North Carolina:
This will be a light and quick week at the North Carolina General Assembly. Here are the meetings of most interest to our community.
Monday, March 29, 2010
9:00 AM JOBS Commission - Embassy Suites Hotel - Cary
Wednesay, March 31, 2010
9:30 AM Revenue Laws Study Committee 544 LOB
10:00 AM Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Recovery, Joint Interim Study Committee on 1027/1128 LB
1:30 PM Poverty Reduction and Economic Recovery - Subcommittee on State Programs 425 LOB
Thursday, April 1, 2010
10:00 AM Aging, North Carolina Study Commission on 544 LOB
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hill Report: Health Reform is Now Law!!!
President Obama has completed signing the health care reform legislation-it is now law! Congratulations advocates! You did it!
Hill Report: President Obama Is About to Sign Health Care Reform
Vice President Biden is stating that "history is made when men and women decide that there is a greater risk in accepting the situation that we cannot bear than in stealing our spine and embracing change". Once VP Biden has completed his opening remarks President Obama will sign this important legislation.
Hill Report: President Obama Will Sign Health Care Reform Today
President Obama will sign the sweeping health care reform legislation today. After signing the bill into law, the president will hit the road to explain how this new law will help Americans.
Here is one story from CNN.
Washington (CNN) -- President Obama will sign sweeping health care reform legislation into law at the White House on Tuesday, according to two Democratic officials familiar with the planning.
Obama also will hit the road to sell the measure to a still-skeptical public, giving a speech Thursday in Iowa City, Iowa, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. Obama launched his grass-roots drive for health care reform in Iowa City in May 2007, according to Gibbs.
Here is one story from CNN.
Washington (CNN) -- President Obama will sign sweeping health care reform legislation into law at the White House on Tuesday, according to two Democratic officials familiar with the planning.
Obama also will hit the road to sell the measure to a still-skeptical public, giving a speech Thursday in Iowa City, Iowa, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. Obama launched his grass-roots drive for health care reform in Iowa City in May 2007, according to Gibbs.
Monday, March 22, 2010
NC News: State Gets a $152 Million Break on Medicare-N&O Reports
State gets a $152 million break on Medicare
The federal government will cut the state's Medicare prescription drug bill by $152 million, according to Gov. Bev Perdue.
The $152 million is the state's share of the $4.3 billion in temporary Medicare cost cuts announced last week.
Under a federal law passed in 2003, the states help pay Medicare prescription drug costs for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The states' shares of those costs are called clawback payments.
As she announced the reductions, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the money the states save can be used to help pay for Medicaid.
Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, according to a recent study.
According to the federal government's calculations, the state will pay $400.6 million in clawback payments instead of $552.9million.
The reductions will apply to the period from Oct. 1, 2008, to the end of this year. The money to cover the cost is coming from the federal stimulus package.
Read more at N&O.
The state's Medicaid budget was on track to be $250 million in the red by the end of the year.
The federal government will cut the state's Medicare prescription drug bill by $152 million, according to Gov. Bev Perdue.
The $152 million is the state's share of the $4.3 billion in temporary Medicare cost cuts announced last week.
Under a federal law passed in 2003, the states help pay Medicare prescription drug costs for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The states' shares of those costs are called clawback payments.
As she announced the reductions, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the money the states save can be used to help pay for Medicaid.
Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, according to a recent study.
According to the federal government's calculations, the state will pay $400.6 million in clawback payments instead of $552.9million.
The reductions will apply to the period from Oct. 1, 2008, to the end of this year. The money to cover the cost is coming from the federal stimulus package.
Read more at N&O.
The state's Medicaid budget was on track to be $250 million in the red by the end of the year.
Monday Hot Topics: Hot Policy Topics This Week
North Carolina:
The North Carolina General Assembly continues its work as we are getting closer to the start of the 2010 legislative session. Here are your hot policy topics for the week:10:00 AM Legislative Study Commission Children and Youth, Sub-Committee For Children Of Incarcerated Parents 421 LOB
2:00 PM Urban Growth and Infrastructure Issues 643 LOB
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
10:00 AM NC Aging Study Commission Public Hearting - Jamestown Town Hall
Thursday, March 25, 2010
9:00 AM Blue Ribbon Task Force on the State Health Plan 1228/1327 LB
10:00 AM House Select Committee on a Comprehensive Rail Service Plan for NC 1027/1128 LB
10:00 AM Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee, Joint Legislative 544 LOB
12:00 PM House Select Committee on Small Business 1228/1327 LB
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Hill Report: Congratulations Advocates! Yes You Can and You Did!
Tonight, your voices were heard! Tonight the U.S. House of Representatives passed the most sweeping health care reform legislation in our nation's history. You have worked hard to make this day happen. Here is what you have won this evening. This bill will offer real health care opportunities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families.
