A Message to Our Members, Families, Caregivers, Staff, and Community
After 26 years of service to New Yorkers with physical disabilities, Independence Care System (ICS) will close its operations by the end of the summer, 2026.
We know this news is difficult. For more than two decades, ICS has been dedicated to providing care, advocacy, and support designed specifically for people with physical disabilities. Throughout this transition, our highest priority remains ensuring that every member receives the information, assistance, and support needed to move smoothly to appropriate services.
This page serves as a central resource for members, families, caregivers, staff, community partners, and the public. Here you will find important notices, member rights information, official communications, and answers to frequently asked questions.
While ICS is closing, the values that guided our work remain unchanged. We are deeply grateful to the members, families, advocates, staff, and community partners who helped build a model of care that demonstrated what is possible when people with disabilities are treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.
Important Date: End of Summer 2026
Independence Care System, On a Roll Wheelchair Services, and Thrive Social Adult Day Program will cease operations.
Member Resources
The following documents contain important information regarding the closure and transition process.
Member Rights & Responsibilities
Learn about your rights as a Health Home enrollee, including your rights regarding privacy, choice of providers, person-centered planning, grievances, and appeals. Download here.
ICS Health Home Closure Letter
Official notification regarding the closure of ICS Health Home services and available transition options. Download here.
As a Health Home, ICS provided services directly to our members and also collaborated with several organizations in partnership. If you were a member with one of our partner organizations where ICS was a care management agency (CMA) you would have received a letter from ICS and our partner.
- Notice for Brooklyn Health Home (BHH) Members
Important information regarding services, transition planning, and next steps for Brooklyn participants. Download here. - Notice for Bronx Accountable Healthcare Network (BAHN) Members.
Important information regarding services, transition planning, and next steps for BAHN participants. Download here. - Skyward Health
Important information regarding services, transition planning, and next steps for Brooklyn participants. Download here. - Hudson Valley Community Care
Important information regarding services, transition planning, and next steps for Brooklyn participants. Download here.
Message from President & CEO Regina Estela
The decision to close ICS was not made lightly.
For 26 years, ICS worked to create a model of care designed not only to help people with physical disabilities survive, but to thrive. We advocated for accessible services, supported independence, developed innovative programs, and built a community centered on dignity and inclusion.
Unfortunately, despite extensive advocacy efforts, the healthcare funding environment did not provide the resources necessary to sustain this specialized model of care.
We remain proud of what was built together and grateful for the trust placed in us by thousands of New Yorkers and their families. Read full letter here.
Press & Community Information
Official Press Release
Read the official announcement regarding the closure of Independence Care System and affiliated programs. Download here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is ICS closing?
After extensive efforts to secure adequate funding for the specialized services provided to people with physical disabilities, ICS determined that it could no longer sustainably operate its programs and services. - When will ICS close?
ICS and its affiliated programs will cease operations by the end of the summer, 2026. - Will I lose my Health Home services?
ICS will work directly with members to get them to a new Health Home of their choice. Each member will be called by their care manager over the next few weeks. - Will I lose my home care aide or home care hours?
No. Home care services are paid for through your Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plan. For many ICS members, that plan is VNS Health. Regardless of which MLTC plan you are currently enrolled in, your MLTC services, including home care aides and authorized home care hours, will not be affected by the closure of ICS. - What happens to my care management services?
Members will be offered options to transfer to another Health Home and Care Management Agency or, if they choose, disenroll from Health Home services. Your Care Manager will discuss available options with you. - How will I know what transition option is available to me?
You will receive information directly from ICS and your Care Manager. Additional details may also be provided through official notices and communications posted on this page. - What are my rights during this transition?
Members maintain important rights, including the right to participate in care planning, choose providers, receive respectful treatment, protect their privacy, and file complaints or appeals. Please review the Member Rights & Responsibilities document for complete information. - Will my medical and personal information remain protected?
Yes. Member privacy and confidentiality protections remain in effect throughout the transition process. - What happens to On a Roll Wheelchair Services and Thrive?
On a Roll Wheelchair Services and the Thrive Social Adult Day Program will also close by the end of the summer, 2026. ICS Thrive Members will be contacted their VNS Health Care Manager and offered additional options. Likewise, all On A Roll participants will be contacted about any pending orders or repairs. - Where can I find official documents and notices?
All current closure notices, member letters, rights information, and press materials are available in the resource section above. - Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact your Care Manager or call 1.877.ICS.2525. You may also email info@icsny.org.
As additional transition information becomes available, it will be posted on this page.
Contact Information
For questions regarding your transition, available options, or resources:
- Phone: 1.877.ICS.2525
- Email: info@icsny.org
Please continue to work directly with your Care Manager regarding next steps and available services.
As additional transition information becomes available, it will be posted on this page.
Thank you for allowing Independence Care System to serve you.