Urgent Call to Address the Crisis in NY State’s Early Intervention Program
321 so far! Help us get to 500 signers!
Petition: Urgent Action Needed for New York State's Early Intervention Services
I urgently call for immediate action to address the crisis in New York State's Early Intervention (EI) Program, affecting over 70,000 infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays.
The implementation of the EI-HUB system on October 15, 2024, has led to significant disruptions: compromised service authorizations, extensive payment delays, and exposure of sensitive family data. This has resulted in unpaid providers and families facing prolonged waiting lists.
Public Consulting Group (PCG), contracted for $53 million to develop EI-HUB, issued a flawed system despite prior warnings. PCG’s history includes similar failures in New Jersey, raising concerns over their reliability.
In addition, the New York State Department of Health’s State Plan Amendment (SPA #24-0041) imposed a 22% telehealth rate cut without prior notice, disproportionately affecting underserved children. The SPA also altered the retroactive date for a 5% provider rate increase, denying rightful wages and adding to the providers' burden.
To address this crisis, I request:
1. Comprehensive Investigation: Investigate the leadership failures within the Bureau of Early Intervention and implement corrective measures.
2. Accountability: Hold the Bureau accountable for the harm caused to children, families, and providers due to leadership failures.
3. Legislative Action Against PCG: Require the Department of Health to declare PCG in breach of contract and take corrective action, including considering alternative vendors.
4. Legislative/Senate Hearing: Conduct hearings to examine the selection of PCG and the Bureau’s response to the crisis.
5. Provider Rate Increase: Enact legislation for an 11% rate increase for early intervention providers and regional office staff in the new budget.
6. Rescind Telehealth Rate Cut: Revoke the 22% and 10% telehealth rate cuts.
7. Correct Retroactive Rate Increase: Make the 5% rate increase retroactive to April 1, 2024.
I urge you to prioritize and resolve these issues to restore vital services to children and families. Their future depends on your swift action.
▶ Created on January 14 by Advocates for NY Early Intervention