| Volume 08 | Issue 8 | February 25, 2008 |
Welcome to Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., published weekly by The Arc of the United States. We will bring to you news of interest to self advocates and their families, volunteers, professionals, and supporters of the disability movement. Please send any comments to mmwdc@thearc.org. You are welcome to reproduce and distribute items from Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., but please credit Monday Morning in Washington, D.C. (The Arc of the United States, 2007).
The Arc of the United States advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities; and influence public policy.
[NOTE: Having trouble reading this newsletter? Read it online.] [Past Issues]
CMS Proposes New Rules for Redesigning Medicaid, States Have Greater Flexibility in Benefits, Cost Sharing
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services February 21, 2008
Two new proposed rules that would give states unprecedented flexibility in designing their own Medicaid programs, including adjusting their benefit package to more closely align with beneficiary needs and requiring increased cost sharing by enrollees, were announced today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The proposed rules would implement provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. The rules are the latest in a series of regulations to implement the Administration’s goals of aligning Medicaid more closely with private market insurance and giving states more control over their Medicaid benefits packages.
“These new rules recognize that states are in the best position to design plans that provide Medicaid beneficiaries better health care for the same or even lower cost,” Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said. “The proposed rules will result in patients having more choices and greater control over their health care decisions.
The flexibility these proposals provide is valuable for the beneficiary and the state. States will now have the opportunity to offer beneficiaries health care that has the same value as plans that are being offered to other populations in the state, through alternative benefit packages called “benchmark plans.”
Benchmark plans are models states can use in designing new programs. These benchmark plans are similar to the flexibility provided to states under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Benchmark coverage includes:
These benchmark options provide states with the opportunity to target benefits to meet the specific needs of individuals. In some cases, state employee benchmark coverage may be more generous than the state Medicaid plan. Approved coverage may offer the opportunity for disabled individuals to obtain integrated coverage for acute care and community-based long term care. For individuals who cannot afford the premiums associated with health insurance offered through their employer, states have the option of paying part of the employee premium to make it more affordable, so the employee can maintain private coverage.
States would also be able to create new benefit packages tailored to different populations. These proposed rules also give states the flexibility to provide wrap-around and additional benefits, such as dental coverage. This will provide increased efficiency in state programs by providing services in a more cost-effective manner while giving beneficiaries more comprehensive care.
“Until passage of the DRA, states had few options, other than through waivers, to update the health benefit packages offered through their Medicaid programs to meet the needs of the people they serve,” CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems said. “These proposed changes allow states to use modern methods of providing health insurance coverage and encourage families to participate in their own health care decisions.”
CMS also released proposed regulations on DRA provisions that allow states to change current premiums and cost sharing structures. These new provisions are similar to what is allowed under SCHIP and will not change existing cost sharing rules for Medicaid beneficiaries with family income below 100 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Individuals with family incomes between 100 and 150 percent of the FPL may see some cost sharing while monthly premiums can be charged to individuals with incomes above 150 percent of the FPL. As in SCHIP, all cost sharing must be limited to no more than five percent of the family’s income. The 2008 FPL for a family of four is $21,200.
The proposed rules are expected to be published in the Feb. 22 Federal Register and will have a 30-day public comment period.
A copy of the State Flexibility in Benefit Packages NPRM is available on the CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2232P.pdf
A copy of the Premiums and Cost Sharing NPRM is available on the CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2244P.pdf.
[nectac-enotes] NECTAC eNotes - February 22, 2008
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
REFERENCE POINTS:
Fall 2008 Applications Available for the KU Online TransCert Program
KU TransCert is a project supporting online graduate training for secondary special education professionals. The KU TransCert is a 12-hr. block of graduate courses all taken online plus a 3-hr culminating experience. The application process is now available for student stipends that cover the cost of tuition, fees and books/materials. The application deadline for the Fall 2008 semester is March 1, 2008. For more information about the program go to: http://www.transitioncoalition.org and click the TransCert link, or go to http://www.transitioncoalition.org/cgiwrap/tcacs/new/training/onlinecourse/index.php?page=gradcert. You will be able to view the details of the program and directions to apply for the program if you are interested. For questions regarding the application process please contact: Beth Clavenna-Deane at bacd@ku.edu or Dr. Mary Morningstar at mmorningstar@ku.edu.
