<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><br><div dir="ltr"><img src="cid:ii_1798ca69db7cedb349c1" alt="Logo and letterhead for email.JPG" width="544" height="132"><br><div dir="ltr"><br></div></div><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br></div><div><b>May 21, 2021</b><br></div>
<div><br></div></div></div></div></div><u><b><br>
</b></u></div><font size="4"><b><u>Call for Regional Leadership in Fair Pay for Home Care <br>
</u></b></font></div><span id="m_5427784588586572174gmail-docs-internal-guid-1d3aee0c-7fff-509d-c3cc-01eae2c87d10"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><font size="4"><b><u></u></b></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CDPAANYS is working with our partners in the Caring Majority to once again begin our push for Fair Pay for Home Care, pushing greater investment into home care so that reimbursements are sufficient to pay wages at least equal to 150% of the minimum wage. As a part of the leadership team for the coalition, we are hoping some of our members will be able to step forward to help lead meetings and conduct follow-up with Legislators as we attempt to further our support.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Through our leadership in this effort, we have made sure that Fair Pay for Home Care is not just increased wages; but an overhaul of the way we think about, and invest in home care, including CDPA. Plans and the state will be required to invest in the services at a level that allow for adequate reimbursement. This includes making sure that reimbursements for administrative costs, whether in a PMPM or otherwise, are sufficient. It is why, during budget, our efforts led HCP and a group of downstate, for-profit home care agencies to support the legislation and actively work with us.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">While we do not have an expectation that the legislation will pass as part of the end-of-session activities, we are working to build support among rank and file Assembly members and Senators, particularly those in the majority parties. As a part of this, we are seeking people and organizations who would be willing to work with us and our partners in coordinating meetings, helping lead the meetings, and conducting follow-up with legislative staff to build the sponsors list in targeted areas. The targets, in broad terms, are: Buffalo, Capital District, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City, Rochester, Southern Tier (Ithaca/Binghamton areas), Syracuse, Westchester.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">A training/informational session will be held on the 25th for those who are participating, just so everyone feels comfortable and is on the same page. Please reach out to Bryan with questions or to state your interest in getting involved. As always, your support is critical not just to our success, but to the relationships we build with allies that increase our strength.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"></span></p></span></div><div><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><font size="4">PMPM Billing Issues </font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CDPAANYS has heard from a number of member FIs about claims being rejected when billing Fee-For-Service Medicaid for the PMPM. After doing outreach to the Department of Health (DOH), they very promptly replied and acknowledged some difficulties with PMPM claims processes. They indicated that they are working to resolve these; however, an immediate resolution was offered. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">When submitting a claim for the PMPM, the field for “prior authorization” should be left completely blank. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Do not insert N/A, the date of the initial authorization, or any other information or the claim will be rejected. We have heard from at least one FI that this resolved their billing issues.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">If you continue to experience issues in claiming the PMPM, please let us know and we will continue to follow-up with DOH. </span></p></div></div><div><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;font-weight:700;text-decoration-line:underline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span></div><div><font size="4"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial;font-weight:700;text-decoration-line:underline;white-space:pre-wrap">New Wage Parity Attestation and DOH Training</span><u><b><br></b></u></font></div><div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As previously sent out by CDPAANYS, </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">DOH has released updated wage parity and certification guidance to outline important changes about how FIs and other organizations must comply with wage parity requirements. The new guidelines require annual wage parity certifications be submitted by FIs to DOH electronically, two new forms that must be sent to the Department of Labor (DOL), and identify increased penalties for compliance failures. </span><a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/mrt61/2021-05-11_wage_parity.htm" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Click here</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> to view the guidance in its entirety. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As a reminder, the wage parity law only impacts FIs that serve cases in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The new attestations must be submitted on or before </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><u>May 31</u></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> this year. Please reach out to us directly if you have any questions about the updated requirements.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Last year’s budget (SFY 2020-21) changed the laws around wage parity by adding that:</span></p><ul style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;margin-left:11pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">FIs cannot have a benefit plan that returns any unused wage, benefit or other item of value to the FI, or anyone associated with the FI except the worker.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;margin-left:11pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">FIs must have an independent audit that certifies their wage parity compliance.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;margin-left:11pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Changes to the labor law that requires FIs to provide notice to PAs about how they meet the benefits portion of the law. A breakdown of hourly costs and benefits must be included on PA paychecks.</span></p></li></ul><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Beginning on May 31st of this year, FIs must </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><i>electronically</i></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> submit a certification of compliance, attesting that they are in compliance with both the law and related regulations, through the</span><a href="https://portal.emedny.org/provider/portal/login?execution=e1s1" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">eMedNY provider portal</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, as well as record retention and other compliance rules.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The guidance also laid out new reporting requirements in relation to the Department of Labor. Beginning </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><u>May 31, 2022,</u></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">new</span><a href="https://dol.ny.gov/home-health-care-aides-and-wage-parity" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">DOL wage parity</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> documents will be required in order to account for the year prior. These forms must be submitted annually thereafter. