Approximately 5% of the people in NY State have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). IDD is a term used to describe a person who has certain disabilities (cognitive, behavioral and physical) that occur before the age of 21, and affect functioning and skills, including communication, mobility, social and self-care skills. Many children with IDD tend to learn more slowly or differently.  People with IDD may require specialized supports and assistance throughout their lives.

Adults and children with IDD frequently have complex medical and/or behavioral health conditions that make their care more difficult to manage. They often have trouble finding qualified providers and accessing the services they need – particularly physical and mental health services.  Individuals with IDD and their families often struggle trying to get what they need in a service system that is unfamiliar with their needs and doesn’t always work well together.

New York State spends about $9 billion a year on medical and long-term care for over 130,000 eligible residents.  In an effort to improve service quality and outcomes, while also controlling costs, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) began looking at options to improve upon the support systems that have been built for people with IDD over several decades. A 2-step plan was developed to move supports and services for people with IDD to a managed care model.