DSRIP Weekly Update-Dec. 22, 2014
One would think that perhaps, with the application due for the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program this week, and the holidays, there would be nothing to report... Alas, DSRIP never sleeps! There is some good news, however, for members who are awaiting disposition on their Vital Access Provider (VAP) designations.
Deadlines Kept, Deadlines Changed
Despite our collective desire for more time, the deadline for the DSRIP organizational application held firm (Dec. 22), but the State has pushed back their deadline to post the applications for public comment until Jan. 13, 2015. The Department of Health (DOH) will accept comments on the applications until Feb. 12, rather than Jan. 26. Perhaps this will give a brief reprieve from the works that come with this complex project.
DOH Provides Recommendations to CMS on Vital Access Provider Exceptions
DOH made public their recommendations to DOH regarding the VAP exception appeal process. The VAP process is essentially another avenue for a provider to be a Safety Net Provider for the purposes of DSRIP. The public comment period on the applications closed two weeks ago, and these comments were considered in the recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
DOH recommended 503 providers to CMS for this designation. We are delighted to report that some LeadingAge New York members are on the recommended list. It is important to note that the approval of these exception appeals is contingent upon obtaining final approval from CMS. Click here to view the VAP Exception for CMS Review file, which includes a summary list of providers.
Regulatory Waivers and Other Reforms
LeadingAge New York developed concepts for regulatory waivers that could support DSRIP objectives, based on input from members. The document provides specific concepts, their relation to DSRIP objectives and regulatory or statutory reference. We created this resource to be used by members engaged in DSRIP Performing Provider Systems (PPS) for inclusion in their applications. If approved by DOH, the waiver would be specific to the project and limited to the life of the project. Click here to view the document.
In addition, LeadingAge NY submitted recommendations to DOH for consideration. This document includes the concepts provided to members, as well as broader policy reforms that could be taken to make the system operate more efficiently. Click here to view the document.
New York Highlights DSRIP Program as a Model for Other States
As we reported last week, DOH presented a webinar sponsored by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), entitled “New York’s DSRIP Program: A Model for Reforming the Medicaid Delivery System.” It provides an overview of the MRT waiver process, working with CMS and an overview and deeper dive into NYS DSRIP. Click here to view the webinar.
We encourage members to let us know how your DSRIP PPS is doing, and how we can support your participation.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828