February 09, 2012

Insurance Industry Take-Over of EI Must Be Stopped




Governor Cuomo has proposed changes for Early Intervention which will greatly impede our ability to provide services, drastically limit parental-choice, and dramatically drive up the administrative costs of Early intervention. 

In short, the Governor proposes turning over much of the Early Intervention Program to insurance companies, who would: 

(1) be in charge of setting rates,

(2) impact service utilization, and

(3) limit a parent's ability to be served by the provider or evaluator of their choice.

The Governor's proposal originates from the desire of local Counties to be relieved of their role and responsibility in providing quality and accessible E.I. programs. There is also talk of allowing new co-pays to be levied and insurance policy deductibles to be met. Additionally, if a particular provider is not on the panel of a child's insurance company, that provider would not be allowed to evaluate or deliver therapy for that child, in spite of being a licensed professional with credentials and experience providing E.I. services! 

These proposals will destroy the very fabric of the necessary and successful Early Intervention Program that has been built in New York State. We URGE you to voice your opposition to this insurance scheme IMMEDIATELY while the Legislature is still in a position to reject it in the State budget.

Thank you-

4 comments:

Your Therapy Source Inc said...

Thank you for publicizing how detrimental this would be for early intervention. I wish the government would research better where to spend their money - has anyone educated them on neuroplasticity before the age of three? The money spent in early intervention is an financially smart decision to decrease special education costs for schools. Someone please educate the NY state government on neurology.

Therapeutic Resources said...

Thank you!! Today there is actually A huge March planned in Albany to confront this very issue...we will keep you posted...

Anonymous said...

Where is our dear old friend Leslie has she been bought out?

Therapeutic Resources said...

Hi,
Are you referring to the Leslie who worked in office at Therapeutic Resources?