Dear Provider:

Partners Health Plan (PHP) wants to provide you with an update regarding the ARPA Workforce Stabilization Payment Initiative.

PHP was recently informed that OPWDD is working to effectuate the second installment of the pass-through ARPA payments by mid-August 2023.  Therefore, if PHP receives the pass-through proceeds mid-August 2023, we will immediately then disburse the funds such that they should be received by providers in the latter half of that month.  Consistent with the first ARPA Workforce Stabilization distribution in November 2022, the payments will be made in the form of a check. 

Just as a reminder, this installment will include funds associated with the following elements: 

• Retention Payment (including any payments for those now attesting)
• Vaccination Incentive (corrected surveys)
• Longevity Payment (for those who were missing from the initial November installment as well as those now attesting)
• COVID-19 Service (corrected surveys)

As soon as we receive an update as to when this funding is anticipated to occur, we will inform providers.

Dear Members, Families, and Friends

This year we mark the 158^th anniversary of Juneteenth. Also known as Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth combines the words "June" and "nineteenth" and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

In 2020, the New York State Governor signed legislation to make Juneteenth a state public holiday. In 2021, the President signed a bill into law making it a federal holiday. We also made this an official holiday and our offices will be closed on Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth for us to learn, celebrate, and reflect on its historical significance and importance. Click here for information on this important holiday and its value. Click here for details on events in communities across New York State.

Establishing Juneteenth as a corporate-wide holiday was one of many actions we have taken to promote understanding and foster mutual respect. Our mission and values are not just words. They are the core of who we are and what we stand for in building a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible world. We accomplish our mission by providing exceptional care coordination so individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families can live quality lives. Weaving the threads of equity and justice into everything we do is core to our mission and vision.

Individuals with IDD are at the highest risk of being excluded from society. Our dedicated care managers are removing barriers to achieve acceptance and inclusion for the members and families we support so they may live quality lives.

All our employees are committed to advancing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) strategy. We are strengthening the connections that bind us so we may further energize fulfilling our mission to promote the flourishing of individuals with IDD and their families. We are building a solid foundation where everyone feels included and welcome.  We are committed to advocating for inclusion through our DEIB initiatives and advocacy!

We hope you’ll join us in honoring the Juneteenth holiday. We encourage you to use Juneteenth as an opportunity to take a step back and make a commitment to do all we can to combat racism and the hatred that it represents. Change and progress are possible if we learn from our history. On Juneteenth, let us uplift, value, and support each other to create an inclusive, kind, and safe space for everyone.

In Gratitude & Community,

Kerry Delaney
CEO

Dear PHP Members,

The New York State Health Department has issued an air quality alert due to the smoke in our region coming from Canadian wildfires.

We recommend following the guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding precautions and reduction of risk due to exposure.

• Reduce outdoor exertion and avoid long-term exposure
• Vulnerable New Yorkers, e.g., those with heart disease, congestive heart failure, prior history of heart attach, asthma and COPD or other health risks should remain aware of their local air quality and take precautions,  as necessary.
• Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath
• People with heart or breathing problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to particulate matter

The NYC Department of Health is recommending properly-fitted, high-quality masks to help reduce exposure if you must go outside. Per the State Health Department, please limit outside exertion. If you experience symptoms of respiratory distress, please contact your primary care physician or seek emergency medical help.  There is a website you can use to check air quality in your zip code:  www.airnow.gov

If you have additional questions, please contact your Care Manager.  You can also check for updated information from the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news

Partners Health Plan prioritizes a culture of respect and inclusion for its employees, members, families, and stakeholders. To support this commitment, the organization has established a department dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB).