Upcoming Webinar: Advancing Integrated Models for Dual Eligibles: New Innovations and Opportunities
Tuesday, December 14, 2010, 2:00-3:30 pm, ET
More than ever, state and federal policymakers are keenly focusing on meaningful ways to significantly improve care and control costs for people who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. The duals are among the nation’s most chronically ill and costliest patients, accounting for roughly 46 percent of all spending within Medicaid and 24 percent within Medicare. Yet, most of the nation’s more than nine million duals receive fragmented and poorly coordinated care.
Through ongoing support from The Commonwealth Fund, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) has helped many state innovators develop and implement new strategies to provide higher-quality and more cost-effective care for duals. This 90-minute webinar will highlight state progress from across the country and will showcase innovative approaches being pursued in two states. A representative from the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Federal Coordinated Health Care Office will outline opportunities to help states achieve meaningful integration and better care for people who are dually eligible
Learn more and register
Weekly News (November 29 - December 3)
Government wants to update ADA for cyberspace (Associated Press, Nov. 20)
The federal government wants to expand the ADA by updating it to cyberspace. Ideas include requiring 911 centers to send and receive text messages, and requiring websites be programmed to speak to people who can’t see.
CLASS Act is federal program for long-term care insurance (USA Today, Nov. 21)
If you can’t afford long-term insurance, you may soon be able to contribute to a less-costly federal program – CLASS, which was part of the health reform law.
California caretakers help elderly, disabled stay in their homes (Redding.com, Nov. 18)
In California, there’s a state-funded program that allows people with disabilities to get help with daily tasks, therefore allowing them to stay at home instead of moving into an assisted-living home.
TSA: Pat-Downs A Must For Some With Disabilities (Disability Scoop, Nov. 23)
The Transportation Security Administration has warned that some people with disabilities (those with wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) will have to undergo “alternate screening techniques including pat-downs,” because they are ineligible for body scanners.
Hawaii’s long-term care program lauded by group (The Associated Press, Nov. 26)
Hawaii’s long-term care program is being hailed as a “true pioneer” in how it’s delivering care to low-income residents and people with disabilities.
Sit-skiers cruise into West Yellowstone for adaptive ski clinic (West Yellowstone News, Nov. 28)
Sit-skiing is becoming popular with people with disabilities. It’s giving them a chance to participate in this popular winter sport.