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The new forms include a statement on the certification that your FI has provided each MMCO, MLTC, CHHA, and LTHHCP that you contract with an annual statement of wage parity hours and expenses on</span><a href="https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/03/ls300.pdf" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> DOL Form LS-300</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, as well as an independently audited financial statement verifying wage parity and expenses on</span><a href="https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/03/ls301_wage-parity-audito-statement.pdf" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">DOL Form LS-301</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">It is critical that FIs have a strong understanding of these new requirements, as penalties have been increased for organizations that are not in compliance with the wage parity law. Those found guilty of a first offense face a fine of $500, up to thirty days imprisonment, or both. For a second offense, an FI will be fined $1,000 and the contract on which the violation occurred shall be forfeit </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">and </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">the entire organization will no longer be able to bill Medicaid for any services.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">DOH has announced a free online training on these new rules. Pre-registration is required. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CDPAANYS strongly recommends all impacted members participate in this training. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The webinar will be held on May 26, 2021 at 10am. Register today!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(32,31,30);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">To register, please visit </span><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=db56bc20-84cd8504-db544515-000babd9f8b3-8e5308fd88d0f4a9&q=1&e=6acc585a-a8bb-4d03-8286-a0b50d550c24&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emedny.org%2Ftraining%2Findex.aspx" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,255);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">https://www.emedny.org/training/index.aspx</span></a></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The DOH also asked us to inform members that, whenever these forms ask for an NPI or MMIS number, if the FI does not have one, please write “N/A” in the box, as the field itself is required. While all FIs likely have MMIS numbers to bill Medicaid, I know that NPI numbers are often a problem, so it was positive to see this taken into consideration by the Department.</span></p></div><div><u><b><font size="4"><br></font></b></u></div><div><font size="4"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial;font-weight:700;text-decoration-line:underline;white-space:pre-wrap">2021 Wage Impact Survey</span><br></font></div><div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In large part to help our efforts in drawing attention to the impact of a lack of investment in CDPA and home care, CDPAANYS has released a survey targeting consumers and designated representatives on the impact that low wages are having on your ability to recruit and retain workers, as well as the what the pending increase in wages to $15 for the fast food sector (Upstate and on Long Island and Westchester) will mean.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">We ask that you publicize and distribute this survey to as many of your consumers as possible, so that we have an accurate picture of the situation statewide. Responses will be used in a written report regarding the state of the program and how reimbursement and wages for consumer directed personal assistants (PAs) affects that health. The survey is anonymous and results do not tie back to any particular FI.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">This survey is intended to be completed by New York state residents with a disability who receive Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Services (CDPAS) or individuals acting as a designated representative. It can serve as an excellent way for FIs to communicate your involvement in CDPAANYS to consumers, and convey to them how that involvement is helping them receive a better program. Links to the survey in both English and Spanish are below.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><a href="https://forms.gle/aozVTC39YFBd6FTb7" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Click here to take the survey in English</span></a><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;padding:10pt 0pt"><a href="https://forms.gle/k2rTFsbwcrKy1u7JA" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Para cursarlo en español, haga clic aquí!</span></a></p></div><div><font size="4"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial;font-weight:700;text-decoration-line:underline;white-space:pre-wrap">Conference & Events Survey </span><br></font></div><div><div><span id="m_5427784588586572174gmail-docs-internal-guid-1d3aee0c-7fff-509d-c3cc-01eae2c87d10"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The Conference Committee has developed and distributed a survey regarding attitudes regarding a return to in-person conferences and events. Specifically, this survey is to gauge interest in the resumption of an in-person Annual Conference. CDPAANYS is holding space at the Hilton Garden Inn Troy on October 27 & 28, 2021. (Save the Date!!)</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">We would very much appreciate your opinions on this matter, as we know they are varied. To weigh in and share your thoughts on in-person conferences, please </span><a href="https://forms.gle/Zb9EemJDRAiEqviz6" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">take the survey.</span></a></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><font size="4">Annual Meeting - Have You Voted? </font></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CDPAANYS’ Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 27 at 12:00 PM, having been changed because of a conflict with Shavuot. If you have not already done so, you may sign up to participate via Zoom using </span><a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtf-CupzsoHdMYkwKOmG3o7EO0ObIsqEr5" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">this registration link.</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In addition to “regular” Board matters, the Board elections will be finalized. We will also briefly review the organization’s policy and political philosophy, what has shaped it, how it has benefited FIs and consumers, and more. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As a reminder, all Provider Members whose memberships are in good standing (payments may not be 90 days or more overdue) are eligible to vote in the Board elections. Your organization’s primary CDPA contact should have received an access email to vote electronically from </span><a href="mailto:noreply@electionrunner.com" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">noreply@electionrunner.com</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> on April 16, including instructions to login and cast your vote. Paper ballots were also mailed to each Provider Member. The deadline to vote in the elections is Wednesday, May 26. If an electronic and paper ballot are cast, the electronic ballot will be counted and the paper ballot will be discarded held aside and not counted.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Not sure if you voted? Contact Laura Cardwell at 518-813-9537 x1 or email </span><a href="mailto:laura@cdpaanys.org" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">laura@cdpaanys.org</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">. </span></p></span><br></div><div></div></div><div><br></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="margin-left:40px"><b>CDPAANYS * 119 Washington Ave., 3A * Albany, NY 12210 * <a href="tel:518-813-9537" value="+15188139537" target="_blank">518-813-9537</a> (ph) * <a href="tel:518-813-9539" value="+15188139539" target="_blank">518-813-9539</a> (fax)<br>
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