Help us ensure disability funding is available to all who need it!
There is so much at stake! Negotiations are happening right now and the House of Representatives may vote in days. Right now, Congress is deciding whether to support critical programs for people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce in the Better Care Better Jobs Act, including:
Funding for home and community-based services (HCBS), which provide critical support so people with disabilities can live in their communities instead of in institutions.
Paid leave for all workers so no one should have to decide between their paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one.
Improvements to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI benefits, asset limits, and other program rules must be updated to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
Congress is currently working on legislation, as part of the budget reconciliation, or Build Back Better Agenda, that will greatly affect the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
Urge your members of Congress to meet the needs of people with disabilities, their families, and the direct care workforce by investing in Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) to expand access to those services and create more and better direct care jobs.
On September 21, the U.S. Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy held the first hearing on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in decades. Chaired by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), senators discussed policy solutions to strengthen SSI, a program that 7.8 million people with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes rely on. Witnesses explained how many key features of SSI have not been updated in decades, trapping people with disabilities in poverty. The committee discussed outdated rules governing assets, earnings, and in-kind supports.
The Arc submitted a statement for record outlining updates to SSI that Congress should pass. If you would like to submit a statement, you can do so here.
Senate Judiciary to Hold Hearing on Toxic Conservatorships
On Tuesday, September 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing on “Toxic Conservatorships: The Need for Reform.” This hearing will come after The Arc, along with a coalition of 25 civil and disability rights organizations, joined an amicus brief filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU Foundation of Southern California in support of Britney Spears’ right to select her own attorney for her conservatorship proceedings. You can watch the hearing here.
Congress Considering Package That Includes Housing for People With Disabilities
The House Financial Services Committee released its portion of the reconciliation bill, which includes significant funding for housing and community development. This package includes $1 billion for the Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities administered by the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). More information is available here.
House Passes Nine-Week Stopgap Spending Bill
On September 21, the House passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through December 3. The bill funds most agencies at the same level it did for fiscal year 2022. It also suspends the debt ceiling through December 16, 2021. The debt ceiling provision faces Republican opposition in the Senate. Lawmakers have until midnight on September 30 to come to an agreement to prevent a partial government shutdown.
CMS Awards $15 Million in Grants for Mobile Crisis Intervention Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded $15 million in planning grants to 20 states to support expanding community-based mobile crisis intervention services. These services include behavioral health professionals trained in trauma-informed care, de-escalation strategies, and harm-reduction.
The following states were awarded planning grants: Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. More information is available here.
On September 15, millions of families across the country continued to receive monthly checks from the federal government as part of the Child Tax Credit. Qualifying families receive monthly checks up to $300 per month for each dependent under 6 years old and up to $250 per month for each dependent aged 6 to 17.
If you have not automatically received your monthly credit and think you are eligible, visit this website to sign up.
Stay in the Know, with information from The Arc of Virgina Now.
TOP STORY
VOTER EDUCATION
The Arc of Virginia, local chapters of The Arc and other partners are hosting multiple opportunities for you to learn about disability issues and the candidates who are running for office.
Statewide Candidate Forum: Govenor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General
If you have not viewed the Statewide Candidate Forum that took place as part of the annual convention, you can view it to hear from the Statewide Candidates as they answer questions from the Disability Community.
Voter Education Event: Choosing the Right Candidate for YOU!
September 30th 5:30 -6:45pm
Our Voices, together with The Arc of VA and Matthew Shapiro of 6 Wheels Consulting, provides leadership and tools for Virginia’s disability community (people with disabilities, families and community at large) to:
Understand: how the results of Virginia’s November elections will impact our lives
Educate: ourselves about the people who want to represent us (and educate these people about what we want and need)
Participate: taking control and being heard by casting our votes!
The Developmental Disability (DD) System was in crisis long before the pandemic, and COVID has shown the weaknesses of a system that has been underfunded for far too long. Virginia, for decades, opted to focus its resources on institutional systems of care that did not allow people to live their lives in communities with friends, family, and neighbors. As a result, because of the high cost of institutionalization, there wasn’t enough money left to invest and build a strong community-based system. Leaving our system with reimbursement rates for community services too low to attract and retain qualified staff.
