Newsletter, periodic publication

This November 2004 issue brief addresses how states can control costs of the Medicaid program, often the second largest item in state budgets, after education. Every state has taken cost containment actions, & all plan to take additional measures to constrain growth. Enrollment has increased as a result of declining household incomes and declining rates of employer-sponsored insurance. Other factors such as the aging of the population will continue to affect the whole health care system.

This November 2004 issue brief addresses the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). The reimbursement percent is calculated according to a formula established in the Medicaid statute & based on the per capita income in each state. The fact that the FMAP is based on historical data is sometimes of concern to states. Additionally, the current system makes no specific provision for changes in the economy, leaving states confronted with increased costs when they can least afford them.

This November 2004 issue brief on Premium Assistance, a strategy in which a state uses public funds (e.g.,Medicaid dollars) to pay for a portion of the cost of private coverage (usually employer-sponsored insurance). Current use of premium assistance by states is minimal; only about one-third operate such programs, and recent reports indicate that enrollment in these programs is modest in most of these states. Nonetheless, state interest remains high due to the potential benefits.

The mission of the Maine Personal Assistance Services Association is to build recognition and opportunity for the direct care, direct support, and personal assistance workforce through education, professional development, and public awareness. The website offers a list of upcoming events, a newsletter, and other resources.

On 9/29/04, the Dept of Justice announced the settlement of a lawsuit alleging a pattern of discrimination by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) against low-income people with disabilities. The agreement, the first of its kind, enforces Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations against a public housing authority. Under the agreement, HABC will change its housing facilities, programs, policies & practices; commit several million dollars to new housing; and pay damages.

This brief information update highlights the United States Department of Justice settlement of a housing discrimination suit that alleged disability discrimination by the Triumvera Tower Condominium Association in Glenview, IL. The complaint alleged the condominium association discriminated on the basis of disability by establishing a written policy prohibiting persons in wheelchairs from using the front door.

The Community Development Society provides leadership to professionals and citizens across the spectrum of community development. Members have multiple opportunities to learn what's new in the profession, to exchange ideas, to obtain the most current research and reference information available and to share professional expertise. They offer a annual conference, publications, and listservs. The current issue of CD Practice focuses on Strategic Partnering: Partnering For Change.

The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The quarterly newsletter covers marketplace news, opportunities and experiences. This Autumn 2004 issues details the new marketing alliance and offers the experience of promising practices and partnerships. The publication also has a calendar and lists all recently approved Employee Network Providers.

This article was prepared for the TASH Connections newsletter and it highlights the ADRC initiative. Aging and Disability Resource Centers, or “Resource Centers”, are designed to reduce the confusion often experienced in the search for appropriate long-term community supports. The three-year Resource Center grants given to 24 states are part of the New Freedom Initiative aimed at overcoming barriers to community living for people with disabilities of all ages.

This Impact Newsletter was printed in the Spring of 2004 and the feature is \"Issue on Consumer-Controlled Budgets and Persons with Disabilities\". This issue of focuses on various aspects of and experiences with supporting personal freedom through self-directed supports and individually managed budgets. It includes articles from policy, service, and individual/ family perspectives illustrating what is possible when self-determination guides service provision.