From Crisis to Stability:
Building a Stronger Care System for Individuals with I/DD
The intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) service industry is facing an unprecedented crisis. Nonprofit provider agencies are struggling under financial strain, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are underpaid, and outdated facilities lack the resources to meet modern care and sustainability standards. We must take action to move from a care crisis to a stable and sustainable system.
Join us March 7 at 12:00pm
New York State Office Building 250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788
The Problems
🔹 Medicaid Funding Is Failing Nonprofits
The Medicaid reimbursement rates for I/DD services no longer cover the true cost of care. As a result, nonprofit agencies that support individuals with disabilities are at risk of financial instability, making it harder to provide essential services.
🔹 Unfair Wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
DSPs working at nonprofit agencies earn significantly less than those in state-operated facilities, despite performing the same critical work. This pay gap fuels high turnover rates, staff shortages, and an unstable workforce, directly impacting the quality of care.
- Nonprofit DSP Starting Wage:
- Downstate: $17.23/hour
- Upstate: $16.74/hour
- State-Operated DSP Starting Wage:
- Downstate: $27.97/hour
- Upstate: $25.36/hour
🔹 Outdated Facilities and a Lack of Infrastructure Support
Many nonprofit provider agencies operate in aging buildings that require urgent modernization. Without adequate funding, these agencies struggle to improve energy efficiency, safety, and overall quality of care, preventing them from aligning with New York’s climate and sustainability goals.
The Solutions
✅ Increase Medicaid Rates by 7.8%
A 7.8% Medicaid rate increase will ensure nonprofit provider agencies can:
- Pay competitive wages to attract and retain skilled staff
- Maintain and expand programs for individuals with disabilities
- Cover rising operational costs to sustain high-quality care
✅ Establish a Human Services Wage Commission
We are calling on the Governor to convene a Wage Commission to:
- Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of DSPs and other human services professionals
- Set fair, sustainable compensation standards that reflect the skills and dedication required for this work
- Address the pay disparity between nonprofit and state-operated DSPs, which is worsening the staffing crisis
✅ Provide Enhanced Capital Funding for Modernization
Nonprofit provider agencies want to be part of New York’s climate solution, but they need funding to:
- Upgrade aging facilities for better energy efficiency
- Improve infrastructure to create safer, more effective care environments
- Support sustainability initiatives that align with the state’s climate goals
Take Action: Advocate for a Stable Care System!
📢 We Need Your Help! Contact Your State Officials Today. Tell them that:
💙 A 7.8% Medicaid rate increase is essential to keep nonprofit agencies open and delivering high-quality care.
💙 DSP wages must be addressed through a Human Services Wage Commission to create fair and sustainable pay.
💙 Capital funding for facility modernization is critical to ensure safe, energy-efficient, and high-quality services.
This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a commitment to ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Let’s move from a crisis to a strong, stable, and sustainable care system—together.
