NYSACRA

HHS SECRETARY DECLARES WAR o­n MEDICAID!

Michael O. Leavitt was sworn in as the 20th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) o­n January 26, 2005.  During his confirmation hearing he declared to a U.S. Senate Committee that ''Medicaid is flawed and inefficient,''but said he knew of no plans to replace it with a lump-sum payment or block grant, to control costs.(See 1-20-05 NYT Article; “Health Nominee Tells Panel He Knows of No Plans to Curb Medicaid” By Robert Pear Now, less than a week later, he has a significant, drastic and detailed plan to reform Medicaid. Click Here to read the text of his speech or o­nline from the NYSACRA website.

Leavitt called for three changes.  Stop overpaying for prescription drugs; prevent Medicaid from being an inheritance protection plan; and challenging States reimbursements.  He referred to such funding schemes as the Seven Harmful Habits of Highly Desperate States.  He cites some examples such as that “state officials have resorted to a variety of loopholes and accounting gimmicks that shift the costs they claim to pay to the taxpayers of other states.”  He claims that a “majority of states have employed o­ne or more of these practices to maximize their reimbursement.”  o­ne harmful habit he cited is double dipping, where States overpay providers, get the overpayment returned to them, and spend the same dollars a second time.  Another “harmful habit” cited is inflated overhead, where States are shifting costs to the federal treasury for "administration", which he claims is an accounting gimmick that encourages wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy.

It wasn’t all bad news.  He reiterated the HHS commitment to the Olmstead decision to ensure that people with disabilities get long-term care where they want it.  He would expand access to more children, but gave no details o­n that.  Though he plans to target the optional populations, whom he says may not need such a “comprehensive solution, since most of them are healthy people who just need help paying for health insurance.”  He cited the State Children's Health Insurance Program as an example of a successful plan because it allows states to ask the question, "What is quality basic health coverage?"  Leavitt cites his experience as the Governor of Utah for the basis of his claims.  “Until just over a year ago, I was this nation's longest-serving Governor. I was responsible for making Medicaid work in my state. And I know from experience that Medicaid is not meeting its potential. It is rigidly inflexible and inefficient. And, worst of all, it is not financially sustainable.”  Stay tuned, as there is sure to be more to come.

For recent Medicaid articles visit:http://www.nysacra.org/nysacra/medicaid_articles.htm 

LEGISLATIVE DAY IS APPROACHING!!

Legislative Day 2005 is March 1^st and right around the corner.  Have you made your reservations yet?  Please visit the NYSACRA Website at www.nysacra.org/nysacra/legday2005.htmfor more information!  Please send in registration forms if you haven’t already.  Also, please support NYSACRA’s message by taking an ad in the Legislative Gazette.

EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

Human Resource Director

Crystal Run Village.  Provider of services to people with developmental disabilities with over 800 employees in 3 county scattered site operation seeks departmental manager. Successful candidate will have a strong value based leadership style and be flexible to organizational change at this growing nonprofit with a $30-million operating budget. Experience with a diverse workforce and knowledge of the responsibilities of direct support staff preferred. Position develops and oversees: recruitment and retention; administration of benefit plans, policies and procedures; employee relations, legal/regulatory compliance and training and staff development. Qualifications include a 4 year college degree with certificate in HR/Personnel Administration, and a minimum of 5 years in HR management. Excellent benefits and comfortable work environment with resources to get the job done. Position reports to the Executive Director.Forward cover letter and salary range expectations to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , no phone calls or fax please.  For general information visitwww.crvi.org

Day Habilitation Director & Residential Director

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, Inc.,a large prestigious agency is looking for several talented and dedicated individuals who are seeking a career with a leader in the field.  Currently, there is Day Habilitation Director position available in Manhattan and Residential Director positions at our Bronx Respite and o­n Vandalia Avenue in Brooklyn.  These positions require a Bachelor's degree, at least three years of comparable management position and a valid NY State Driver's License.  We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including free family medical.  Fax resume with salary requirements to (212) 545-0434.

Assistant Director of Residential Services

 Ulster-Greene ARC. Immediate opening for an experienced professional to assist in the management of a large residential program (20+ residences and supported apartments).  Bachelor’s degree, experience working with MR/DD population, knowledge of governmental regulations and 5 years management experience required.  Excellent organizational and computer skills also required.  Must be proficient in MS Word and Excel.  Send resume with salary requirements to: Ulster-Greene ARC, Human Resources Coordinator, 471 Albany Avenue, Kingston NY 12401.  Phone: 845.331.4300, Ext. 238; fax:  845.340.0463; e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; and website:www.ulster-greenearc.org.

PRESIDENT

President – Richmond Children’s Center Inc.  This individual should be a leader who is sensitive to our mission, values, and people.  The successful candidate will have the following skills and experience: 7+ years demonstrated record of senior management success in a non-profit environment; Master’s degree and experience with OMRDD preferred; Commitment to the highest quality of care in a nurturing environment; Demonstrated competency in financial and resource management, leadership, communication, and relationship building; Proven fundraising success.  Please email your resume with salary requirements indicating “JAA Box #63” in the Subject Line and Email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  On the web (http://www.richmondgroup.org)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MRDD RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

MA preferred; BA degree & 10 years of progressive residential management experience, knowledge of MRDD funding sources, use of own car, & computer literacy, are required.  Bronx location with travel to Westchester.  Assist the Director in providing leadership for a large MRDD program.  Salary to 60K depending o­n experience, with an excellent paid benefits package.Please send/fax resumes with cover letter & salary requirements to:Cardinal McCloskey Services. Attn.: Employment Manager Two Holland Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603 Tel. (914) 997-8000, ext.119 - Fax (914) 997-2166 EOE

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – PROGRAMS

Greystone Programs is seeking an AED with management oversight of clinical, training, and residential departments, ensures compliance in eleven ICF/IRA residences with state/federal regulations and agency policies.  Reports to the CEO.  Master’s degree and 5 yrs management experience preferred.  Clinical experience with autistic population, hands-on management style, proven leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in running OMRDD regulated programs also required.

CONTROLLER

Develop, propose and implement clear and comprehensive procedures for managing the fiscal operations of the Agency.  Directly supervises the finance department including two non-exempt staff.  Responsible for the maintenance of the general ledger, chart of accounts and program contracts as the lead accountant for the agency.  Prepare monthly financial statements, budget reports and annual cost reports (CFR).  Reconcile bank and investment accounts and coordinate annual audits.  Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance and OMRDD experience required.  Supervisory experience preferred.  Position reports directly to Chief Operating Officer.Greystone offers outstanding benefits including medical, dental, life, and vision care insurance, domestic partner coverage, pension plan, 403b, generous time off and much more. For consideration send resume with salary requirements to: Greystone Programs, Inc., 36 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Phone (845) 452-5772 - Fax (845) 625-2189 - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it