You may be wondering about the OPWDD’s new People First Care Coordination. There’s a new program, changed names, and a whole new approach to managing your care. The goal, however, is simple: to make sure that individuals with I/DD get the high-quality, person-centered supports and services they deserve. Here are the answers to some questions you might have about these recent changes.
How can I know more about my rights as an individual receiving services?
Your care manager can assist you with understanding and advocating for your rights. You can also download a copy of your rights.
What is a “Care Coordination Organization” and what does it mean for me?
Tri-County Care is one of seven Care Coordination Organizations (or CCO) in New York State. CCOs are part of a new and improved system of care that allows individuals with I/DD to plan all their needs in one place—including disability services, community-based supports, and health and wellness services—rather than you and your care team having to coordinate with several agencies to access services. For individuals with I/DD, CCO mean more holistic, comprehensive care, more options, more flexibility, and fewer barriers to access. They also ensure that everyone involved in your care is aligned with your personal goals, wants, and needs.
Will I lose any of my current services if I enroll in a CCO program?
No, you will not lose authorized services. After you enroll in a CCO, you’ll continue to choose your services and your providers. If you decide to work with Tri-County Care, one of our dedicated Case Managers will work closely with you to coordinate all your services according to your personal preferences, goals and values. (OPWDD will continue to authorize supports and services.) Our mission is to empower you to lead a meaningful life of your choosing.
What is a “person-centered” approach, and how does it affect the way I receive services?
The individuals we serve and support, their family members, the OPWDD, and Tri-County Care all work together toward one common objective: to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live richer, fuller, more independent lives. That includes having the choice of which home to live in, having access to quality healthcare, participating in their communities through work, volunteering and membership, and enjoying meaningful relationships with their friends and loved ones. This also means that we continuously work toward giving those with I/DD a greater sense of independence and a stronger voice in the “who,” “what,” “where” and “how” of the care and services you receive, so they can be custom tailored to you.
I’ve decided I want to choose TCC as my CCO. What happens next?
Once you reach out to an enrollment specialist, we’ll guide you through the process of getting care—starting with "Front Door” through getting set up with your personal Care Manager. Your Care Manager’s role is to help you coordinate all your disability, health, and wellness services. They’ll also help you create something called a Life Plan. This is a personalized plan outlining your wants, needs, and strengths that will guide the coordination of your services and supports—everything from disability related services, to dental care, to transportation, to mental health. Your Care Manager will routinely work with you to review and update your continuously evolving Life Plan, so that it always reflects your life goals and changing needs.
How do I find out if I’m eligible for services?
If you or your child has just been diagnosed with a disability and you don’t know what to do or where to start, we’re here to help. Depending on the complexity of an individual's condition, the review process for eligibility determination may require reports from multiple or specialty assessments, and may involve a face-to-face interview. We’ll answer all of your questions and help you compile the necessary records and paperwork you’ll need to support your diagnosis and determine your eligibility for Medicaid-funded services through OPWDD. Rest assured that we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way to ensure it’s as burden-less as possible for you and/or your loved one.
