DSRIP Weekly Update-Dec. 9, 2014

This week, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that capital dollars can be used for health information technology, provided a variety of webinar resources and applications for a Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) or an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).

Capital Restructuring Financing Program (CRFP)

We are very pleased to report that DOH updated the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Question and Answer document, which can be viewed here, to clarify that CRFP funds can be used for Information Technology (IT) investment. We raised this question at the applicant conference, as our members need financial support to acheive DSRIP objectives. Specifically, the response to the question asking how the State can offer support for needed IT investments now says:  

"Network formation and IT investments can come out of the DSRIP Performance Payments. As well, the capital cost portion of IT investment needed to achieve DSRIP principled goals is an eligible cost within the scope of a Capital Restructuring Financing Program project, which can also be used for bricks and mortar. The State expects PPS to use some portion of capital funds and performance payments to further develop HIT capabilities, especially in the early stages of implementation as networks develop interoperability amongst their partners."

The CRFP Request for Applications (RFA) due date has been extended to Feb. 20, 2015 by 3 p.m. We are pleased, as we had advocated for this extension. Applications should be submitted through the PPS. Members that are not engaged in a PPS can also submit an application through “Process B,” but must also demonstrate how the project will meet the objectives of DSRIP. We anticipate the question and answer document regarding this funding opportunity to be available shortly. Click here for the webcast of the CRFP applicant conference, and here for the RFA and related materials. 

The New York State Health Foundation is hosting a webinar on Thurs., Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., entitled New York’s DSRIP Program: A Model for Reforming the Medicaid Delivery System. New York State Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson will provide an overview of the State's DSRIP model. Greg Allen, director of DOH's Division of Program Development and Management, and Peggy Chan, DSRIP director, will discuss details on the plan's financing structure, project domains, measurement approach and evaluation criteria. This program has been developed to provide other states with information to consider in their own reform efforts. It may also be informative for those hoping to learn more about DSRIP. Click here for more information, and to register. 

More Resources to Help You with Aspects of DSRIP 

DOH posted several webinars to provide more in-depth analysis of various DSRIP issues. All of the below can be accessed here.

• Value Based Payments, presented by Jason Helgerson and KPMG’s Marc Berg. The webinar will walk you through the guiding principles and early concepts underlying sustainable transformation.

• Rapid Cycle Evaluation: Performance Management in DSRIP. This webinar will cover the foundations of developing the culture, processes, tools and accountability to help you take control of the outcomes of your care.

• Behavioral Health Webinar, presented by the National Council. This webinar is an overview of the relationship between behavioral health, co-morbid physical health conditions and hospitalizations. The program will also provide deeper detail to help inform PPS project applications for Domain 3.a.i, Integration of Primary Care and Behavioral Health Services.

• Population Health Management Part II. This webinar will help PPS to ensure that they have functional population health management tools in place to help identify, monitor and report on patient populations.

DSRIP Timeline

DOH updated the DSRIP Timeline, which can be viewed here.  

Certificate of Public Advantage and Accountable Care Organizations

The Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) application is available and can be accessed here. The Accountable Care Organization (ACO) application is available and can be accessed here. Both sites provide additional information and background. DOH also developed a Frequently Asked Questions document for each; click here for the ACO document, and here for the COPA document. 

As always, members are encouraged to let us know how we can help you to be successful in this initiative. General DSRIP questions for DOH can be directed to dsrip@health.ny.gov. 

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