Access to Quality Care
• Improving training of physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals on how to treat persons with disabilities.
• Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on beneficiaries with disabilities access to primary care services and the level to which primary care service providers have been trained on disability issues. Ensuring prevention programs include a focus on individuals with disabilities.
Long Term Services and Supports
• Increasing the federal share of Medicaid, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or FMAP), for home and community based services (HCBS) and during periods of economic downturn.
• Allowing states to offer additional services under the 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Waivers State Plan Option.
• Providing spousal impoverishment protections for HCBS Beneficiaries.
• Strengthening long-term services and supports through a two pronged approach:
2) Improving the Medicaid program:
The Community First Choice Option would help to eliminate the institutional bias by encouraging state states to cover personal attendant services under the state’s optional service plan instead of through the waiver system by offering a 6% increase in the federal share of Medicaid for these services.
Coverage
• Prohibiting private health insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Eliminating annual and lifetime caps in private insurance policies;
• Restricting the consideration of health status in setting premiums.
• Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $29,000 per year for a family of four).
Benefits
• Ensuring that minimum covered benefits include products and services that enable people with disabilities to maintain and improve function, such as rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices.
• Prohibiting private health insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Eliminating annual and lifetime caps in private insurance policies;
• Restricting the consideration of health status in setting premiums.
• Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $29,000 per year for a family of four).
Benefits
• Ensuring that minimum covered benefits include products and services that enable people with disabilities to maintain and improve function, such as rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices.
Access to Quality Care
• Improving training of physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals on how to treat persons with disabilities.
• Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on beneficiaries with disabilities access to primary care services and the level to which primary care service providers have been trained on disability issues. Ensuring prevention programs include a focus on individuals with disabilities.
Long Term Services and Supports
• Increasing the federal share of Medicaid, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or FMAP), for home and community based services (HCBS) and during periods of economic downturn.
• Allowing states to offer additional services under the 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Waivers State Plan Option.
• Providing spousal impoverishment protections for HCBS Beneficiaries.
• Strengthening long-term services and supports through a two pronged approach:
1) Taking pressure off of the Medicaid program:
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act would create a national long term services insurance program which assists eligible individuals and their families to meet long term needs with a cash benefit and without forcing them into poverty to receive Medicaid benefits.2) Improving the Medicaid program:
The Community First Choice Option would help to eliminate the institutional bias by encouraging state states to cover personal attendant services under the state’s optional service plan instead of through the waiver system by offering a 6% increase in the federal share of Medicaid for these services.
Hill Report: Health Care Reform Update #4
Here is the link to the official vote count on health care reform. Please take the time to see how your representative voted.
Hill Report: Health Care Reform Update #3
House vote is underway. There will be three votes this evening. Right now we are looking at the vote to concur with the Senate bill that passed on Christmas Eve.
Magic number is 216.
Hill Report: Health Care Reform Update
Just a quick re-cap on the bill tonight.
The House is voting on the Senate bill which passed the Senate in December of 2009. That was a Christmas Eve vote.
The House needs 216 votes to get this bill passed. Looks like according to Speaker Pelosi she has the votes.
There will be two votes. One on the bill the Senate passed and the second on the reconciliation bill.
CNN is reporting that after the vote the president will speak to America.
The bill will then return to the Senate tomorrow, according to insiders. There will be more debate.
Media reports are saying that we are looking at President Obama signing the bill into law by the end of the week.
Hill Report: Health Care Reform Vote Scheduled for Tonight
Tonight is the night. After years of advocating for health care reform, tonight the House will vote on this important legislation.
Coverage
• Prohibiting private health insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Eliminating annual and lifetime caps in private insurance policies;
• Restricting the consideration of health status in setting premiums.
• Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $29,000 per year for a family of four).
Benefits
• Ensuring that minimum covered benefits include products and services that enable people with disabilities to maintain and improve function, such as rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices.
Access to Quality Care
• Improving training of physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals on how to treat persons with disabilities.
• Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on beneficiaries with disabilities access to primary care services and the level to which primary care service providers have been trained on disability issues. Ensuring prevention programs include a focus on individuals with disabilities.
Long Term Services and Supports
• Increasing the federal share of Medicaid, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or FMAP), for home and community based services (HCBS) and during periods of economic downturn.
• Allowing states to offer additional services under the 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Waivers State Plan Option.
• Providing spousal impoverishment protections for HCBS Beneficiaries.
• Strengthening long-term services and supports through a two pronged approach:
2) Improving the Medicaid program:
The Community First Choice Option would help to eliminate the institutional bias by encouraging state states to cover personal attendant services under the state’s optional service plan instead of through the waiver system by offering a 6% increase in the federal share of Medicaid for these services.
Even though the House and the Senate have both passed their versions of health care reform, the only way forward for the bill is for the House to vote on the Senate version of the bill.
Here is why it is so important for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families.
Provisions in the Senate Bill that are Most Important for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: (The House of Representatives is voting on the Senate Bill)
Coverage
• Prohibiting private health insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Eliminating annual and lifetime caps in private insurance policies;
• Restricting the consideration of health status in setting premiums.
• Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $29,000 per year for a family of four).
Benefits
• Ensuring that minimum covered benefits include products and services that enable people with disabilities to maintain and improve function, such as rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices.
Access to Quality Care
• Improving training of physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals on how to treat persons with disabilities.
• Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on beneficiaries with disabilities access to primary care services and the level to which primary care service providers have been trained on disability issues. Ensuring prevention programs include a focus on individuals with disabilities.
Long Term Services and Supports
• Increasing the federal share of Medicaid, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or FMAP), for home and community based services (HCBS) and during periods of economic downturn.
• Allowing states to offer additional services under the 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Waivers State Plan Option.
• Providing spousal impoverishment protections for HCBS Beneficiaries.
• Strengthening long-term services and supports through a two pronged approach:
1) Taking pressure off of the Medicaid program:
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act would create a national long term services insurance program which assists eligible individuals and their families to meet long term needs with a cash benefit and without forcing them into poverty to receive Medicaid benefits.2) Improving the Medicaid program:
The Community First Choice Option would help to eliminate the institutional bias by encouraging state states to cover personal attendant services under the state’s optional service plan instead of through the waiver system by offering a 6% increase in the federal share of Medicaid for these services.
Even though the House and the Senate have both passed their versions of health care reform, the only way forward for the bill is for the House to vote on the Senate version of the bill.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Arc of NC News: Public Forums Scheduled Across the State on "Managed Care" Waivers-Updated
There are changes being proposed to the disability service system that could radically alter the way people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive services and supports. Please see the information below about the public forums that The Arc is hosting so that we can learn about and discuss these proposed changes to the DD service system.
Currently, PBH (formerly Piedmont Behavioral Health) is the only Local Management Entity (LME) operating under a combined 1915(b)(c) waiver, usually referred to as a "Managed Care" waiver. PBH covers Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly and Union Counties.
What are combined/managed care waivers? How do they work? How will they affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
It is very important that we understand what these waivers are. The state has been clear on the intent to convert all of NC to these waivers. This will radically change our system into one that is fully controlled by regional managed care entities operated by the LMEs.
All of us: staff, families, and individuals with disabilities need to be knowledgeable participants in this discussion before the General Assembly returns in May.
Significant Changes include:
Flexibility of LME to determine rates and service definitions
Ability to ration service dollars to most critical services
Ability to limit provider network and other managed care benefits
Reduction in provider choice
Some protections associated with the Medicaid program could be reduced
The local nature of the service system could be lost
It is anticipated that the larger expansion of this model (statewide) will be accomplished by combining LMEs, not necessarily geographically connected
For more information on "managed care" waivers and the forums, please visit The Arc of NC's website at www.arcnc.org
Follow this link for details on the forums
For forum locations that already are using "Managed Care" waivers through PBH, The Arc will be collecting information from attendees on how the Innovations waiver is working for them.
The Arc is Holding a Series of Public Forums Across the State on "Managed Care" Waivers
Currently, PBH (formerly Piedmont Behavioral Health) is the only Local Management Entity (LME) operating under a combined 1915(b)(c) waiver, usually referred to as a "Managed Care" waiver. PBH covers Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly and Union Counties.
What are combined/managed care waivers? How do they work? How will they affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
It is very important that we understand what these waivers are. The state has been clear on the intent to convert all of NC to these waivers. This will radically change our system into one that is fully controlled by regional managed care entities operated by the LMEs.
All of us: staff, families, and individuals with disabilities need to be knowledgeable participants in this discussion before the General Assembly returns in May.
Significant Changes include:
Flexibility of LME to determine rates and service definitions
Ability to ration service dollars to most critical services
Ability to limit provider network and other managed care benefits
Reduction in provider choice
Some protections associated with the Medicaid program could be reduced
The local nature of the service system could be lost
It is anticipated that the larger expansion of this model (statewide) will be accomplished by combining LMEs, not necessarily geographically connected
For more information on "managed care" waivers and the forums, please visit The Arc of NC's website at www.arcnc.org
Follow this link for details on the forums
For forum locations that already are using "Managed Care" waivers through PBH, The Arc will be collecting information from attendees on how the Innovations waiver is working for them.
