By the Numbers

Overview

The systems in our State are operating every day to ensure quality supports and services are delivered to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. We are committed to open dialogue, including sharing this data so that you can stay informed as we continue to help more and more people experience a full life based on their unique needs and choices.

This data provides information on the characteristics of people with developmental disabilities in New York State covered under the Medicaid program and the types of services they receive.

Services and Funding for People with Developmental Disabilities

The source of the data, also referred to as claims data, reflects reimbursement or payments related to the delivery of health services. Due to the requirements around the information needed to determine the payment/reimbursement of a claim, this data is more reliable and more commonly used to describe services and supports. 

The payments in this analysis reflect the gross (all shares) expenditures for OPWDD Medicaid services. In the Medicaid program, the federal government, state and localities contribute to the cost care and are responsible for a portion, or share, of the gross payment.

Ninety-five percent of people accessing OPWDD services and supports have Medicaid coverage.

In 2019, nearly 120,000 people received OPWDD Medicaid services and supports. This represents an increase of approximately 12% from 2014.

Medicaid Services at OPWDD
 Table 1. People and Payments by Year
Year People Payments
2014 107,077 $6,600,522,858
2015 110,461 $6,818,029,917
2016 113,562 $7,068,882,144
2017 115,575 $7,236,628,878
2018 117,933 $7,431,838,453
2019 119,583 $8,004,496,034

 

People Receiving OPWDDD Medicaid Services
See a breakdown of people receiving Medicaid services in 2019 by sex, ethnicity and age group.
People Receiving OPWDD Medicaid Services and Payments by County
See a breakdown of people receiving Medicaid services and payments in 2019 by County.
Understanding Primary Diagnosis

People with developmental disabilities may have multiple diagnoses. For example, a person with a primary diagnosis of intellectual disability may also have a secondary diagnosis of epilepsy.

The primary diagnosis is identified for people during the determination of eligibility for Medicaid services.

While additional or co-occurring conditions may be identified, the primary diagnosis is required and can be accurately reported.

Services Funded
By Fee-for-Service Medicaid in 2019
By the FIDA-IDD Managed Care Program in 2019
Understanding the Data
Download a fact sheet breaking down the types of services and terms referenced in the data.