DOH Takes First Step in Young Adult Demonstration Process
The Department of Health (DOH) has taken the first step in implementing a demonstration program that may help guide how medically fragile young adults will be served in the future. Provisions included in this year's enacted State Budget authorize the Commissioner to approve two residential health care units for medically fragile children in transition to young adults and young adults with medical fragility on a demonstration basis. Selected pediatric providers will be able to continue serving residents after they reach age 21 as they develop units to serve medically fragile young adults.
A Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) available here outlines the process that eligible applicants must follow in submitting proposals. While the demonstration is limited to two participants, DOH will be required to prepare a report on the outcome after two years which will include recommendations regarding potential expansion of the program.
To be eligible, the applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- have over 160 licensed pediatric nursing home beds; or
- be currently licensed for pediatric nursing home beds and be co-operated by a system of hospitals, with such hospitals qualifying for funds pursuant to a vital access provider assurance program or a value-based payment incentive program, as administered by the Department in accordance with all requirements set forth in the State’s federal 1115 Medicaid waiver standard terms and conditions.
Once the legislative authorization takes effect on Aug. 17, 2021 and a certificate of need (CON) submission has been received by the Department, selected skilled nursing facilities will be able to continue to care for eligible children with medical fragility who have reached the age of 21 and who have resided for at least 30 consecutive days at the facility until such time that the young adult turns 35 or the young adult facility becomes operational, whichever is sooner.
Contact: Darius Kirstein, dkirstein@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8841