Here are the next scheduled forum dates:
March 18- Guilford County
Hosted by: The Arc of High Point and The Arc of Greensboro
Time: 6:30-8pm
Where: GTCC Jamestown Medlin Campus Center Room 047 601 High Point Road, Jamestown, NC, 27282
Questions: The Arcs of High Point- 336-883-0650 and Greensboro-336-373-1076
March 22- Durham County
Hosted by: The Arc of Durham County
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Durham Public Library- Main Branch 300 N. Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27701
Questions: The Arc of Durham County- 919-493-8141
March 30- Rowan County
Hosted by: The Arc of Rowan County
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: First Baptist Church -223 N. Fulton St., Salisbury, NC
Questions: The Arc of Rowan County- 704-637-1521
National Arc Alert: Take Action Now!
Call Your U.S. Representative NOW
Let's Get Health Care Reform Across the Finish Line!
CALL NOW
It is finally here! After decades of waiting and over a year of negotiating, the vote to pass final health reform is now upon us.
The House of Representatives will vote to pass the Senate health reform bill at the end of this week. If that vote fails, health reform is dead for this year and likely for years to come. We cannot let that happen.
We are too close to finally passing real reform and too much is at stake for people with disabilities. Here are provisions that are most important to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Provisions in the Senate Bill that are Most Important for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: (The House of Representatives is voting on the Senate Bill)
Coverage
• Prohibiting private health insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Eliminating annual and lifetime caps in private insurance policies;
• Restricting the consideration of health status in setting premiums.
• Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $29,000 per year for a family of four).
Benefits
• Ensuring that minimum covered benefits include products and services that enable people with disabilities to maintain and improve function, such as rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices.
Access to Quality Care
• Improving training of physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals on how to treat persons with disabilities.
• Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on beneficiaries with disabilities access to primary care services and the level to which primary care service providers have been trained on disability issues. Ensuring prevention programs include a focus on individuals with disabilities.
Long Term Services and Supports
• Increasing the federal share of Medicaid, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or FMAP), for home and community based services (HCBS) and during periods of economic downturn.
• Allowing states to offer additional services under the 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Waivers State Plan Option.
• Providing spousal impoverishment protections for HCBS Beneficiaries.
• Strengthening long-term services and supports through a two pronged approach:
1) Taking pressure off of the Medicaid program:
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act would create a national long term services insurance program which assists eligible individuals and their families to meet long term needs with a cash benefit and without forcing them into poverty to receive Medicaid benefits.2) Improving the Medicaid program:
The Community First Choice Option would help to eliminate the institutional bias by encouraging state states to cover personal attendant services under the state’s optional service plan instead of through the waiver system by offering a 6% increase in the federal share of Medicaid for these services.
Even though the House and the Senate have both passed their versions of health care reform, the only way forward for the bill is for the House to vote on the Senate version of the bill.
Some representative in the House are debating on whether to vote for or against the bill. Even if they voted for the House bill in the past, many are still weighing their options.
Your voice matters now more than ever. Call TOLL FREE 1-888-876-6242
Click on the "Take Action" link then put your zip code in the "Call Now" box to check how your representative voted in November. If he/she voted for the bill, say thank you and ask for the same vote this week. If he/she did not vote for the bill, explain how much health care reform matters to you and why. Sample talking points are provided.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
NC News: State Restricts Medicaid Drugs-N&O Reports
Here is an article regarding the new Medicaid drug rules that went into effect. This change is part of several major changes in the current budget aimed at reducing costs. The question is if a person is on a medication that is not on the list will the cost of retaining that persons current physical or mental health exceed the savings of implementing this list?
State Restricts Medicaid Drugs
by Lynne Bonner
The state will cut prescription drug costs in Medicaid by limiting patients to mostly generics or brand names for which the state gets a rebate.
Serious shortfalls in the Medicaid budget have pushed the state to adopt limits similar to those used by more than 40 states and major insurers such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The change is expected to yield about $90 million a year in savings, with the state's share reaching $23 million to $30 million. The federal government pays most Medicaid costs.
The move comes after years of elected leaders' resisting limits on drugs under pressure from the pharmaceutical industry. Until recently, lawmakers refused to allow a preferred drug list. Drug companies, which employ thousands of state residents, have contributed generously to legislators' campaigns.
"I think we've been very sensitive to this issue mainly because the drug industry is such a large employer in North Carolina," said Sen. Bill Purcell, a Laurinburg Democrat and a retired physician who helped write the state's health budget.
"I think in an ideal world, you won't do this," he said of establishing a preferred drug list. "It's better than some other things we can do."
Advocates for people with mental illnesses fought the change, saying that moving people off medications could lead to more hospitalizations.