March Webinar Series on Transition
The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center in partnership with the Rehabilitative Services Administration and VCU's Rehabilitation and Research Training Center present, Virginia's NEXT STEPS Transition Program for Families, Youth, and Professionals: "Building Effective Partnerships and Accessing Resources-Year One of a Three Year Webinar Series. This year's webinar dates and titles include:
More information can be found at http://www.peatc.org . CEU, CRC and Parent Certificates will be available.
REFERENCE POINTS is administered by PACER Center http://www.PACER.org as a technical assistance activity of the TATRA Project. The TATRA Project is funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
To SUBSCRIBE to REFERENCE POINTS go to http://www.pacer.org/tatra/list/index.asp
Conference and Workshop Updates Added to the TATRA Website
REFERENCE POINTS: February 25 - October 6, 2008 - Conference and Workshop Updates Added to the TATRA Website Conference and workshop updates feature NEW additions to the listing of transition related national and regional conferences maintained on PACER Center's TATRA Project web site. To see our complete calendar of events, please visit us at http://www.pacer.org/tatra/calendar.asp.
Online Tools from the Social Security Administration
Did you know that you can appeal a decision on your Social Security disability claim online? To be able to use this Internet process, a claimant must: 1) have applied for benefits; 2) have received a "Notice of Disapproved Claim", a "Notice of Reconsideration" or "Notice of Federal Reviewing Official Decision; 3) disagree with the disability decision; and 4) live in the United States or one of its territories. For more information, visit the SSA's website at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iAppeals/ap001.jsp . The SSA also has an online screening tool to assist with determining potential eligibility for any of the programs it administers. The online screening tool can be found at https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps7/best/benefits/
DisabilityInfo.gov
Employment News & Events Update: Workforce Innovations 2008: Success Decoded
Workforce Innovations is the premier annual conference promoting collaboration among leaders from workforce development, business, economic development, education, community-based organizations and philanthropy. This year's conference will be held from July 15-17, 2008 in New Orleans. Click on this link - http://www.workforceinnovations.org/Register.cfm for information on early bird registration.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=10.
Community Life News & Events Update: Emergency Preparedness Workshops
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is hosting workshops throughout the country to engage people interested in homeland security, including the private sector, governmental agencies and non-profit groups, in a partnership to develop a national culture of preparedness. These workshops are scheduled as follows:This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=193.
Parent Resources Update: Special Needs Parent Toolkit
Guide from the Department of Defense (DoD) to help military families and others with special needs children navigate the maze of medical and special education services, community support and benefits and entitlements. The Toolkit is broken down into six colorful modules that can be easily downloaded and printed.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=102.
Options for Resolving Disputes Under IDEA
Greetings from NICHCY, the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. You are receiving this letter because you signed up for our eNews service.
Here’s the latest:
NICHCY has just posted another training module online for the Building the Legacy training curriculum on IDEA, our nation’s special education law. The module includes PowerPoint slide shows to use in training sessions, a detailed discussion of IDEA for trainers, and handouts for audience participants.
The subject this time?
Module 18, Options for Dispute Resolution - http://www.nichcy.org/training/contents.asp#ThemeE
In drafting the provisions of IDEA, Congress clearly contemplated that, at times, there would be disagreements between parents of children with disabilities and the school districts providing special education and related services to their children. When such disagreements occur, parents and school districts can turn to IDEA’s procedural safeguards and dispute resolution options. Find out what those options are---there’s a new one, did you know?
We hope you’ll find these training resources helpful in your work or personal life. As always, please feel free to call or email us with your disability-related concerns, or visit our Web site, at: www.nichcy.org.
2008 US/Costa Rica: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program
MIUSA is excited to offer a 16-day exchange program to Costa Rica on June 27 -July 12, 2008 with a focus on youth leadership and cross-cultural perspectives on disability rights. Generous scholarships available! http://www.miusa.org/exchange/costarica08/index_html#how-to-apply
Public Service Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities
The Washington Center is pleased to announce our continued Public Service Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities. Students with disabilities who participate in The Washington Centers internship program for the summer, spring or fall term are eligible to receive a $2,500 scholarship to help cover the cost of housing fees. Students from all majors are eligible to apply and gain internship experience in their field. The Washington Center helps students develop leadership skills and gain valuable work experience in their field of interest. The Washington Center will complement students’ professional experiences with solid academic training for credit from highly qualified instructors. In addition, students will be exposed to community, national and international leaders through workshops, seminars, lectures, embassy visits and networking events held throughout the duration of each semester.
