VRD Group Corp has a corporate office located in Brooklyn NY, with a secondary office located in Rochester NY.  We are approved to provide services to individuals located in New York City, Lower Hudson Valley, Binghamton, Rochester, and Syracuse. We are planning to grow to other regions across New York State.n text goes here

VRD Group Corp. started in November 2021 and received approval to provide NHTD/TBI Waiver Services to the NYC region. As of May 2023, we started an expansion and added the Rochester Region to the areas where we provide services. By the end of the Summer of 2023, we further added Syracuse, Binghamton, and Lower Hudson Valley areas to our service provision area.

Yes, VRD Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

New York State developed the NHTD and TBI  waiver programs based on the philosophy that individuals with disabilities, individuals with traumatic brain injury, and seniors, may be successfully served and included in their surrounding communities. 

The individual is the primary decision maker and works in cooperation with care coordinators to develop a plan of services that promotes personal independence, greater community inclusion, autonomy, and the ability to participate in meaningful activities and services.

Any New York State resident is eligible

NHTD Eligibility:

• Are eligible for community-based Medicaid

• Have been confirmed/assessed as needing the nursing home level of care

• Are at least 65 years old or between 18-64 and have a verified physical disability

TBI Eligibility:

• Are between 18-64 and were injured after the age of 18

• Were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury or a related condition

• Are enrolled in the Medicaid program, and 

• Qualify for nursing-facility level of care

The Regional Resource Development Centers are non-profit organizations or agencies that administer the Nursing Home Transition Diversion (NHTD) waiver program in New York State RRDCs are responsible for:

• Being the initial point of contact for potential applicants 

• Accepting referrals

• Completing intakes

• Determining eligibility

• Approving community-based service plans

• Providing oversight of a network of agencies that provide waiver services to eligible participants

The Nursing Home Transition Diversion (NHTD) waiver helps individuals transition from nursing homes to their homes or community-based settings. It offers support services like personal care assistance and home modifications, promoting independence.

The NHTD enrollment process includes:

1. Contact the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC). The RRDC is responsible for coordinating the NHTD Waiver Program in each region of NYS.

2. Once you contact your local RRDC to express your interest in the NHTD Waiver Program, they will conduct an initial screening to determine if you are eligible for the program.

3. Complete the necessary application forms for the NHTD Waiver Program. These forms may include personal information, medical history, and details about your current living situation and support needs.

4. Gather and submit any required documentation, such as proof of Medicaid eligibility, medical records, assessments from healthcare providers, and any other relevant documents requested by the RRDC.

5. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed and DOH will assess your eligibility for the NHTD Waiver Program. This process may take some time, so it’s best to be patient. 

6. If your application is approved, a service coordinator will work with you to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your needs and develop a person-centered service plan (PCSP).  

7. The RRDC will review the assessment and PCSP. If approved, you will be enrolled in the NHTD Waiver Program and can begin receiving services and support as outlined in the service plan.

8. Once your care plan is in place and approved, you can start receiving services and support through the NHTD Waiver Program. Your service coordinator will help you navigate through the planning process and assist participants in accessing community services and resources.

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver provides services to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. This program emphasizes personalized planning, comprehensive support services, and access to all resources, all aimed at promoting independence.

The TBI Waiver Program enrollment process includes:

1. Contact the Department of Health’s RRDC to confirm eligibility for TBI and request the waiver program.

2. Request an assessment by informing the Department of Health that you are interested in applying for one of the waiver programs. They may schedule an assessment to determine your eligibility for the TBI Waiver Program to assess your needs related to traumatic brain injury.

3. During the assessment, you will be provided with an application form to complete. This form is intended to gather information about your details, medical history, living situation, and the services you may require due to your traumatic brain injury.

4. A medical assessment may be required to evaluate the extent of your traumatic brain injury and determine if you meet the clinical criteria for the TBI Waiver Program.

5. Once your application and assessment are complete, the DOH will review your case to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for the TBI Waiver Program. This process may take some time.

6. If you are approved for the TBI Waiver Program, you will receive a notification from the DOH. This notification will include details about the services you are eligible to receive and instructions on how to proceed. 

7. Once approved, you can start receiving the services outlined in your care plan. These services will be coordinated by a service coordinator assigned to you through the TBI Waiver Program. Your service coordinator, with the help of you, your loved ones, and medical professionals will establish your initial service plan.

VRD Group provides care for participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Your service plan is coordinated by you, a team of medical professionals, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and your family. A service coordinator will review your medical history and examine your current care. 

This assessment is not limited to your current medical situation; it also includes financial and social conditions. Once your service coordinator analyzes the findings appropriate services for your circumstance will be determined. The service coordinator will ensure that you receive timely services for your medical and social needs. 

The service plan is one of the most critical stages in senior care management. The service plan is a physical document that highlights health care and social care objectives, monitoring plans, and expected outcomes.

