation via a computer and audio connection via telephone. Software programs on tablets are not compatible with the WebEx system. Please direct any questions or concerns regarding these WebEx sessions to the People First Waiver Unit at: peoplefirstwaiver@opwdd.ny.gov.
We look forward to and welcome your participation in the public comment period which begins on Monday, August 1, 2016.