Empowering Exceptional People
Over 40 years ago, a few dedicated families sat down at a kitchen table with a deep and pressing need to find reliable, quality support for their children with developmental disabilities. Today Exceptional Family Resources still has a strong family focus – it’s in our name, it’s who we are, and it’s what we do. We partner with individuals with disabilities and their families to guide them through the difficult world of disability services. We’re here to help understand the changes that are always coming – from new rules and regulations to bigger, system-wide changes. We are in it with you.
Stay Informed: A Letter Regarding Potential Changes in the OPWDD Service System
EFR greatly values the people we serve and their families. It is imperative to consistently advocate for the finest quality of services possible for those supported within our community. It is essential to stay informed and be sure our voices are heard. We invite you to read the letter below regarding Managed Care system and your services. Keep track of the process through OPWDD at Managed Care Assessment | Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (ny.gov).
EFR participants and families please take a moment to read the following from OPWDD regarding upcoming discussions on Managed Care Services. Should you wish to participate in one of several online Town Hall Meetings or to learn more about the Managed Care Assessment please click the link provided at the end of the statement below.
Using funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act, OPWDD has contracted with Guidehouse, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive review of the use of managed care payment systems and how managed care might support the agency in achieving its strategic priorities. The study, which began in 2022, will evaluate if managed care or a different payment model can help OPWDD services better meet people’s needs.
To inform its study and understand the needs and challenges facing New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families, Guidehouse is holding virtual Town Hall-style discussions and inviting everyone with an interest in OPWDD supports and services to provide input. In the weeks ahead, Guidehouse will also conduct an online feedback survey. Both the Town Hall discussions and the survey will help OPWDD understand the service access and service coordination challenges facing people today as well as what they like about the services they receive to help determine how a managed care system would support access and quality of services.
No decisions have been made to make any changes to how OPWDD services are currently paid. This study is meant to help inform the decision-making process, but no final decisions will be made without further discussion and planning with the people who get services, their families, and service providers.
For more information visit:
https://opwdd.ny.gov/strategic-planning/managed-care-assessment
EFR SHOWCASE
We’re launching our EFR Showcase with photos and stories from the great talents in our organization. If you have a photo and a story about someone’s talent, please send it to Melissa Elsbree at melsbree@contactefr.org. Learn more about our talented people here.
