BIP Update and Webinar

Last week the State received an award letter from CMS to participate in the Federal Balancing Incentive Program (BIP). As previously reported, this will provide states additional federal funding to implement structural changes that are believed to best facilitate rebalancing the percentage of individuals in need of long term supports and services in home and community-based settings as opposed to institutional settings. In the revised application, New York can receive enhanced federal monies which equal two percent of FMAP or approximately $600 million for the period of 2013 – 2015 if the State makes the structural changes required. As stated in the application, “With the continued support and input of our vast network of stakeholders and state and local agencies, New York will implement the required structural changes under BIP, including creating a No Wrong Door/Single Entry Point system, a statewide core standardized assessment and a conflict-free case management system.” LeadingAge NY continues to have questions about how conflict-free case management can be achieved in a managed care environment. On page 28 of the BIP Implementation manual, the characteristics of conflict-free case management to be noted are:

• Separation of case management from direct service provision;
• Separation of eligibility determination from direct service provision; and
• Case managers not establishing funding levels for the individual.

DOH will be hosting a 90-minute webinar this Thursday, March 28 at 1:30 p.m. to review the BIP and to address questions.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871