October 21, 2020
2012 CP Logo
CP State News
We're here for you!
Gov details COVID-19 Micro-Cluster metrics
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today detailed New York State’s COVID-19 micro-cluster strategy metrics. After 14 days of data monitoring, the Governor outlined modifications to some current focus zones, established new ones in areas where there are recent upticks in cases, and set criteria for areas to exit a focus zone. New York’s micro-cluster strategy detects small outbreaks and takes action to eliminate them.
“Cluster zone” focus areas are designated based on geographic case prevalence and restrictions are implemented accordingly based on the severity of spread. Buffer zones with fewer restrictions are implemented in the areas outside the most impacted areas to help prevent further spread. After 14 days, data will be reviewed to determine whether a focus area has successfully reduced viral spread to the level where restrictions can be eased.
Changes to cluster zones and new cluster zones take effect tomorrow for impacted businesses and houses of worship, and Monday for impacted schools.
OPWDD issues reminder about Electronic Visit Verification 
From OPWDD, Oct. 21: Service providers who provide Community Habilitation and/or In-Home Respite services will be subject to EVV starting January 2021.
To learn about EVV in NYS and be ready for the January 2021 implementation:
  • Join the EVV Listserv
  • Subscribe to the NYS EVV Listserv at listserv@listserv.health.state.ny.us. Please be sure to include the following in the body of your email sign-up request: SUBSCRIBE EVV-L YourFirstName YourLastName
  • Review the NYS EVV Website, EVV FAQs, EVV Technical FAQs and Document Repository for the latest published EVV documentation and policies.
  • Review the EVV Technical User Guide on the eMedNY.org website
  • EVV Data Submitters must be enrolled with eMedNY
  • For those not already enrolled:
  • Please visit the website at www.emedny.org
  • Click on the Provider Enrollment tab to get the process started
  • Support staff for enrollment with NYS Medicaid can be reached by calling eMedNY Provider Enrollment at (800) 343-9000.
  • Begin working with NYSDOH to test API Connectivity and testing EVV data submission
  • Begin submitting EVV data to the NYS Data Aggregator beginning 1/1/2021
If you have questions, please send them to: EVVHelp@health.ny.gov.
PHHPC issues "Shaping the Future Health System in NYS: Lessons from COVID"
The Public Health and Health Planning Council has issued a report after convening two panels of primary care providers (consisting of FQHCs and other models of primary care practice) and a third panel of local health departments and county executives to hear their experience in responding to the COVID pandemic. The goal was to identify lessons for preparing for future health care crises and for shaping the future health system in NYS.
COVID-19 Updated Guidance Regarding Influenza Management
OPWDD has released the below guidance regarding Influenza Management:
Find more guidance on COVID-19 at the following link: 
Early voting begins Oct. 24!
Voting information for people with I/DD
Election Day is November 3, and early voting begins October 24. Deadlines to request an absentee ballot or an accessible absentee ballot are less than a week away - October 27.
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (also known as “The Motor Voter Act”) made it easier for all Americans, regardless of ability, to exercise their fundamental right to vote. The Motor Voter Act requires all offices of State-funded programs that are primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities to provide all program applicants with voter registration forms and to assist in their completion and submission.
Ask Your U.S. Representative to Pressure CMS to Extend Timeframe for HCBS Retainer Payments
Our friends at ANCOR have asked that you take a few minutes today to contact your U.S. Representative on an important issue surrounding the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program. Specifically, please ask them to sign onto a letter led by U.S. Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA), which will be sent to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ask that the agency “use its regulatory authority to extend the timeframe in which states are allowed to issue retainer payments to qualifying Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.” The more U.S. Representatives across the nation join this letter, the more likely CMS will be to prioritize the request. The deadline to sign on is this Thursday. It is very easy to do and takes only a few minutes of your time.
Next steps:
  • Read on to access the full text that will be sent to CMS.
  • Identify your U.S. Representative here.
  • Send their office an email asking for their support (the link above also offers a sample text you can use).
Click the image below. Go ahead. You'll be glad you did.
CP of NYS | cpstate.org