Solicitation of Participation: Community First Choice Options Development and Implementation Council

Due to the delay in the promulgation of final regulations for the Community First Choice Option under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148), the Department is postponing appointments to the Development and Implementation Council. This Council is required by federal law if a state wishes to pursue this option for a Medicaid State Plan Amendment. Significant questions remain about specific aspects of this option and until final regulations are published and reviewed by the Department, it would be difficult to develop the Council's charge. Please be assured that once final regulations are released and reviewed the Department will begin the appointment process.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed Department of Health Commissioner Nirav Shah, M.D., M.P.H. to undertake efforts to prepare the state to take advantage of a new Medicaid option under the federal Affordable Care Act. The Community First Choice Option (CFCO) allows states to provide personal care and supportive services to eligible aged and disabled individuals with a special emphasis on consumer control of their care. A state is eligible for an additional 6% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for services provided if a State Plan Amendment is approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Among the requirements under CFCO, a state must appoint a Development and Implementation Council. The federal statute requires the state to develop and implement such the State Plan Amendment in collaboration with a Development and Implementation Council. The Council must include a majority of members who are individuals with disabilities or elderly.

Accordingly, Commissioner Shah is soliciting interest in participation on the Council. He is accepting nominations of persons to represent the populations to be served, which include the elderly, persons with physical disabilities, persons with developmental disabilities and persons with mental illness. Consistent with the Affordable Care Act, the Commissioner will be seeking primarily consumer representation. To ensure that the Council will be able to meet its charge, the Commissioner plans to appoint a workable number for this Council. Nominations will be accepted through April 29, 2011.

If you are interested in serving on the Development and Implementation Council or in nominating a consumer or advocate:

  • Indicate your interest, or share your nomination, by emailing Sheri Senecal at sbs04@health.state.ny.us. (Include name, address, phone number and email address). You may also submit this information by mail by sending to:
    • Ms. Sheri Senecal
      Office of Long Term Care
      Corning Tower Building
      Albany, NY 12237
  • Please ensure that "Nomination to CFCO D & I Council" is in the subject line of your email.
  • Ensure that you or your nominee will be available to travel to Albany between May and October and periodically after that timeframe. Note that this is an unpaid appointment but that reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed.