Helgerson Urges Providers to Develop Collaborations to Participate in Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program

While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have yet to sign off on New York’s amended waiver proposal, the state is urging providers to begin identifying possible partners for projects under the waiver’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program.  During a briefing last week, New York State Medicaid Director, Jason Helgerson, reported that the state is close to finalizing details for the DSRIP plan, a key component of the waiver amendment.  Details, such as the definition of safety net providers eligible to participate, are still under debate. 

LeadingAge NY asked whether the DSRIP’s features might change as negotiations with CMS progress.  Helgerson reported that the general concepts are expected to remain intact; targeting avoidable hospitalization will definitely be the focus, and collaborations are strongly encouraged. Thus, the DSRIP proposal is a good platform for providers to use to begin collaboration discussions.  It should be noted that LeadingAge NY and other stakeholders provided feedback to DOH on the draft DSRIP plan, and DOH has just posted a revised plan, amended based on public input received. Click here to view the updated version, sent to CMS on Jan. 30, 2014. LeadingAge NY is analyzing the new document and will inform members of any key changes.

LeadingAge NY also inquired about whether other providers, such as Assisted Living Programs (ALPs) would be eligible to participate, and Helgerson indicated that any Medicaid provider that could contribute to DSRIP’s goal of reducing hospitalizations has the potential to participate.  LeadingAge NY is working with other associations to develop opportunities for our members to learn more about the DSRIP and network with other providers in anticipation of CMS approval.   More details will be forthcoming.

DOH has also posted an updated summary of those aspects of the initial waiver that DOH plans to pursue through a state plan amendment or managed care contracting; including  retraining, recruitment and retention of the workforce and health home development.  Click here to view. 

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828