Legislators looked to voluntary methods to nudge doctors into prescribing less expensive medicines to trim a Medicaid drug bill that tops $1 billion a year. Medicaid, the government health insurance for the poor and disabled, is the fastest-growing item in the state budget.
Last year, pressed by rising costs and the financial crisis, the legislature left a safety valve in the budget for the state Department of Health and Human Services. If the department could not show by June 1, 2010, that it was saving $25 million on prescriptions, the DHHS could institute a preferred drug list.
Read more at the N&O
State Restricts Medicaid Drugs
by Lynne Bonner
The state will cut prescription drug costs in Medicaid by limiting patients to mostly generics or brand names for which the state gets a rebate.
Serious shortfalls in the Medicaid budget have pushed the state to adopt limits similar to those used by more than 40 states and major insurers such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The change is expected to yield about $90 million a year in savings, with the state's share reaching $23 million to $30 million. The federal government pays most Medicaid costs.
The move comes after years of elected leaders' resisting limits on drugs under pressure from the pharmaceutical industry. Until recently, lawmakers refused to allow a preferred drug list. Drug companies, which employ thousands of state residents, have contributed generously to legislators' campaigns.
"I think we've been very sensitive to this issue mainly because the drug industry is such a large employer in North Carolina," said Sen. Bill Purcell, a Laurinburg Democrat and a retired physician who helped write the state's health budget.
"I think in an ideal world, you won't do this," he said of establishing a preferred drug list. "It's better than some other things we can do."
Advocates for people with mental illnesses fought the change, saying that moving people off medications could lead to more hospitalizations.
Legislators looked to voluntary methods to nudge doctors into prescribing less expensive medicines to trim a Medicaid drug bill that tops $1 billion a year. Medicaid, the government health insurance for the poor and disabled, is the fastest-growing item in the state budget.
Last year, pressed by rising costs and the financial crisis, the legislature left a safety valve in the budget for the state Department of Health and Human Services. If the department could not show by June 1, 2010, that it was saving $25 million on prescriptions, the DHHS could institute a preferred drug list.
Read more at the N&O
NCGA: State of the State-The New Numbers
Today the members of the Government Operations committee received and update on the current state of revenue collections for North Carolina.
Medicaid: The hole in Medicaid has grown to between 250 and 260 million dollars. Part of the growth is due to the double-digit unemployment numbers in our state.
Revenue collection: State revenue collections are $45 million bellow the $12.1 billion target through February.
Income tax withholding: Currently the state is seeing income tax withholding down 4.1% through February. $145 million bellow target.
Sales tax collections: Sales tax collections are down 11.0% and net collections are up 12.2% however the current budget expected a 15.9% increase. We are currently $125 million below target.
Budget Deficit for 2010: Last week Governor Bev Perdue stated that her economic team forecasts a $1 billion dollar deficit for the coming budget year and a possible $3 billion dollar deficit for the 2011-2013 budget.
Here are the current numbers that will drive our state’s upcoming budget discussions.
Medicaid: The hole in Medicaid has grown to between 250 and 260 million dollars. Part of the growth is due to the double-digit unemployment numbers in our state.
Revenue collection: State revenue collections are $45 million bellow the $12.1 billion target through February.
Income tax withholding: Currently the state is seeing income tax withholding down 4.1% through February. $145 million bellow target.
Sales tax collections: Sales tax collections are down 11.0% and net collections are up 12.2% however the current budget expected a 15.9% increase. We are currently $125 million below target.
Budget Deficit for 2010: Last week Governor Bev Perdue stated that her economic team forecasts a $1 billion dollar deficit for the coming budget year and a possible $3 billion dollar deficit for the 2011-2013 budget.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
NCGA: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting MH/DD/SAS Reminder
Today the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services will be meeting. We encourage you to listen in on line or come down to the General Assembly if you are in town. You can connect to the audio services by going to the NC Legislative Website.
Of specific interest to advocates with developmental disabilities and their families is the presentation on the 1915 (b) (c) waivers-also known as the managed care waivers. This presentation begins at 11:00am.