To be eligible for this scholarship opportunity, students must:
To apply, student should fill out an application, which can be found at http://www.twc.edu/students/how_to_apply.shtml. Please contact The Washington Center if you require the application in an alternate format. In addition to the application, students must include a letter from their campus disability services office, a vocational rehabilitation office OR a physician treating the student for his or her disability confirming the fact that the student has a disability. This documentation can be sent directly to The Washington Center via mail, e-mail or fax.
If you would like more information about Disability Services at The Washington Center, please visit http://www.twc.edu/disability_services.shtml.
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars,
1333 16th Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20036-2205, www.twc.edu
E-mail: daniellem@twc.edu Main Telephone: (202) 238-7900;
Direct Telephone: (202) 238-7967;
Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-486-8921;
Fax: (202) 238-7700.
Millions of low-income Americans are being denied an opportunity to register to vote. A federal law—the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)—requires states to offer citizens an opportunity to register to vote when they apply for public assistance, such as Food Stamps and Medicaid. Unequal Access: Neglecting the National Voter Registration Act, 1995-2007 - http://projectvote.org/our-work-pages/our-work/research-project-on-voter-participation/unequal-access.html, a new report released today by Project Vote - http://www.projectvote.org/ and Demos, provides substantial evidence that states are failing to meet their responsibility to provide voter registration services to clients of public assistance agencies. As a result, registrations from public assistance agencies have declined 79 percent between 1995-1996 and 2005-2006, or from 2.6 million to just 550,000.
States’ failure to comply with the NVRA’s requirement is contributing to the low rates of registration among low-income Americans. As Project Vote documented in a September 2007 report on registration and voting rates in America - http://projectvote.org/our-work-pages/our-work/research-project-on-voter-participation/representational-bias-in-the-2006-electorate.html, only 60 percent low-income Americans are registered to vote compared to 81 percent for upper-income Americans. If low-income Americans were registered to vote at the same rate as affluent voters, there would have been an additional 7 million voters on the rolls in the 2006 elections.
Project Vote, together with Demos, has been working to help states provide better voter registration services to clients. The results have been significant. In North Carolina, for example, election officials and agency staff implemented a plan to improve voter registration services at public assistance agencies in late 2006. In the first eight months of 2007, North Carolina’s agencies registered more than 20,000 low-income voters — more than these agencies registered in the preceding two years added together. In the past few months, Colorado and New Mexico have joined Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington on the list of states making improvements to agency-based voter registration.
Some states, however, have not made agency registration a priority despite evidence that they are failing to comply with the NVRA. Project Vote—together with ACORN, Demos and Lawyers’ Committee—is part of litigation in Ohio - http://projectvote.org/litigation/harkless-mardis-and-acorn-v-blackwell.html and has sent notice letters to Arizona- http://projectvote.org/fileadmin/ProjectVote/NVRA_Project/Arizona_NVRA_Section_7_Notice.pdf, Florida - http://projectvote.org/fileadmin/ProjectVote/NVRA_Project/Florida_NVRA_Section_7_Notice.pdf and Missouri - http://projectvote.org/fileadmin/ProjectVote/NVRA_Project/Missouri_NVRA_Section_7_Notice.pdf, which is a required step before starting litigation.
For more information on Project Vote’s efforts to help states comply with the NVRA’s public agency registration requirements, please visit our NVRA Implementation Project - http://projectvote.org/our-work-pages/our-work/nvra-implementation-project.html homepage.
Sincerely, Michael Slater, Deputy Director, Project Vote, www.projectvote.org
2008 National Lifespan Respite Conference - Call For Papers
The Iowa Respite and Crisis Care Coalition and its planning team, in collaboration with ARCH National Respite Network, will host the annual National Lifespan Respite Conference, "Home Grown; Cultivating Caregivers" in Des Moines, Iowa on September 4 - 6, 2008.
