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Newsletter of the Crisis Assessment Prevention and Intervention Services Program CAPIS COMMENT MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN ORANGE COUNTY, INC. Number 129 September 2011 73 County Highway 108, Middletown, New York 10940 (845) 342-2400 24 hour HELPLINE (800) 832-1200 www.mhaorangeny.com PEOPLE FIRST 1115 DEMONSTRATION WAIVER In an effort to continue to provide services of the highest quality to individuals with developmental disabilities, the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is working with the federal government to create the “People First Demonstration Waiver”. It is hoped that this Medicaid waiver will improve the service system, allow for greater personal choice, provide financial transparency and efficiency and create richer lives for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. This waiver will be an agreement between New York State and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that will waive certain Medicaid rules so New York State can continue to receive Medicaid funding for services while system improvements are developed and tested. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the planned system is an essential part of the “People First Demonstration Waiver.” This is a five year process and may be difficult to understand. New York State and OPWDD have information available and also want to hear from individuals with developmental ...