Here is the agenda for the meeting today:
AGENDA
March 10, 2010 10:00 A.M.; Room 643, Legislative Office Building
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair Presiding
10:00 AM Welcome Opening Comments
Representative Verla Insko
Senator Martin Nesbitt
10:00-10:30 AM Secretary's Remarks
Program Integrity - Lanier Cansler, Secretary, DHHS
10:30-11:00 AM 1915(b)/(c) Waiver Expansion for MH/DD/SAS
Michael Watson, Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SAS Development
11:00-11:30 AM PBH Demonstration
Dan Coughlin, Area Director/ CEO
Pam Shipman, Chief Operations Officer
11:30-12:15PM CCNC and LME Integrated Care
Arthur Carder, CEO, Western Highlands Network
Jennifer Wehe, Access II Care of Western North Carolina
Dr. Richard Hudspeth
12:15-12:30PM NC Mental Health Policy and Practice Hub
Al Huntoon, former Director NC Leadership Academy
Rob Lamme, Consultant, former Director Govt. Relations NCDHHS
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:15 PM Club House Model
Joel Corcoran, Director, International Center for Clubhouse Development
Sue Estroff, PhD, Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC
2:15-2:45PM Report on Case Mgt. Consolidation
Tara Larson, Chief Clinical Operating Officer, DMA
2:45 - 3:00PM Comments from the Community
- State Consumer Family and Advisory Committee
Carl Noyes
-North Carolina Mental Hope
David Cornwell
Adjourn
Of specific interest to advocates with developmental disabilities and their families is the presentation on the 1915 (b) (c) waivers-also known as the managed care waivers. This presentation begins at 11:00am.
Here is the agenda for the meeting today:
AGENDA
March 10, 2010 10:00 A.M.; Room 643, Legislative Office Building
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair Presiding
10:00 AM Welcome Opening Comments
Representative Verla Insko
Senator Martin Nesbitt
10:00-10:30 AM Secretary's Remarks
Program Integrity - Lanier Cansler, Secretary, DHHS
10:30-11:00 AM 1915(b)/(c) Waiver Expansion for MH/DD/SAS
Michael Watson, Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SAS Development
11:00-11:30 AM PBH Demonstration
Dan Coughlin, Area Director/ CEO
Pam Shipman, Chief Operations Officer
11:30-12:15PM CCNC and LME Integrated Care
Arthur Carder, CEO, Western Highlands Network
Jennifer Wehe, Access II Care of Western North Carolina
Dr. Richard Hudspeth
12:15-12:30PM NC Mental Health Policy and Practice Hub
Al Huntoon, former Director NC Leadership Academy
Rob Lamme, Consultant, former Director Govt. Relations NCDHHS
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:15 PM Club House Model
Joel Corcoran, Director, International Center for Clubhouse Development
Sue Estroff, PhD, Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC
2:15-2:45PM Report on Case Mgt. Consolidation
Tara Larson, Chief Clinical Operating Officer, DMA
2:45 - 3:00PM Comments from the Community
- State Consumer Family and Advisory Committee
Carl Noyes
-North Carolina Mental Hope
David Cornwell
Adjourn
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
NC News: Triangle Business Journal NC Revenue Artilce
As our readers know, we have been closely watching the revenue picture in North Carolina. Last week Governor Bev Perdue said that our state expects to see a 1 billion dollar deficit for the 2010-2011 short session budget and possibly a 3 billion dollar deficit for the 2011-2013 budget. Here is what the Triangle Business Journal is saying about the tax collection picture in North Carolina.
North Carolina tax collections down $35M as consumers cut spending
Triangle Business Journal - by Lee Weisbecker
Steve Wilson
Members of the North Carolina House of Representatives could be facing a revenue gap when they return to Raleigh this spring.
View Larger
State revenue collections were off by $35 million through the first seven months of the government’s fiscal year as consumers continued to sit on the sidelines, a new General Assembly economic forecast says.
The revenue gap on the state’s $11 billion collection target would have been wider had it not been for a special corporate income collections effort on the part of the Department of Revenue, which brought in $472 million, $272 million more than anticipated.
What lies ahead for North Carolina, says the report’s author, General Assembly fiscal researcher Barry Boardman, depends how fast “the sluggish economic recovery” is able to take hold.
Payroll withholding tax collections were down nearly 5 percent through January, and sales tax collections continue to come up short.
“Double-digit unemployment has eroded consumer confidence and with continued employment uncertainty, cautious consumer behavior continues.” Boardman says.
Consumers have been hit by a variety of things, tight credit, loss of household wealth and lower (inflation adjusted) wages than before the start of the recession. Wage and salary income fell 3.3 percent in 2009, he says.
Boardman adds that he doesn’t foresee much relief on the wage front anytime soon.
Wages and salaries are forecast to growth by only 1.3 percent in 2010, he says.
North Carolina tax collections down $35M as consumers cut spending
Triangle Business Journal - by Lee Weisbecker
Steve Wilson
Members of the North Carolina House of Representatives could be facing a revenue gap when they return to Raleigh this spring.
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State revenue collections were off by $35 million through the first seven months of the government’s fiscal year as consumers continued to sit on the sidelines, a new General Assembly economic forecast says.
The revenue gap on the state’s $11 billion collection target would have been wider had it not been for a special corporate income collections effort on the part of the Department of Revenue, which brought in $472 million, $272 million more than anticipated.
