Michael Grossfeld, Executive Director of All About Kids, appeared at the ACTS Advocacy Days in Albany this week to fight against the EI’s planned 22% cuts to Telehealth, and fought for getting the 5% increase promised to us in 2024, with retroactive pay to 4/1 and a 50% increase in evaluation. Dr. Michael Grossfeld provided testimony on behalf of all ACTS Agencies, Therapists, and Families whom we serve, representing over half of all families in New York State.
Watch the full hearing here: https://nystateassembly.granicus.com/player/clip/8827
More on the testimony from Michael below:
Testimony, Questions and Responses
Senator Lea Webb
- Senator Webb highlighted issues with Early Intervention in her district, which includes Broome, Cortland and Tompkins Counties. She asked if there were communities in the state that have been successful in access to EI and what the legislature could do to expedite this important resource.
- Michael responded there is no good answer; there is not a model county because it is fundamentally a statewide reimbursement issue. The 5 percent increase promised was reduced, causing financial strain on agencies. DOH set up a shortage system to pay providers, but some agencies received delayed payments and could not make payroll. Expressed frustration with the state’s EI journey and the lack of progress. He shared a personal story (he did not speak until he was 5-years-old, and his son needed speech therapy). He questioned at what point the state will fundamentally change the nature of early intervention delivery system. He asked at what point do we have to say we are failing to give children a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success, as we are failing generations of children.
- Michael stated the time is now. Suggested that the EI reform/study bill could provide a mandate to explore successful models from other states.
Assembly Member Brian Maher
- Discussed importance of telehealth in EI service delivery, especially in rural areas and the 22 percent and 11 percent cuts are driving therapists away. He wanted Michael to speak to this issue and to the rollout of the Hub.
- Michael stated there is a population of children in need of EI which would be appropriate for telehealth
- There were software inefficiencies with rollout of the HUB and there has been progress but it is far from an efficient system; there is a long way to go.
- Wants to meet with panelists (Michael) for his own education so he can advocate on behalf of EI. The statistics are shocking to him and he would appreciate follow up to work with advocates and colleagues on viable solutions. The current system is not acceptable to him and he has stories from his own district about how the system is failing. He would like support to quantify the problem and what can be done.
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