New York State is hosting two web-based information sessions to discuss changes taking place within the Children’s Medicaid System.

Children, youth, families and caregivers enrolled in Medicaid’s 1915c Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs are invited to join an hour-long discussion on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. or Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

A panel from the Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services, and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities will discuss the Children’s Medicaid Transition, how services are changing, what new services may be available and what that means for individuals receiving services. 

During each session, the State will host an open discussion to answer any questions families may have about their current services. Each webinar will be recorded and available online afterwards.

Individuals enrolled in the following Medicaid HCBS Waiver programs are invited to the informational sessions:

        NYS Agency                              HCBS Waiver

Department of Health                    Care at Home I/II (CAH I/II)

Office of Mental Health                  Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED)

Office of Children and                    Bridges to Health (B2H)
Family Services    

Office for People with                     Care at Home (CAH)
Developmental Disabilities  
    
Providers are encouraged to distribute this invitation to individuals and families served under the 1915c waiver program. Individuals are encouraged to check with current behavioral health service providers and/or care managers for open locations to join this webinar if unable to access at home.

The Webinar dates and registration links can be found below:

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Register for the Meeting/ Join Meeting 

Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Register for the Meeting/ Join Meeting 

“Informational sessions, with open time for discussion and questions, are so important for families and caregivers involved in Medicaid waiver services,” said Office of Mental Health Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan. “It provides the opportunity for anyone to ask questions about changes they may not understand and learn about new services they may now qualify for. OMH is proud to be a part of this discussion.”

“This Medicaid benefit incorporates the complex behavioral health needs of children and is an important addition to the continuum of care,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Eligible families should take advantage of these informational sessions to ensure their child is receiving the appropriate services they may qualify for.”

“The Children’s Consolidated Medicaid Waiver provides eligible medically frail children with developmental disabilities and their family members access to the specialized children’s health home program for those who need more intensive services,” said Theodore A. Kastner, Acting Commissioner of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. “The expanded array of home and community based services, such as respite, assistive technology, family supports and service planning across multiple systems, will help children receive the supports they need to remain at home with their families.”

“The Office of Children and Family Services is pleased to be part of this multi-state agency partnership in launching new benefits for children in foster care as well as for families outside of the foster care system who will now be eligible for care,” said acting OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole. “These expanded services will promote the overall health and well-being of children and families with easily-accessible services provided right in their communities.”

Transforming Medicaid in New York State

In collaboration with the Medicaid Redesign Children’s Subcommittee, the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Department of Health (DOH) worked to identify new health and behavioral health services to benefit New York State’s children from birth to 21 years of age. Three services launched in January 2019 and additional services are being developed for roll out as part the new Children’s Medicaid System.

The goal of the Children’s Medicaid Redesign initiative is to ensure children/youth and their families/caregivers receive the right services at the right time, in the right amount, and in the right place.