What lies ahead for North Carolina, says the report’s author, General Assembly fiscal researcher Barry Boardman, depends how fast “the sluggish economic recovery” is able to take hold.
Payroll withholding tax collections were down nearly 5 percent through January, and sales tax collections continue to come up short.
“Double-digit unemployment has eroded consumer confidence and with continued employment uncertainty, cautious consumer behavior continues.” Boardman says.
Consumers have been hit by a variety of things, tight credit, loss of household wealth and lower (inflation adjusted) wages than before the start of the recession. Wage and salary income fell 3.3 percent in 2009, he says.
Boardman adds that he doesn’t foresee much relief on the wage front anytime soon.
Wages and salaries are forecast to growth by only 1.3 percent in 2010, he says.
Monday, March 8, 2010
NCGA: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting MH/DD/SAS Agenda
The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Services will be meeting this Wednesday. If you can attend we encourage you to do so. Here is the agenda for the meeting.
AGENDA
March 10, 2010 10:00 A.M.; Room 643, Legislative Office Building
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair Presiding
10:00 AM Welcome Opening Comments
Representative Verla Insko
Senator Martin Nesbitt
10:00-10:30 AM Secretary's Remarks
Program Integrity - Lanier Cansler, Secretary, DHHS
10:30-11:00 AM 1915(b)/(c) Waiver Expansion for MH/DD/SAS
Michael Watson, Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SAS Development
11:00-11:30 AM PBH Demonstration
Dan Coughlin, Area Director/ CEO
Pam Shipman, Chief Operations Officer
11:30-12:15PM CCNC and LME Integrated Care
Arthur Carder, CEO, Western Highlands Network
Jennifer Wehe, Access II Care of Western North Carolina
Dr. Richard Hudspeth
12:15-12:30PM NC Mental Health Policy and Practice Hub
Al Huntoon, former Director NC Leadership Academy
Rob Lamme, Consultant, former Director Govt. Relations NCDHHS
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:15 PM Club House Model
Joel Corcoran, Director, International Center for Clubhouse Development
Sue Estroff, PhD, Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC
2:15-2:45PM Report on Case Mgt. Consolidation
Tara Larson, Chief Clinical Operating Officer, DMA
2:45 - 3:00PM Comments from the Community
- State Consumer Family and Advisory Committee
Carl Noyes
-North Carolina Mental Hope
David Cornwell
Adjourn
AGENDA
March 10, 2010 10:00 A.M.; Room 643, Legislative Office Building
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair Presiding
10:00 AM Welcome Opening Comments
Representative Verla Insko
Senator Martin Nesbitt
10:00-10:30 AM Secretary's Remarks
Program Integrity - Lanier Cansler, Secretary, DHHS
10:30-11:00 AM 1915(b)/(c) Waiver Expansion for MH/DD/SAS
Michael Watson, Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SAS Development
11:00-11:30 AM PBH Demonstration
Dan Coughlin, Area Director/ CEO
Pam Shipman, Chief Operations Officer
11:30-12:15PM CCNC and LME Integrated Care
Arthur Carder, CEO, Western Highlands Network
Jennifer Wehe, Access II Care of Western North Carolina
Dr. Richard Hudspeth
12:15-12:30PM NC Mental Health Policy and Practice Hub
Al Huntoon, former Director NC Leadership Academy
Rob Lamme, Consultant, former Director Govt. Relations NCDHHS
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:15 PM Club House Model
Joel Corcoran, Director, International Center for Clubhouse Development
Sue Estroff, PhD, Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC
2:15-2:45PM Report on Case Mgt. Consolidation
Tara Larson, Chief Clinical Operating Officer, DMA
2:45 - 3:00PM Comments from the Community
- State Consumer Family and Advisory Committee
Carl Noyes
-North Carolina Mental Hope
David Cornwell
Adjourn
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Arc of NC News: Public Forums Scheduled Across the State on "Managed Care" Waivers
There are changes being proposed to the disability service system that could radically alter the way people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive services and supports. Please see the information below about the public forums that The Arc is hosting so that we can learn about and discuss these proposed changes to the DD service system.
The Arc is Holding a Series of Public Forums Across the State on "Managed Care" Waivers
Currently, PBH (formerly Piedmont Behavioral Health) is the only Local Management Entity (LME) operating under a combined 1915(b)(c) waiver, usually referred to as a "Managed Care" waiver. PBH covers Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly and Union Counties.
What are combined/managed care waivers? How do they work? How will they affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
It is very important that we understand what these waivers are. The state has been clear on the intent to convert all of NC to these waivers. This will radically change our system into one that is fully controlled by regional managed care entities operated by the LMEs.
All of us: staff, families, and individuals with disabilities need to be knowledgeable participants in this discussion before the General Assembly returns in May.
