On Tuesday, October 22, providers, parents, and representatives of government and insurance plans will testify regarding changes to the state’s billing system for early intervention services (EI.) The hearing, held by Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried, Insurance Committee Chair Kevin Cahill, and Oversight, Analysis, and Investigations Chair Andrew Hevesi, will investigate the Department of Health’s implementation of a statewide “fiscal agent” paying for early intervention services.
EI provides therapeutic and educational services to children up to 3 years old with developmental disabilities or delays. Prior to 2012, EI providers were paid up front by counties, using State and county funds, and then the counties would seek reimbursement for any services covered by private insurance. The 2012 state budget legislation authorized the Department of Health to instead contract with a third-party fiscal agent who would handle EI payments and collections. The goal was to increase collection rates from private insurers, who had previously contributed only 2-3% of the total statewide program cost.
The system was supposed to be implemented by April 1, 2013, but numerous delays and difficulties have occurred. The transition has produced widespread complaints of confusion and long delays in receiving payment, and statements that providers are being driven out of the EI program as a result.
What: Public Hearing on implementation of the fiscal agent for early intervention
Who:
• Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried, Insurance Committee Chair Kevin Cahill, and Oversight, Analysis, and Investigations Chair Andrew Hevesi
• Providers of early intervention services
• Parents of children in the early intervention program
• Representatives of health insurance plans
• Officials from the New York State Department of Health and Department of Financial Services
• Representatives of the Department’s fiscal agent
Where: Hearing Room C, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY
When: Tuesday, October 22, 10:30 AM – 5 PM
