Relates to add-on payment for pediatric practices that implement the HealthySteps model

• Democratic13

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Cordell Cleare says this is needed

Pediatric primary care is the only system in the entire country that reaches nearly all young children. No other system has the same consist- ent and positive connection to families, young children, and their communities. Caregivers rely on this care and as a trusted source of guidance during the crucial early years of development. However, pedia- tric primary care providers have an impossibly long list of services to provide during a well-child visit, which can last just 15 minutes and leave caregivers in need of more support. In New York, families have an opportunity to work with HealthySteps, a dyadic evidence-based, interdisciplinary pediatric primary care program that promotes the health, wellbeing and school readiness of babies and toddlers, with an emphasis on families living in low-income communities. This dyadic program serves the needs of the whole family, providing holistic support for both the children and caregiver(s). Currently operating at 112 pediatric practices throughout the state, the HealthySteps program provides tailored support for babies and their families with common and complex concerns that primary care providers often lack time to address. These include concerns like behavior, sleep, feeding, attachment, caregiver depression, health related social needs and adapting to life with a baby or toddler. To offer this support, HealthySteps specialists collaborate with pediatric practitioners by joining well-child visits - allowing the pediatrician to focus on medical care while the HealthySteps Specialist addresses additional concerns and developmental questions caregivers may have. Creating a payment model through Medicaid with the New York State Department of Health will enable long term funding for HealthySteps, ensuring families can continue accessing these vital services.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.