Deadline for Submission of Call for Papers - March 1, 2008 For more information: http://irccc.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=12
New Products added to the Quality Mall
"Montana providers of services to adults with developmental disabilities: Urban/rural characteristics, and direct service staff turnover rates and replacement costs" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4274
"The SEIU 775 Long-Term Care Training, Support & Career Development Network: A Blue Print for the Future" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4392
"Training quality home care workers" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4396
"Guidebook on helping persons with mental retardation mourn." -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4430
"Beyond Ramps: Disability at the End of the Social Contract: A Warning from an Uppity Crip." -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4466
"A "Stranger" Among Us" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4480
"Disability Culture Watch" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4499
"Count Us In: Growing Up with Down Syndrome" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4500
"Dazed and Fatigued in the Toxic 21st century" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4505
"Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4536
"Incurably Human" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4559
[News from ADA-Ohio] webcast Accommodating Production or Distribution Workers
The Work RERC (Rehabilitation, Engineering, and Research Center) is pleased to announce another broadcast in its webcast series on topics related to workplace accommodations. These presentations include a mix of introductory and more specialized topics, and are designed for workplace accommodation service providers who seek
ways to fit training into their busy schedules.
February 28, 2008 (12:00 - 1:30 EST) -
Accommodating Production or Distribution Workers [Course ARC 1011P]
Presenter: Scott Haynes, MBME and Xiaoyi Ye, MID Candidate
Changes in manufacturing environments are creating opportunities for
people with disabilities to be employed as production or distribution
workers. This broadcast will provide a brief explanation of the factors
impacting these production and distribution worker opportunities.
Concrete examples of potential accommodation solutions for workers with
a variety of disabilities will also be discussed.
Registration (required for participation) is now open! -http://www.pe.gatech.edu/conted/servlet/CEHome
During the webcasts, participants will view a PowerPoint presentation
(available in accessible HTML formats), hear streaming audio of the
presenter talking, and will be able to type in questions. Captioning
will be provided on request. Presentation recordings and slides will be
available to participants following the session. Webcasts will run from
Noon-1:30 pm Eastern time with about an hour of lecture /discussion and
additional time for questions.
Registration for each course is required through Georgia Tech's
Professional Education office, due two days prior to the course. http://www.pe.gatech.edu/conted/servlet/CEHome(search for one of the words in the title or the course number)
Cost: $30 each
10% discount available for groups of 10+ registering together (contact
Chris Langston for information - trainingcore@coa.gatech.edu
CEUs (accepted by RESNA and others) (1.5 contact hours) are available
upon course completion.
ADA-OHIO (The Americans with Disabilities Act),
700 Morse Road, Suite 101,
Columbus, OH 43214,
800-ADA-OHIO (800-232-6446),
614-844-5537 FAX,
adaohio@aol.com, http://www.ada-ohio.org/, ADA-OHIO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
GAO LETTER REPORT: Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D: Plan Sponsors' Processing and CMS Monitoring of Drug Coverage Requests Could Be Improved. GAO-08-47, January 22
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-47
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0847high.pdf
Intersection: Navigating the Road to Work
The electronic newsletter of the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth). The newsletter and the NCWD/Youth website - http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ offer information to improve programs and services for all youth and especially youth with disabilities.
One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project E
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Stimulus Payment News Release and Fact Sheets
http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html (information on stimulus payments)
[The following is excerpted from the website.]
Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million individuals. The stimulus payments will go out through the late spring and summer. The vast majority of Americans who qualify for the payment will not have to do anything other than file their 2007 individual income tax return to receive their payment this year. The IRS will use information on the tax return to determine eligibility and calculate the amount of the stimulus payments.
Information for Recipients of Social Security Benefits
The IRS and Treasury will be working closely with the Social Security Administration along with beneficiary organizations to ensure that all eligible individuals know what to do to receive a stimulus payment. In many cases, the taxpayer will be able to use the short tax return Form 1040A.
For more information, see:
Information for Recipients of Veterans' Benefits
The IRS and Treasury will be working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs along with beneficiary organizations to ensure that all eligible individuals know what to do to receive a stimulus payment. In many cases, the taxpayer will be able to use the short tax return Form 1040A.