COVID has created a National workforce crisis, and has exacerbated the crisis of a shortageof Direct Support Professionals. In Virginia, residential programs are discharging residents due to lack of staffing, shuffling residents to larger settings that may or may not be in their community, day and community engagement programs are closing, and it is nearly impossible for people to find personal care and in home support staff.
We must make sure that the State sees this as not only a priority, but as a matter of urgency that they must address. To do that, we need to collect data … real life stories of the impact that this crisis is having Share Your Story
Workgroup Updates and Information
There are several active workgroups currently focused on solving problems and eliminating barriers within the DD System. These groups were initiated by legislation from the General Assembly in order to compel the State (various state agencies) to address problems by developing solutions WITH the appropriate stakeholder community.
DD Waiver Workgroup
Purpose: This group initiated in 2021 and was charged with developing a plan to reduce the waiting list and make recommendations for increasing reimbursement rates.
State Agency: DBHDS lead with DMAS representation
Representation of People with DD/Families: Eight representatives from The Arc of Virginia’s membership were appointed to the group.
Status/Progress: Group has met many times to develop recommendations, those are in draft form awaiting approval from DBHDS & DMAS. Recommendations likely to include:
Funding of rate increases and slots
Funding for investments in innovation for inclusive services
Development of a set of core services available to people on the waitlist
Assistive Technology and Virtual Support
Purpose: Charged with developing recommendations to increase access to assistive technology and virtual supports.
State Agency: DMAS
Representation of People with DD/Families: 5 members with IDD or familiy members were appointed from The Arc network.
Status/Progress: This report is also complete and awaiting approval from DMAS. Several recommendations have been made to remove barriers and make the process for applying and receiving AT easier.
Criminal Justice – HB 659
Purpose: Initiated in General Assembly session 2020, this group is developing recommendations for ensuring accommodations for people with IDD in the prison system.
State Agency: Department of Corrections
Representation of People with DD/Families: Two representatives of The Arc of VA network.
Status/Progress: This group has been meeting for over a year evaluating a complex system and designing recommendations to ensure people with IDD are identified in prisons, parole and probation, accommodated and protected from harm. The final recommendations are being finalized with an anticipated completion date of November 1.
Criminal Justice – Marcus Alert
Purpose: The Marcus-David Peters Act aims to provide behavioral health responses to behavioral health emergencies and reduce negative outcomes involving use of force in law enforcement interactions when an individual is experiencing a behavior health crisis related to a mental health, substance use, or developmental disability.
State Agency: DBHDS
Representation of People with DD/Families: 3 self-advocates and 1 staff member from The Arc of VA represent the DD community on this group.
Status/Progress: This group met extensively to plan for the implementation of the Marcus Alert System. The initial 5 regions that will pilot the alert system will begin to do so by December 2021. Currenlty, the State is seeking proposals for funding for projects that support the alert systems implementation.
Special Education – Children’s Services Act (CSA)
Purpose: This group is a 2 year workgroup initiated in 2021 to
“direct the transfer of Children’s Services Act funds currently reserved for children requiring an educational placement in a private special education day school or residential facility to the Department of Education”
“provide recommendations on the use of Children’s Services Act funds to pay for services delivered directly to students with disabilities in public school to enable those who are at risk of out-of-school placements to remain in a public school setting
“provide recommendations on the most effective use of Children’s Services Act funds to transition students from out-of-school placements to public school.The Work Group shall specifically evaluate whether or not Children’s Services Act funding should be expanded to include ongoing support for students with disabilities following the 12-month transition period.
State Agency: Department of Education & Office of Children’s Services
Representation of People with DD/Families: The Arc was only able to get one person appointed, however, we are utlizing our Inclusive Education internal team of advocate volunteers to follow and monitor this work in order to advise the appointee.
Status/Progress: This group has had two meetings and is facilitated by an outside consulting firm. There is a great deal of disagreement among workgroup members regarding this work.
FOR ALL WORKGROUPS
If you have input regarding the work of any of these groups, feel free to reach out to us to learn more and share your perspective. We will provide future updates.
Preparing for 2022 General Assembly Advocacy
2022 Legislative Agenda
In order to develop an annual Legislative Agenda, we listen to a large group of stakeholders who all inform and guide our public policy work. This input is gathered year round from our members and partners and approved as a final agenda in late Fall.
Much of this year’s agenda will come from the recommendations of the workgroups discussed in the previous section and will include both legislative items and funding priorities. But — there is still time to share your input! We will host a Virtual Advocacy RALLY Tuesday November 16th at 6:30PM. Join us to learn how to be a part of the DD Movement!
