The battle rages on about the 2023-2024 New York State budget.  Families of the developmentally disabled petitioned Governor Hochul to increase wages for worker due to the staffing crisis and increase COLA allowances.  Here is what is on the table for the OPWDD.

Assembly One House Budget Highlights for OPWDD

• 5% COLA* – $290.6 million to increase the 2.5% COLA to 8.5%.
• OPWDD Managed Care – extends the legal authority for OPWDD to implement managed care plans through 2028 by extending the authorization through 2025.
• Rejects increased flexibility in delegating nursing tasks by restoring $700,000 and denying the ability of nursing tasks to be performed by non-clinical staff certified by OPWDD in non-certified community-based settings.
• Medicaid Buy-in – modify the Executive proposal to expand the Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working People with Disabilities by providing limitations on monthly premium payments to ensure parity with the Affordable Care Act.
• Member Items – $540,000 for certain legislative priorities.
• NO funding or mention of the $4,000 Direct Support Wage Enhancement

Senate One House  Budget Hightlights for OPWDD

• 5% COLA* – $290.6 million to increase the 2.5% COLA to 8.5%.
• OPWDD Managed Care – extends the legal authority for OPWDD to implement managed care plans through 2028 by extending the authorization through 2025.
• Rejects increased flexibility in delegating nursing tasks by restoring $700,000 and denying the ability of nursing tasks to be performed by non-clinical staff certified by OPWDD in non-certified community-based settings.
• Medicaid Buy-in – modify the Executive proposal to expand the Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working People with Disabilities by providing limitations on monthly premium payments to ensure parity with the Affordable Care Act.
• Member Items – $540,000 for certain legislative priorities.
• NO funding or mention of the $4,000 Direct Support Wage Enhancement