The Service Coordinator assists the prospective participant to become a waiver participant and coordinates and monitors all aspects of services in the service plan. The goal is to increase the participant’s independence, productivity, and integration into the community.

Some examples of the primary responsibilities of a service coordinator include:

• Act as an advocate for the participant while ensuring their right to choice as outlined in their Waiver Participant Rights and Responsibility agreement.

• Assist the participant in the development, implementation, and monitoring of all services in a client-centered and individualized service plan.

• Initiate and oversee the assessment and reassessment of the participant’s level of care and on-going review of the Service Plan.

• Formally reviewing, and submitting initial and ongoing Service Plans to the Service Coordinator Supervisor for review before submitting to the prospective Regional Resource Center.

• Link the participants with an appropriate service provider through community referrals

We place great importance on matching you with the right service coordinator, and if at any point you feel the service coordinator assigned to your case isn’t the right fit, The VRD Group will work with you to reassign you a service coordinator you will feel is more suited for your needs, relates to you, and advocates on your behalf.

The New York Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver Program can take approximately 2-4 months to complete, but the time it takes to become a participant can vary. The process involves several steps, including:

• Medicaid application

  • Medicaid offices have approximately 45 days to review and approve or deny applications, or up to 90 days for disability applications.

• Assessment 

  • Within 90 days of applying, applicants must complete an assessment using the Hospital and Community Patient Review Instrument (H/C PRI) and SCREEN. This assessment is completed by a medical professional, social worker, or state-appointed evaluator and considers the applicant’s medical, mental health, cognitive, and functional issues.

• Service Coordinator Provider

  • After an intake meeting with RRDC, applicants have 30 days to choose a Service Coordination provider. Once a service coordinator is accepted, applicants must complete the Service Coordination Agency Selection Form and return it to the RRDC

• Individual Service Plan 

  • Applicants collaborate with their Service Coordinator to create a personalized plan for transitioning to community living. 

An individual service plan involves tailoring a standardized care plan to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual client and using approaches shown to be effective for a particular applicant. The initial service plan is developed when an individual is applying to become a waiver participant. 

The ISP is a collection of personal, historical, medical/functional, and social information about the applicant gathered through the interview and assessment of the individual by the Service Coordinator (SC) and others. The ISP must also contain a description of the individual’s strengths and limitations, including any cognitive, behavioral, or physical concerns. The service plan is ever-changing as the needs and wishes of the individual evolve.

The NHTD program is available to New Yorkers who are enrolled in Medicaid and are eligible for coverage supporting community-based long-term care. Since NHTD is a Medicaid Waiver Program, active Medicaid is required to enroll and must be maintained while participating in the NHTD Program.

The NHTD and TBI Waiver Program are most helpful in several scenarios:

• Preventing Nursing Home Placement: Both programs aim to provide home and community-based services to individuals who would otherwise require nursing home care. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer to remain in their own homes or community settings rather than enter a nursing home. 

• Supporting Individuals with Disabilities: The programs are designed to support individuals with disabilities, including traumatic brain injuries, by offering a range of services tailored to their needs. 

• Promoting Independence and Community Integration: NHTD and TBI Waiver Programs focus on enhancing independence and community integration for participants. By providing services and support in the individual’s home or community, they help promote autonomy and engagement in daily life activities.

For the NHTD program, applicants should fall within the age range of 18 to 64 with a physical disability or be 65 years and older at the time of application.

For the TBI Program, applicants must be diagnosed with TBI or a related condition between 18 and 64 years of age, and injured after the age of 18.

• Proof of age

• Proof of New York State residency

• Proof of income and resources (to establish Medicaid eligibility)

• Medical records that document your disability or need for a nursing home level of care

• Proof of age

• Proof of New York State residency

• Proof of income and resources (to establish Medicaid eligibility)

• Medical Documentation

  • Medical Records that document your TBI diagnosis 

  • Recent medical assessments or evaluations 

  • Physician’s state or letter confirming TBI diagnosis and need for waiver services 

• Medicaid Eligibility Documentation (if not already receiving Medicaid):

  • Completed Medicaid application forms

  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (i.e. - birth certificate, green card)

  • Documentation of any health coverage

• Other supporting Documentation

  • Social Security Card

  • Medicare Card (if applicable)

  • Guardianship papers or Power of Attorney (if applicable)

The TBI Waiver program also only covers services identified in the approved service plan. The TBI Medicaid Waiver does not include payment for housing, food, or other personal expenses.

Service Coordination must be conflict-free and may be provided by agencies and individuals employed by providers who are not:

• Related by blood or marriage to the participant or to any paid service provider of the participant

• Financially or legally responsible for the participant

• Empowered to make financial or health-related decisions on behalf of the participant

• Sharing any financial or conflicting interest in any entity that is paid to provide care for or conduct other activities on behalf of the participant

• Individuals employed by agencies paid to render direct services to the participant

It is essential to thoroughly research both NHTD and TBI Waiver programs, understand their eligibility requirements, and assess your own needs and preferences to determine which one, if any, is the right fit for you. 