Virginia’s system continues to have an institutional bias with policies and funding that prioritize and often incentivize facility and segregated services over fully integrated services in the community. This bias robs people of the option to live a life like yours regardless of level of support they need.
In order to change this, we are asking officials to sign a Pledge to Equity, promising to prioritize funding for inclusive services at levels at least equivalent to congregate settings. Watch for updates on this project as we roll the pledge out to Candidates and newly elected members.
DATES TO REMEMBER
BUDGET HEARINGS – January
It all starts with a Budget. Learn about how the State Budget is created by clicking the link below. Note: The Date in Video is for last year, we will announce 2022 Date as soon as available … but hold the first week of January open!
GA SESSION – Session begins March 2022!
Federal Advocacy – An Opportunity We Can’t Waste!
#Care Can’t Wait CAMPAIGN
– ALL HANDS ON DECK for this ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY
Background
President Biden promised $400 billion in funding for HCBS. But the House recently came back with a proposal of only $190 billion – less than half of what we have advocated for and less than half of what we have been promised. This is unacceptable, and not enough funding to create the transformative change we need.
We need Congress to fund a transformative change in our home and community based services system. With this investment, we can ensure that disabled and aging people can get the care they need without being pushed into institutions, and to ensure that direct support workers’ are paid fairly and treated with dignity.
ACTION STEP
The Actions are simple, we need you to ACT NOW. There are 4 ways to Act, you can do 1 or do all 4! In order of priority for you to ACT:
CALL Congress
Email Congress
Tweet Congress
Share Your Story
Use the Tool Below for all 4 Actions. The Stories are being collected and THOUSANDS of stories will be hand delilvered to Congress…make sure yours is in there. The tool asks you some questions and turns it into your story… EASY for you…BIG IMPACT!
Use the video below to post to your Social Media, tag your members of Congress.
Specific Virginia Tweets: Use these to tweet @MarkWarner and your Representative in Congress.
@_______, which part of the $400 billion for #Medicaid #HCBS is concerning? Right now 1 in 5 home care workers in VA live in poverty and 103,000 home care job openings will need to be filled by 2028. We need to #BuildBackBetter by providing these essential workers with a livable wage!
@_______, a $400 billion dollar investment in #HCBS will allow for 14,400 family caregivers in VA to return to work! In a time where the nation is experiencing a labor shortage, it is essential that we #BuildBackBetter by making these key investments!
@_______, 13,000 Virginians are on the waiting list for #HCBS services and it will only grow in the coming years if left underfunded! A 400 billion dollar investment will allow for VA to #BuildBackBetter by investing essential services!
Funding for People on the DD Waiver Waitlist – Time Sensitive
The Individual and Family Support Program-Funding provides financial assistance to families and individuals who are on Virginia’s Developmental Disability(DD) waiver waitlist. If you are on the DD waitlist you may apply online only for funds to cover the cost of a variety of items that will help a person who is living in a community setting.
The IFSP-Funding Portal is open until October 4, 2021 to create a draft application. Applications must be submitted on October 7,2021. To learn more and how to apply go to https://ifsponline.dbhds.virginia.gov/
DD WAIVER APPLICATION FORMS REVISED
If you are on the Developmental Disability Waiver Waitlist, be aware that changes were made to the application forms that may affect your status on the waiting list. The Priority Level Needs Checklist has added requirements to meet Priority Level 1 status. The Critical Needs Summary assesses a person’s level of need, and it has additional requirements that may change a person’s score. If you or your family member is in need of a DD Waiver, we recommend that you obtain copies of your waiver application documents from your Community Services Board representative and review them to see if they accurately describe your need for a DD Waiver. If you think changes are needed contact your CSB representative. You may view the application forms on our website: If you have questions or need more information feel free to contact The Arc of Virginia for consultation by phone (804) 649-8481 x 104 or email info@TheArcofVA.org
VA – Dept. of Justice Settlement Agreement Extended
In 2012 Virginia entered a Settlement Agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to correct violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a lack of a sufficient community based system of support and services.
Virginia agreed to come into compliance with the Settlement Agreement by June 2021. However, the Independent Reviewer for the Settlement Agreement found that Virginia is not in full compliance and the court has given Virginia an extension for completion to July 1, 2022.
