A ´Health Home´ is not a physical place; it is a group of health care and service providers working together to make sure you get the care and services you need to stay healthy. Once you are enrolled in a Health Home, you will have a care manager that works with you to develop a care plan. A care plan maps out the services you need, to put you on the road to better health. Some of the services may include:

• Connecting to health care providers,
• Connecting to mental health and substance abuse providers,
• Connecting to needed medications,
• Help with housing,
• Social services (such as food, benefits, and transportation) or,
• Other community programs that can support and assist you.

Health Home Member Brochure (PDF)

In New York State, many people get their health benefits through the Medicaid Program. Most people are generally healthy, however, others may have chronic health problems. Many are unable to find providers and services, which makes it hard for people to get well and stay healthy. New York State´s Health Home program was created with these people in mind. The goal of the Health Home program is to make sure its members get the care and services they need. This may mean fewer trips to the emergency room or less time spent in the hospitals, getting regular care and services from doctors and providers, finding a safe place to live, and finding a way to get to medical appointments.

Learn more about Health Homes serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (Care Coordination Organization/Health Home (CCO/HH).)

Regional Interagency Technical Assistance Teams (RiTATs) meet regularly and use cross-systems collaboration to address system level issues and support the implementation of the System of Care core values and principles within their agency or organization. Family and youth serve as full partners to share the experiences and needs of families and youth served by the System of Care, and facilitate problem solving at the program and policy levels.

The Team serves as a liaison between the New York State-level senior staff members with regard to improving cross systems collaborations. The RiTAT is committed to sharing information and delivering quality technical assistance and consultation to agencies and counties which will enable them to achieve better outcomes for children, youth and families. As collaborative initiatives have grown at the state level, it became evident that leadership and resources at both the state and county level were necessary. Collective and shared knowledge and expertise of the team are used to maximize efforts, avoid duplication and help support evidence-based programming.

View Regional Interagency Technical Assistance Teams (RiTATs) using our MSNavigator Mapping Tool.

The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is part of the nationwide EIP. It is for infants and toddlers under three years of age who may not be making progress like other children because of a developmental delay or disability. A disability means that a child has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that may lead to developmental problems. These include, but are not limited to, autism, Down syndrome, motor disorders, or vision and hearing problems. A developmental delay means a child is behind in some area of development, such as growth, learning and thinking, or communicating.

The first step is your child's referral to the EIP in the county where you live. All counties in New York State (NYS) and New York City have an EIP. Children who may need services must first be referred to the EIP. Parents can refer their own child to the EIP if they have a concern about their child's development. In NYS, certain professionals are required to refer children to the EIP if a developmental problem is suspected. After referral, your child will be evaluated by qualified professionals. Your county EIP or the New York City EIP will help you get services if your child is found to be eligible. Health insurance, including private insurance and Medicaid, may be used to pay for early intervention services. EIP services must be provided at no cost to you and will not affect your insurance coverage.

View Early Intervention Programs using our MSNavigator Mapping Tool.