Here are some factors to consider when determining if the NHTD or TBI Waiver program is right for you:

• Eligibility: Both programs have specific eligibility requirements. The NHTD Waiver is typically for individuals of all ages who have a disability or condition that would require the nursing home level of care, but who choose to receive services in a community setting. The TBI Waiver is specifically designed for individuals who require the nursing home level of care but wish to live in the community.

• Preference for community living: If you prefer to live in your own home, a family member’s home, or another community setting rather than in a nursing home, then these waivers could be suitable for you.
  

• Access to resources: Consider whether you have access to the necessary resources and support networks to successfully transition to and live in a community setting with the assistance of the waiver programs

• Desire for flexibility and control: The waiver programs offer flexibility in choosing your service providers and managing your care. You have the autonomy to select the services that best meet your needs and preferences.

When you meet with VRD Group, it allows you and your family to learn more about our organization and the options we provide. Our dedicated team is prepared to address your inquiries and help you navigate through this process. Whether you’re eligible for NHTD or TBI, a service plan is developed in collaboration with a participant and their support network.

First Steps

The first step in arranging service coordination is meeting with one of our service coordinators. During this initial consultation, you will typically receive an overview of the service we offer. 

Sharing Your Needs

The initial consultation lets the service coordinator give an overview of VRD Group’s services, as well as allows you or your loved one to share their specific needs. At the consultation, it’s imperative to ask questions and get as much information as possible upfront. 

It’s important to understand the complete range of services available and the insurance process. If you are interested in certain activities, have dietary restrictions, or special needs, make sure your service coordinator is aware of your requests. 

Revisit and Revise

Your care needs can change over time. As part of your meeting, your service coordinator will work with you and your team to develop a personalized care plan. Ask how often the service provider will revise and update this plan based on your changing needs. You should also make sure you know about how any service changes are communicated.

By maintaining open lines of communication and being upfront about your care needs, you can help ensure that the enrollment process goes smoothly for everyone involved.

All approved waiver services are covered through Medicaid.  We work with Medicare, VA, and third-party insurance to get other necessary health care covered, including, but not limited to the cost of Durable Medical Equipment, Medical Providers, specialists, etc

Initially, your Service Coordinator will be the person with whom you and your family will work to complete the waiver enrollment paperwork for approval by the RRDC. You should talk to your Service Coordinator openly and honestly about your needs and services and support you will need to be safe in your own home. 

VRD Group helps individuals and their families to have more control over their care and how they want to live their lives. Our service coordinators offer a full range of services, but are not limited to:

• Facilitating communication and information sharing between healthcare providers, ensuring that everyone is aware of a participant’s care plan, condition, and progress

• Coordinating appointments and referrals to various healthcare providers, specialists, and community resources

• Handling coverage with Insurance, Medicare, and/or Medicaid

• Assisting the Medical team to track important information about participants and identify gaps in services

• Advocating and promoting your wishes with health care and other providers, ensuring your needs are being adequately addressed

• Alleviating stress and offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones who may feel overwhelmed with navigating complex medical systems 

You can learn more about the waiver programs and our application process by calling one of our offices. Our office contact information can be found on the Contact Us page.

Persons self-employed as Service Coordinators must be a/an: 

• Licensed Master Social Worker (Licensed by the NYS Education Department); 

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Licensed by the NYS Education Department); 

• Individual with a Doctorate or Master of Social Work; 

• Individual with a Doctorate or Master of Psychology; 

• Individual with a Master of Gerontology; 

• Physical Therapist (Licensed by the NYS Education Department); 

• Registered Professional Nurse (Licensed by the NYS Education Department); 

• Certified Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Certified by the NYS Education Department); 

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (Certified by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification); 

• Licensed Speech Pathologist (Licensed by the NYS Education Department); or 

• Occupational Therapist (Licensed by the NYS Education Department); 

AND Must have, at a minimum, one (1) year of experience providing case management/service coordination and information, linkages, and referrals regarding community-based services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors;  

OR Individual with a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience providing case management/service coordination, information, linkages, and referrals regarding community-based services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors.  

OR An individual with an Associate’s degree and 5 years experience providing case management/service coordination, information, linkages, and referrals regarding community-based services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors.

Please contact us anytime to speak with our Director of Waiver, Care Coordination: Jennifer Gannon: jenniferg@vrdcare.com

Applications are reviewed to ensure the minimum qualifications are met, an interview is scheduled to discuss how the applicant matches up with the position as well as how would help strengthen the team. A second interview may be required for further inquiries about the position and the qualifications.  

If an offer is given, Service Coordinators are required to have a pre-employment physical and annually thereafter, a blood test to verify negativity for MMRs, a TB test or Quantifeuron, proof of COVID and Influenza  shot or declination forms