Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

IMPORTANT: PHP's FIDA-IDD Demonstration Ending December 31, 2025

Self-Direction

The PHP DIfference: 
Self-Directing With Partners Health Plan

As a Support Broker, you understand how important it is that the individuals you support have fast and easy access to the services they need to live their best lives.

Partners Health Plan (PHP) works hard to make budget and service approvals fast and easy, so Support Brokers and other staff are compensated in a timely manner.

Under Partners Health Plan, PHP Members who self-direct and their Support Brokers enjoy:

“Self-Direction has given me more freedom and flexibility to do what I want in the community. I wouldn’t have accomplished my childhood dreams if it weren’t for self-direction.”

Jess, PHP Member

    Fast Enrollment in Self-Direction

    Partners Health Plan approves Self-Direction program enrollment for members.

    Fast Budget & Startup Fee Approval

    PHP can approve Medicaid funded self-directed Services.

    Fast Spending & Compensation

    Because PHP approves the Medicaid portion of a budget, members can begin spending on those services right away, and brokers and FIs can bill their services sooner.

    Continuity of the Self-Direction Team

    The budget, Suport Broker, and Fiscal Intermediary follow the member into Self-Direction under PHP.

    Fast Amendment Approvals

    It can be fast and easy to make Medicaid cost neutral amendments to a budget – PHP’s amendment approvals can be done in as few as 10 business days.

    PHP Care Managers

    Care Managers support our members and their Self-Direction goals by developing person-centered lifeplans.

    Reaching goals with PHP insurance benefits!

    Partners Health Plan (PHP) is health insurance designed just for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and is committed to supporting its members in Self-Direction.  The insurance benefits that PHP members receive at no-cost can make reaching your Self-Direction goals easier! Some of these benefits include:

    OTC Benefit Card

    An easy and flexible way to boost your health and independnece

    PHP provides qualified members with $200 a month, outside of their Self-Direction budget, to purchase healthy food, personal care, over-the-counter (OTC) items, and help pay for utitlies.

    Transportation Services

    Live more independently and get where you need to go!

    PHP members can stretch their Self-Direction budget dollars by using the PHP transportation benefit.  They receive transportation, when they need it, where they need it, at no cost.

    Comprehensive Medical Benefits and Providers

    Meet your health goals!

    PHP members enjoy integrated medical benefits that include dental, vision and hearing benefits, and a network of providers with experience supporting people with IDD.

    Support Broker Trainings and Education

    PHP provides Support Brokers with up-to-date guidance, resources and education about the health and wellbeing of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Resources include trainings, newsletters, and invitations to open forum meetings and webinars that allow for communication and learning.

    There are no up-coming events

    Stay tuned for registration information for upcoming trainings about Guardianship, Self-Direction & Managed Care, Supportive Decision Making, Housing Subsidies, and more!

    Previous Support Broker Trainings

    November 20, 2024 Support Broker Training: Staying Healthy & Independent

    View Information Session Slides

    In this webinar you will learn how to best help individuals in Self-Direction, and those that support them such as their Brokers, Family Liaisons, families, and other team members maintain wellness and connected to our community. This program will assist with better understanding that we are all just one adverse health event away from losing some of our independence and having to make significant changes to our lifestyle. The discussion focuses on the importance of self-advocates to take charge of their health, to participate whenever possible, to understand their wellness journey, and to plan for the future. Examples will be provided on a whole-person care model that is built to assist individuals to remain healthy, avoid hospitalizations, and stay in the environment of their choice. 

    PRESENTED BY: Karleen Haines, Chief of Advocacy & Annrose Bacani, Director of Outreach and Enrollment

    October 23, 2024 Supported Decision Making — A Less Restrictive Alternative to Guardianship

    View Information Session Slides

    Learn how supported decision-making is an effective process for many individuals on the spectrum and with other developmental disabilities in New York, as they strive for more inclusive and self-determined lives. The presentation will explain how the SDMNY facilitation process works and the role and responsibilities of Supporters. An overview of the impact of the SDMA law will also be covered.

    PRESENTED BY: Joan Cornachio, Associate Director of Supported Decision Making-NY

    September 16, 2024 Support Broker Training: Guardianship

    View Information Session Slides

    For those supporting and advocating for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), understanding the guardianship process is crucial. This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of guardianship, including what it is, how it functions, and why it may be necessary. We'll also cover best practices for supporting people under guardianship arrangements, providing you with the expertise you need to help individuals with IDD and their caregivers navigate the process.

    PRESENTED BY: Giselle Peter, Regional Care Manager Director for Partners Health Plan & Lisa Miller, Care Manager Director for Care Design NY

    June 27, 2024 Support Broker & FI Partners Health Plan Information Session

    View Information Session Slides

    Learn more about Partners Health Plan and our PHP Care Complete FIDA-IDD plan.  This information session answered questions about plan benefits, enrollment requirements and processes, how Self-Direction works under PHP, and more!  

    PRESENTED BY: Annrose Bacani, Director of Outreach and Enrollment

    May 6, 2024 Support Broker Training: Self-Direction and Care Management Services - How They Work Together

    View Training Slides
    View Training Q & A

    This Support Broker Training will focus on Self-Direction support for individuals receiving Care Management services.

    PRESENTED BY: Courtney Ogbutor, CM Director and Lysette Morales, CM Director​​

    March 25, 2024 Support Broker Training: Working While Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - What You Need to Know

    View Training Slides
    View Training Q & A

    For individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD), the opportunity to join the workforce can be a critical component to a productive and fulfilling life, but the fear of losing essential insurance benefits (monthly payments and Medicaid) can prevent individuals from seeking employment or can restrict the amount of time they choose to work.

    More About Support Broker Training

    This Support Broker Training provides helpful information about the Social Security Administration’s work incentives that enable many individuals with IDD to go to work while minimizing the risk of losing their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid benefits.  

    The training highlights the different SSI and State Supplemental Payment (SSP) rates and how to utilize work incentives, to give Support Brokers the tools to help maximize access to employment for the individuals they support. 

    PRESENTED BY: Tom Schinkel, Director of Benefits and Entitlements

    February 26, 2024 Support Broker Training: Working While Receiving Social Security Disability -What You Need to Know

    View Training Slides
    View Training Q & A
    View Work Activity Questionnaire

    For individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD), the opportunity to join the workforce can be a critical component of a productive and fulfilling life. Still, the fear of losing essential insurance benefits (monthly payments and Medicare) can prevent individuals from seeking employment or can restrict the amount of time they choose to work.

    This Support Broker Training provided helpful information about the Social Security Administration’s work incentives that enable many individuals with IDD to enjoy the benefits of working without losing the SSDI benefits on which they rely.  

    The training highlighted ways that you can work with job coaches and employers to gather important documentation, how to utilize benefits planning and analysis, and more, to give Support Brokers the tools to help maximize access to employment for the individuals they support. 

    PRESENTED BY: Tom Schinkel, Director of Benefits and Entitlements

    H9869_PHPWeb_Self-Direction Support Broker_2024_ Approved