BE HEARD!
Submit your questions or comments about the OPWDD 1115 “People First Waiver” to people.first@opwdd.ny.gov, call 1-866-946-9733 or TTY: 1-866-933-4889.
For more information about the waiver, click here.
Families Pack the House for 1115 Waiver Meeting with OPWDD
January 23, 2011—The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Courtney Burke and Deputy Commissioner Jim Moran met with nearly 250 SKIP consumers and parents/guardians of children with developmental disabilities on January 18th at SKIP's offices to answer their questions and discuss their concerns about the 1115 'People First' Waiver which looks to significantly shift the way they receive support and care through Medicaid. It was a first step by SKIP and the families it serves to raise awareness among OPWDD policy makers of the extreme complexities and unintended consequences of some of the changes currently being considered. 
New York Times Reports on Impact, Status of New Definition of Autism
January 23, 2012—A New York Times article entitled "New autism definition may exclude many, study suggests," that appeared on Thursday, 1/19/12, reports, "Proposed changes in the defnition of autism would sharply reduce the skyrocketing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed and may make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, a new analysis suggests." For the full article, click here.
A Step Backwards: Disturbing Changes To The NY State Medicaid Waiver in the Works
This important article published December 26, 2011 by the Jewish Press speaks to the 1115 Waiver and its"fundamental and far-reaching changes" ...changes which will "have a profound effect on every individual in New York State who receives services under the current system for caring for individuals
with developmental disabilities." For the full article, click here.
SKIP Submits RFI for 1115 Waiver
December 26, 2011--SKIP of New York has submitted its answers to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in response to the OPWDD request for information re. the 1115 "People First" Waiver. All stakeholders, including parents, are invited to fill out the RFI which you can get to by clicking here. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 5 p.m. this Friday, December 30, 2011. To read SKIP's answers, click here.
Our Children and the 1115 Waiver: Why We Are Concerned
November 16, 2011—As the State of New York seeks greater spending efficiencies, it is reshaping the way Medicaid-funded healthcare services are delivered. Specifically, through the 1115 Waiver, also known as the People First Waiver, New York is planning to move all consumers served through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), including children who are medically fragile as well as developmentally disabled, into a managed care model for the Medicaid healthcare services they receive. The current proposal includes moving Medicaid Service Coordination into the managed care benefit package. Here’s why we are concerned….
Gov. Cuomo Takes Big Step to Support the Disabled
Nov. 9, 2011—In a strong show of support for the disabled populations of New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law on November 1, 2011 that will require health insurance providers to offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. This sensitivity to the special needs of people with disabilities bodes well...
Heart of the Home ...for Valentine's Day
SKIP has the perfect gift for any occasion but especially for Valentine's Day: It's the SKIP Home Collection of luxe pendants, earrings and charms by Carelle. Best of all, when you purchase one of these gorgeous pieces, all profits go to SKIP of New York and the hard work we are doing to support special needs kids and their families. Click here to read what SKIP Board Member Deirdre Imus is saying about the Collection.
Drive to Fund External Email Underway
In our second annual Julia Appeal currently underway, we are seeking to fund an external email system for the 150 case managers and supervisors at SKIP who facilitate the way forward for more than 3,000 sick and disabled children each year. The Appeal is a celebration of the anniversary of Julia's birthday, the young girl who inspired the launch of SKIP nearly 30 years ago....
Meredith Vieira Hosts SKIP Friendraiser
May 19, 2011—SKIP celebrated its 2011 Ruby Slipper Honorees Larry Inserra, Jr. and Mick Ebeling before a packed house of supporters this past May 19th at its annual Friendraiser event. The award presentation was emceed by former Today Show host Meredith Vieira in SKIP's new location overlooking the Hudson River...
Phoebe Snow on SKIP's 25th Anniversary
SKIP mom Phoebe Snow tells of her beloved daughter
and how SKIP helped
Kids Helping Kids: SKIP Kids Donate Their Artwork to Fundraiser
July 11, 2011—Nearly 60 SKIP kids donated drawings for a special art exhibit at SKIP's recent Friendraiser. All art was offered for sale; 100% of the funds raised went directly to getting kids off SKIP’s waiting list.