NYSACRA

STATE BUDGET 2004 Update from OMRDD Budget Briefing

OMRDD mailed out their 2004-2005 Budget Briefing Booklet o­n 1/26/2004, agencies should be receiving them shortly. The Briefing Booklet will be available o­n the OMRDD website in the future. Commissioner Maul met with Provider Associations the morning of 1/26/2004 to review the Budget Briefing material. The following is a summary from the Budget Briefing:

Development

Full funding of NYS-CARES and funding for the first two years of NYS-CARES II will meet the needs of those currently receiving services and some projected to need a residential service in the coming year. A $29.7 million increase for NYS-CARES II will support 350 new out-of home residential opportunities and 70 new day services. Other development will be available through NYS-CARES II and NYS-OPTS. Though precise numbers are not given; Commissioner Maul is authorized to use up to $80 million for new demonstration projects and reconfiguring and restructuring existing large older community homes.140 new residential opportunities will be available for individuals that are aging-out of state-funded educational programs. In addition, funding is included to support 96 voluntary-operated community residential opportunities for children with intensive needs. 890 new day services opportunities will also be funded for individuals that are aging-out of the education system. 750 new supported employment opportunities will also be available for this population.

Trends

A 3.2% trend factor has been included in the Governor’s budget for: ICFs, HCBS waiver programs, Medicaid Service Coordination, Supported Employment, and Family Care. It is uncertain if Article 16 clinics will be receiving a trend. In addition, a 3.12% retroactive trend (recognizing prior year’s increased cost) will be applied to ICFs and HCBS waiver programs.

Efficiencies

OMRDD will pursue several alternatives to realize $31.5 million in efficiencies in the local assistance budgets. Some of the options being explored are: re-basing ICF programs, utilizing HCBS waiver services in place of current state-funded services, assure federal participation where applicable. OMRDD was given the flexibility to find efficiencies and make adjustments rather than being given specific appropriation cuts in the budget.

NYSACRA’s Legislative/Workforce Committee will be meeting January 28, 2004 to formalize our agenda for Legislative Day, February 3, 2004. If you are unable to attend Legislative Day, we will be mailing out an agenda so that you can contact your legislators when your schedule permits.