For more information, see:
For more information on the stimulus payments, including the amounts and eligibility requirements:
Traumatic Brain Injury Accommodations: Individual Process Essential to Solution
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN E-News Volume 6, Issue 1, First Quarter, 2008
-Laura K. Artman, MS, CRC, JAN Graduate Research Assistant
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/ENews/2008/Enews-V6-I1.htm#5
According to the Brain Injury Association (2005), a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a hard hit or jolting impact to the head (closed head injury) or by a penetrating object, such as a bullet (open head injury). Specific statistics of interest include:
Depending on the severity of the injury, a TBI survivor may not have any limitations, while another may struggle with daily living. Even if two people have the same type of brain injury, their outcomes may differ based on physical health and cognitive ability prior to the injury, the quality and duration of rehabilitation services, and family support.
Specific limitations hinge on what part of the brain was damaged by the injury, and any bodily system may be impaired as a result. Some survivors may have impairments related to gross motor limitations (walking, balancing, coordination); fine motor limitations (handling, fingering); sensory limitations (seeing, hearing); bowel and bladder control; handling stress and emotions; and speech impairments. Cognitive limitations may involve difficulty with memory, problem solving, math, reading, or “executive functions,” such as planning/organizing/prioritizing/decision-making. In some cases, because the parts of the brain that process auditory and visual information were damaged in a TBI, a person may have trouble comprehending what is seen or heard despite intact vision and hearing.
Accommodations for employees with TBI depend on the nature of their limitations, what bodily systems are affected, and essential job functions. Suggestions for accommodating cognitive deficits, psychological issues, motor impairments, sensory deficits, and speech difficulties due to TBI can be accessed at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/brai.htm or by using the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/.
References:
Brain Injury Association. (2005, August). Facts about traumatic brain injury. Retrieved January
17, 2008, from
http://www.biausa.org/elements/aboutbi/factsheets/factsaboutBI.8.29.05.pdf
The MIG-RATS provide resources and support to the ongoing research activities of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIGs). The central feature of the MIGs is to support employment for people with disabilities. Our research efforts focus on employment, disability, and related services.
This website is designed to help you find useful research reports and resources, learn about current MIG-RATS activities and initiatives, and connect with fellow MIG reseachers.
In April 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the concept for a state-based research resource center (MIG-RATS) to support activities under the Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIGs). The original vision called for establishing a resource center to support ongoing state research activities and would be based on voluntary participation and a core mission of being (1) responsive to states' research needs and (2) accessible to all states.
State Specific Information
http://www.migrats.org/States.aspx
The State Specific section allows users to pull information from the Activities, Toolkit, Resources, and Calendar according to the state source of the information. It provides a single access point for all research products developed by a given state.
GAO Report of Interest—Emergency Transit Assistance: Federal Funding for Recent Disasters, and Options for the Future
United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. SenateGAO-08-243 / February 2008
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-243
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08243high.pdf
Major disasters can disrupt transit operations, destroy vehicles and facilities, and impede the ability of people to reach essential relief and medical services and return to their homes and jobs. GAO determined (1) the federal role in assisting transit agencies after a major disaster; (2) the amounts, sources, and uses of federal disaster assistance for transit since 1998; (3) the factors that affected the timeliness and effectiveness of transit assistance after the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes; and (4) additional options for providing assistance to transit after a major disaster. GAO reviewed laws, regulations, and guidance; analyzed DOT and FEMA data; and interviewed officials with FEMA, DOT, state and local agencies, and others.
To promote timely and effective assistance to transit, FEMA should develop guidance on the types of transit services that it will fund after a disaster and criteria for the duration of funding. DOT should evaluate the feasibility of options to increase FTA’s authority to provide financial disaster assistance to transit, and seek legislative authority as appropriate. DHS and DOT generally agreed with the facts presented, and DHS stated it would take the recommendations under advisement. DOT agreed with the recommendations and said these options would be considered by FTA in developing DOT’s legislative proposal for reauthorizing surface transportation programs.
Access the URL to read the full report, which does include reference to the needs and kinds of transit programs that exist for passengers with disabilities.
Until Next week
The Arc of the United States,1010 Wayne Avenue, Ste. 650,Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-565-3842, Fax: 301-565-3843, Email: mmwdc@info.thearc.org, Web: www.thearc.org
Disclaimer: MMWDC publishes information about issues and events that we believe to be important and likely to be of interest to advocates and others interested in inclusion of persons with disabilities in all parts of society. However, MMWDC and The Arc of the United States and TheArcLink Incorporated do not necessarily endorse all events, sponsoring organizations and reports which appear.