What Makes the C-Yes Program an Ideal Option for Your Child?
Prioritizing your child’s well-being means ensuring that they have access to the best services available to them. However, most parents find that information about relevant services can be scarce and, when it is available, it’s not clear. So, if you’ve ever wondered if the C-YES Program provided to New York State residents is an ideal option for your child, you’ve come to the right blog.
We will address what the C-YES Program is, how to know if you’re eligible and what the enrollment process involves.
What is the C-YES Program?
The Children and Youth Evaluation Service (C-YES) program is a statewide initiative in New York State that aims to provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to children and youth under the age of 21.
C-YES acts as a conflict-free program that provides person-centered Plan of Care (POC) development and HCBS service coordination. Its primary goal is to perform unbiased HCBS eligibility determinations and assist families throughout the eligibility process. By accessing the C-YES Program, families can ensure that their child receives the necessary support to remain in their homes and communities while avoiding the need for institutional-level care.
How do you know if you’re eligible?
Eligibility for the C-YES Program is not limited to those who already have Medicaid coverage. Any child or youth under the age of 21 who wants or needs Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) can be referred for HCBS eligibility determination, regardless of their current Medicaid status. This means that even if Medicaid does not cover your child, they can still be considered for the C-YES Program.
It’s important to note that if your child is already enrolled in Medicaid and is in need of HCBS, they may be referred to Health Home for HCBS eligibility determination and care management. However, if your child prefers not to receive Health Home care management, they have the option to opt out and have C-YES provide their HCBS care coordination instead. Care coordination from either Health Home or C-YES is necessary for children and youth eligible and enrolled in HCBS.
Remember, the primary goal is to ensure your child has access to the appropriate services and support to thrive in their home and community. The C-YES Program is designed to facilitate this process and provide comprehensive care coordination tailored to your child’s needs.
How the C-YES Program works
Referral to C-YES
The first step in the C-YES process is to submit a referral form. This form requires essential information such as your child’s name, primary contact, and consent signature. Although not mandatory, including additional details like your child’s Social Security Number and any supporting documents is highly encouraged.
Referral Received
After submitting the referral form, C-YES will acknowledge the receipt of your referral. They will then make progressive attempts to contact you, confirming your interest in proceeding with the program. During this stage, you will receive information about the C-YES process, roles, and expectations.
Informational Visit
Following the referral confirmation, a nurse evaluator from C-YES will conduct an informational visit. This visit serves to educate you on the eligibility process for HCBS and the available care management options. Additionally, consent forms will be completed, and any required documentation to support the eligibility determination will be collected.
Preparation for HCBS Eligibility Determination
C-YES will work with you and contact providers if necessary to gather all the required documents for the HCBS eligibility determination process. Once all the supporting documentation is received, an appointment will be scheduled for the HCBS eligibility determination visit.
HCBS Eligibility Visit
During the HCBS eligibility visit, a nurse evaluator will use the Uniform Assessment System (UAS) to determine your child’s eligibility for HCBS. The outcome of the assessment will be provided to you, and if your child is eligible, the next steps will be discussed. In the event that your child is deemed ineligible, you will be informed about the appeal and fair hearing process, as well as alternative service options.
Progen Care understands how overwhelming it can be to find the right care for children, which is why we work to eliminate some of the stress. Get in touch with us and we can help you use the C-YES Program to get your child, student or ward the HCBS resources they need.
