New York State's budget for fiscal year 2027 is now enacted, and it brings real investment to the people and programs that I/DD agencies support every day. State spending on the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) grows to more than $7.9 billion, with nearly $380 million in new resources this year. The budget also includes a 2.7% inflationary increase for voluntary operated providers, a 5% rate increase for Family Care, new funding for services and housing, and several new programs aimed at independence. Here is a plain-language look at each piece.

How much is New York investing in OPWDD for FY2027?

OPWDD spending grows to over $7.9 billion statewide under the enacted budget. Nearly $380 million of that is new funding added this year alone.

Most of the new money is tied to specific priorities. Provider rates, residential options, new service opportunities, and housing each have their own line items, which makes it easier for agencies to see where the investment is headed.

What is the 2.7% inflationary increase for providers?

Voluntary operated providers of OPWDD services receive a 2.7% inflationary increase. The goal is to help agencies manage rising costs and offer more competitive wages.

The final number came in higher than first proposed. The Governor's Executive Budget earlier in the year called for 1.7%, and OPWDD noted that the enacted 2.7% matches the amount advocates had requested.

For agencies, this increase is closely tied to the workforce. Competitive wages help with hiring and keeping direct support professionals, the staff who make daily support possible.

What new funding supports services and housing?

Two investments stand out:

• New service opportunities: $30 million in new funding, growing to $60 million annualized, to open new service opportunities for people entering the system or whose needs have changed.
• Independent living housing: an additional $15 million toward independent living housing development.

These dollars focus on people who are new to services, people whose needs have shifted, and people who want to live more independently.

What else is in the budget for people with I/DD?

Several other items could make a meaningful difference for individuals and families:

• A 5% rate increase for Family Care, which the budget highlights as one of OPWDD's most integrated residential options.
• A new $5 million Assistive Technology Innovation Center to support research and startups building tools that help people with disabilities live independently.
• An enhanced Rent Freeze Program for seniors and people with disabilities, raising the income eligibility limit in New York City from $50,000 to $75,000. Similar programs are also available in Westchester and Nassau counties.
• A new Adaptive Clothing Grant Program, backed by $60,000 through the state's Fashion Innovation Center.

The budget also continues capital investment in the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities on Staten Island and in Regional Disability Clinics, which are expanding access to care.

Where can agencies find the full budget details?

OPWDD publishes the full breakdown on its website. Visit opwdd.ny.gov and search "2027 Enacted Budget" to read the details of each investment.

How does your pharmacy partner help your team focus on people?

New funding helps, but so does time. Every hour your staff spends chasing pharmacy problems is an hour away from the people they support.

With Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy, Medication Administration Records (MARs) arrive the same day every month, and reordering medications through our web portal takes only about 15 minutes each week. New facility partners receive training on the portal, including an introductory Zoom call with our nurse consultants, ongoing trainings on a weekly, monthly, or as-needed basis, and a step-by-step training manual. Our sister pharmacy, Kinexion LTC Pharmacy, now serves the Long Island ID/DD community from Port Jefferson Station with the same commitment to patient-centered care.

Have questions about the budget or about switching pharmacies? Call us at (845) 341-2714 or email info@hrltcp.org.

FAQs

How much did OPWDD funding increase in New York's FY2027 budget?

The enacted budget includes nearly $380 million in new resources, bringing OPWDD spending to over $7.9 billion statewide.

What is the OPWDD inflationary increase for FY2027?

Voluntary operated providers receive a 2.7% inflationary increase to help manage rising costs and offer more competitive wages. The Executive Budget first proposed 1.7%.

Did the FY2027 budget change Family Care rates?

Yes. The budget includes a 5% rate increase for Family Care.

Is there new funding for housing for people with developmental disabilities?

Yes. The budget adds $15 million toward independent living housing development, plus $30 million, growing to $60 million annualized, for new service opportunities.