March 26, 2021
NYS Council members,
The Executive is pushing very hard against ensuring rate parity with face to face services for telehealth services.
WE NEED EVERYONE TO WEIGH IN TONIGHT AND THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND IN SUPPORT of a final deal that includes protections for the telehealth modality of care! The protections should:
- Require payment parity with an in-person visit
- Preserve the ability for use of audio-only or video only across all payers
- Permit reimbursement for certified peer recovery advocates and credentialed family and peer advocates.
Earlier this week, in a Memo in Opposition to such proposals the NYS Health Plan Association wrote that the state should first work with stakeholders to develop ‘meaningful standards for the appropriate use of this rapidly evolving technology.” Leslie Moran, the association’s senior vice president, said there is little to no available information on how widely virtual peer support services are used and how much it would cost to make the services reimbursable.”
And so once again this is ALL ABOUT MONEY, and not about ensuring people get the care they need and deserve.
Send a message to the Governor! Tell him that in your experience telehealth has opened the door to care for so many New Yorkers who cannot afford either the travel time or costs associated with going to a bricks and mortar program, or who experience stigma and shame from community members at the mere mention of a desire to get help.
Telehealth services have the ability to reduce healthcare inequities for individuals and communities around the state. Now more than ever New York should be focused on providing person centered care that meets the client where he/she is at!
Contact the Governor here:https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
PLEASE SEND THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ASK THEM TO CONTACT THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AT ONCE. HELP US PUSH BACK.
THANK YOU!