Links / Websites

Maine’s ADRC grantee has produded their first official newsletter. This publication is one method of communication for the ADRC between coalition members, state stakeholders, and the technical advisory group. The newsletter keeps everyone updated on the status of the subcommittees and on work at Maine Eastern Agency on Aging's (EAA) ADRC site. Volumne 1, Issue 1

CMS has acted to assure Medicare, Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs will accommodate emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in Hurricane Katrina devastated states. CMS emergency relief activities and information including a detailed explanation of billing and payment policy revisions, and phone numbers for the state medical assistance offices can be found on this website. Frequently asked questions and their answers will be updated daily by 2pm.

The Maine CHOICES CEO (Comprehensive Employment Opportunities) project seeks to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide plan to support more people with disabilities who work, or would like to work. The project will also improve information about, and access to, some key work incentives for Maine people with disabilities. The website features materials & resources, links to other work incentives resources and a description of the planning process.

The Hawaii Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, called Hire Abilities–Hawaii, is brand new this year but a dynamic website has already been unveiled. The site offers information about the project’s goals and strategies, advisory board and staff, and work incentive programs. It also serves as an important communication tool through the use of a public discussion board and on-line calendar. As an added feature, the site contains administrative tools to help the project team manage grant activities.

CMS announced that a certificate of medical necessity is no longer required for power wheelchair and power operated vehicle claims. This is another step to streamline and ensure appropriate access for people with Medicare to power operated vehicles. In an interim final rule with opportunity to comment that went on display at the Federal Register, CMS clarified the requirements for prescribing, supplying, and receiving payment for these vehicles. Review the interim final rule and fact sheet.

A new report finds that the Senate Appropriations Committee’s HUD funding bill would do a better job than the comparable House bill of repairing recent damage to the housing voucher program. The report shows how each of the bills would affect state and local housing agencies across the nation. There are differences between the two bills, however both would change the way voucher funds are divided among housing agencies and both would increase voucher funding for 2006.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to ending America’s affordable housing crisis. As a policy advocacy organization, the website offers the Latest News, Reports, Research and Resources about housing. The Coalition also produces a weekly newsletter, an advocate’s guide, and a monthly NIMBY Report. Visit the site today for information about their current campaigns including the Housing Plus Services program.

The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured has updated and improved the Medicaid Benefits Online Database, an interactive tool providing easy access to information on services provided by each state's Medicaid program. This site contains Medicaid Benefits survey data from 2003 and 2004 with information about benefits covered, limits, co-payments and reimbursement methodologies for the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Territories.

The ADRC in La Cross County, Wisconsin, is using this advertisement to inform the community about the ADRC program. Their Resource Center provides information and assistance by telephone 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays.

A team of staff has been working to update and improve all Medicaid waiver data on the National Association of State Medicaid Directors (NASMD) website. The intent is to create a comprehensive, up-to-date resource that would be useful to a broad audience. The updated waivers website now contains summary information on all 1915(b), 1915(c), 1915(b/c) combination, 1115 and PACE waivers in clear, readable spreadsheets. The web site also provides textual information describing each type of waiver.