What should be the relationship of NY ANSWERS to Medicaid, Medicare and other health insurance programs?
Many respondents noted that absent regulatory reform, the POE may act as a link to, but has no control over public or private insurers such as Medicaid, Medicare or private managed care. Payers will need to see the POE as an advantage to them (rather than a duplication of services) and they will be concerned with cost. On the other hand, respondents were concerned that the POE not become primarily a vehicle for cost containment. A common theme, particularly for consumers and providers, was the importance of linking a POE system to a thorough revamping of the NYS long term care system and to regulatory reform. What kinds of technology to support the POE functions are necessary, available and cost efficient? Many respondents advocated the use of computer technology, either alone or in tandem with other devices such as cellular phones, palm-held devices with e-mail and scanning capability and laptop computers for field staff. What reimbursement system for NY ANSWERS would best insure a co