Significant Changes include:
Flexibility of LME to determine rates and service definitions
Ability to ration service dollars to most critical services
Ability to limit provider network and other managed care benefits
Reduction in provider choice
Some protections associated with the Medicaid program could be reduced
The local nature of the service system could be lost
It is anticipated that the larger expansion of this model (statewide) will be accomplished by combining LMEs, not necessarily geographically connected
For more information on "managed care" waivers and the forums, please visit The Arc of NC's website at www.arcnc.org
Follow this link for details on the forums
For forum locations that already are using "Managed Care" waivers through PBH, The Arc will be collecting information from attendees on how the Innovations waiver is working for them.
March 4- Union County
The Arc is Holding a Series of Public Forums Across the State on "Managed Care" Waivers
Currently, PBH (formerly Piedmont Behavioral Health) is the only Local Management Entity (LME) operating under a combined 1915(b)(c) waiver, usually referred to as a "Managed Care" waiver. PBH covers Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly and Union Counties.
What are combined/managed care waivers? How do they work? How will they affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
It is very important that we understand what these waivers are. The state has been clear on the intent to convert all of NC to these waivers. This will radically change our system into one that is fully controlled by regional managed care entities operated by the LMEs.
All of us: staff, families, and individuals with disabilities need to be knowledgeable participants in this discussion before the General Assembly returns in May.
Significant Changes include:
Flexibility of LME to determine rates and service definitions
Ability to ration service dollars to most critical services
Ability to limit provider network and other managed care benefits
Reduction in provider choice
Some protections associated with the Medicaid program could be reduced
The local nature of the service system could be lost
It is anticipated that the larger expansion of this model (statewide) will be accomplished by combining LMEs, not necessarily geographically connected
For more information on "managed care" waivers and the forums, please visit The Arc of NC's website at www.arcnc.org
Follow this link for details on the forums
For forum locations that already are using "Managed Care" waivers through PBH, The Arc will be collecting information from attendees on how the Innovations waiver is working for them.
March 4- Union County
March 13- Wake County
March 16- Haywood County
March 18- Guilford County
March 18- Guilford County
March 22- Durham County
March 30- Rowan County
April 15- Mecklenburg County
April 29- Craven County
The Arc of NC News: The Coalition Launches Town Hall Meetings Across the State
The Coalition (The Arc is a long-standing member) is holding Town Hall Meetings in several areas to discuss the current budget cuts, the budget outlook, and disability services for North Carolinians (MH/DD/SAS).
These meetings are great opportunities for people to learn about the issues, share opinions, and advocate.
Town Hall Meetings on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Substance Abuse Services Sponsored by The Coalition
The Coalition, 40 organizations advocating together to meet the needs of North Carolinians living with the developmental disabilities, the disease of addiction, & mental illness, will host a series of town hall meetings on MH, DD, & SA services across the state.
These meetings are great opportunities for people to learn about the issues, share opinions, and advocate.
Town Hall Meetings on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Substance Abuse Services Sponsored by The Coalition
The Coalition, 40 organizations advocating together to meet the needs of North Carolinians living with the developmental disabilities, the disease of addiction, & mental illness, will host a series of town hall meetings on MH, DD, & SA services across the state.
These listening sessions will:
Provide a briefing on the current budget cuts and future budget outlook
Offer an opportunity to share your opinions about MHDDSA services and supports; in person, in writing, or online
Update you on how to make a difference on these issues
DATES & LOCATIONS
TIME: All meetings are from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program begins at 6:30.
March 15 - Charlotte
McLeod Center, 515 Clanton Road
March 30 - Greensboro
Place TBA - please see http://www.thecoalitionnc.org for updates
April 13 - Fayetteville
Southern Regional Area Heath Education Center (SRAHEC) 1601 Owen Drive
April 19 - Asheville
Mountain Area Heath Education Center (MAHEC), 501 Biltmore Ave
Late April - Durham
TBA - please see http://www.thecoalitionnc.org for updates
Provide a briefing on the current budget cuts and future budget outlook
Offer an opportunity to share your opinions about MHDDSA services and supports; in person, in writing, or online
Update you on how to make a difference on these issues
DATES & LOCATIONS
TIME: All meetings are from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program begins at 6:30.
March 15 - Charlotte
McLeod Center, 515 Clanton Road
March 30 - Greensboro
Place TBA - please see http://www.thecoalitionnc.org for updates
April 13 - Fayetteville
Southern Regional Area Heath Education Center (SRAHEC) 1601 Owen Drive
April 19 - Asheville
Mountain Area Heath Education Center (MAHEC), 501 Biltmore Ave
Late April - Durham
TBA - please see http://www.thecoalitionnc.org for updates
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