LeadingAge NY Participates in Final ACF Respite Workgroup Meeting
(July 30, 2024) On July 17th, LeadingAge NY participated in the final workgroup meeting designed to inform the development of a respite program established in the 2023-24 final budget. $7.2 million was appropriated for services and expenses related to providing relief to high-need family caregivers in respite care at adult care facilities (ACFs). LeadingAge NY’s Diane Darbyshire, as well as LeadingAge NY member John Schuster, Senior Administrator, Wartburg, serve on the workgroup convened by the Department of Health (DOH). Click here for background on this effort and the scope and charge of the workgroup.
Application for Individual Seeking Respite
During this workgroup discussion, the Department reported that they are looking to consolidate the financial and respite application for ease of completion. There was discussion that the Department would be flexible about whether the respite recipient and the caregiver must live together for the purposes of this program.
There was a lot of discussion regarding how to set income levels for financial eligibility for the purposes of this program. DOH is looking to use county and regional census data for individuals. There is ongoing debate about whether it should be household or individual income that is considered for the purposes of financial eligibility.
Voucher Reimbursement
As previously reported, DOH plans to issue a cost of respite care survey to collect average rate information from current ACF and assisted living (AL) providers that offer respite. This data will inform the establishment of an average regional rate for different licensure types. The Department will likely have the individual receiving respite contribute to their payment for the respite stay, based on their financial status and ability. The individual application process will determine whether or not the applicant is eligible financially and then determine the percentage of the voucher based on income.
Termination of Agreement and Voucher Program
As previously reported, LeadingAge NY and other stakeholders have raised concerns about how to guard against a situation where an individual is unable to leave the ACF/AL unexpectedly, but the voucher payment concludes. There is concern that the provider would be held financially responsible in that circumstance, given that the individual is unlikely to be able to afford an ongoing stay. DOH will ask the Department’s Division of Legal Affairs to review the Model Respite Addendum. We have urged DOH to provide clear guidance on this issue.
Conclusion
This workgroup was a positive exchange of ideas in developing this new respite program; however, some fundamental issues remain unsettled at the conclusion of this workgroup. The Department indicated that they would communicate what they ultimately decide on these issues and would also develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). In addition, LeadingAge NY is going to work with other stakeholders to develop some text for a public-facing website to explain the purpose of the program. We will keep members apprised of developments.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828