IMPORTANT UPDATES:

• Click here for the most current information on the vaccine distribution and for information on scheduling your vaccine.
• Click here for the most current New York State vaccine distribution information.
• OPWDD released COVID vaccine information including plain language materials, a screening check list, a vaccine consent form, and Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine Fact sheet.  Click here to visit the OPWDD website to access this material.
• On 12.15.20, the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for individuals with I/DD in certified residences was announced (see button above to access the information).  The Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) are advocating that all individuals with I/DD be included in the prioritized distribution plan.  Click here to access the CCO letter.

To help you monitor the evolving situation, please visit the New York Forward website on the State’s cluster action initiative for the most up-to-date information on the currently designated zones.
Step 1:  Scroll to the Map of Cluster Zones.
Step 2:  Arrow to your general location.
Step 3:  Click on the Hi-Res version.
Step 4:  Zoom into a detailed map view to identify the specific locations affected. 

You may also enter a specific street address.

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1915(c) Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)  Waiver Amendment approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 10/1/20.

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OPWDD will waive the 20% withhold impacting the Individual Supports and Services (ISS) housing subsidy for the remainder of 2020: 10/1/20 - 12/31/20.

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Appendix K - Emergency Preparedness & Response Amendment Waiver Approved Extension: March 6, 2021: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved New York's request to amend the waiver with Emergency Preparedness and Response Appendix K in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: approved Appendix K waiver and FAQs.

OPWDD Guidance Documents:

1)  Day Services Guidance

2)  Home visit Guidance

3)  Return to Residence Following Extended Stay Guidance

4)  Community Outings Guidance

The COVID-19 public health crisis is rapidly changing.  This information represents the most up to date information we had at the time of publishing.  We will update as new information becomes available.

Care Coordination Organizations/Health Homes (CCOs/HHs) are committed to the delivery of high-quality comprehensive care coordination. During this time of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we are working in collaboration with OPWDD providers, medical providers, mental health providers and community resources, to ensure all members receive needed supports, services and resources necessary to maintain health and well-being. Care managers are the first frontline contact. They have iPhones and are reachable and highly responsive. CMs will also reach out to supervisors and healthcare management team for assistance.

Risk level assessment and the support/service needed will be an essential component of comprehensive care coordination during this time. Your Care Manager will initiate contact with you and family members, including those in Basic level service, for the purposes of screening for risk factors and coordinating supports and services. We have created protocols and tools for our Care Managers to follow during this rapidly changing COVID-19 health crisis to ensure you are receiving the care and support you need.  We are also identifying those in the community who are the most vulnerable because they live alone and do not have natural supports, their care givers are elderly, they are homeless, there is a temporary disruption in supports, such as home aides, medical needs, such as oxygen, food deliveries, etc. 

Care Design NY has developed a strong framework for escalating our involvement to support individuals and families during this COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis.

Current Providers, please visit our Already A Provider page.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.