Find more information about the Settlement Agreement:
If you or someone you know encountered barriers at these Virginia Amtrak stations (Ashland, Clifton Forge, Petersburg, Richmond Staples Mill Road), you may be qualified to make a claim for monetary compensation.
Visit AmtrakDisabilitySettlement.com to find out if you’re qualified for a compensation fund. Claims must be submitted by May 29, 2021.
STATE NEWS
State Updates From our Partners in Advocacy – Ashley Wright, Davis Consultants
DD & CCC+ WAIVER UPDATES
Rates paid to Consumer Directed and Agency Directed Providers effective May 1, 2021
Northern Virginia Rate for Consumer Directed Personal Care, Respite and Companion: $13.60/hour Rest of Virginia Rate for Consumer Directed Personal Care, Respite and Companion: $10.50/hour.
Northern Virginia Rate for Agency Directed Personal Care, Respite and Companion: $18.02/hour Rest of Virginia Rate for Agency Directed Personal Care, Respite and Companion: $15.31/hour.
Flexibilities that will change effective May 1, 2021
In-person visits will be required as outlined below. In the event a person refuses the in-person visit, the provider shall document the reason the face-to-face visit could not be made and a telehealth visit should be conducted. Providers shall use social distancing protocols and face masks.
1. Personal care, respite, and companion services, agency-directed and consumer-directed services: For people that have not had an in-person visit on or after 3/12/2020, the next required agency supervisory or services facilitator reassessment/routine visit should be done in person. In-person visits shall be required every six months for the duration of the Public Health Emergency. Telehealth visits may be conducted for visits that occur in between the six month in-person visits.
2. Newly enrolled people in the waiver or waiver service. In-person visits will be required for anyone newly enrolled in the waiver or in a waiver service with effective dates of May 1, 2021 or after. In-person visits shall be required every six months for the duration of the Public Health Emergency. Telehealth visits may be conducted for visits in between the six month in-person visits.
3. Any member with a significant change requesting an increase in support due to changes in medical condition or natural supports.
4. Developmental Disability Waiver case management face-to-face visits for individuals waivers shall be conducted in person. This applies to targeted case management including visits for completion of the SIS, VIDES, annual plan meetings, and case management visits. The SIS, VIDES and annual plan meetings should be held in an appropriate setting allowing for social distancing and other precautions.
Flexibilities that will END effective August 1, 2021
1. Parents of children under 18 and spouses will not be permitted to be paid to provide personal care/personal assistance. (DMAS will continue to re-evaluate this flexibility prior to August 1, 2021.)
2. Community Engagement (CE)/Community Coaching (CC) provided through telephonic/video conferencing.
3. In-home Support services delivered via an electronic method or telehealth(telephonic/video).
4. Group Day Services provided through video conferencing.
NEW REGULATIONS FOR DD WAIVER SERVICES New regulations for the Developmental Disability Waiver program took effect May 1st. Click to view the new regs.
PROGRAM NEWS Peer Mentoring – Open for Business!
Do you have a goal you want to achieve? A Peer Mentor Can Help!
What Is A Peer Mentor: Peer Mentor Supports is a DD Medicaid Waiver service designed to foster connections and relationships which build individual resilience.
Who Can Receive Peer Mentor Services: People ages 16 and older who currently receive DD Waiver Services.
Special Offer to those on the DD Waiting List: Through special state funding, we can offer Peer Mentoring to people on the DD Waiver Waiting List! So get in touch today before the limited spots run out!
New Path Family Support Network of The Arc of Virginia can help connect you to other parents with similar experiences!
To learn more about New Path Family Support Network, contact Robin Church at rchurch@thearcofva.org
Federal Action Alert
FEDERAL ACTION ALERT
Be Part of the Virginia Delegation to D.C.COVID-19 Recovery Requires Historic Investment in Disability Services
We need a groundswell of action – #MedicaidCantWait for this long-overdue support! For years, the service system that people with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) and their families rely on, Medicaid, has needed an update. People are stuck on waiting lists, the direct care workforce is underpaid, and too often, unpaid family caregivers are filling in the gaps in service. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified these problems and exposed the cracks and gaps in the care infrastructure when it comes to supporting people with disabilities.
Now, the Administration has proposed a historic investment in disability services as a part of a COVID-19 economic recovery. Congress must follow President Biden’s lead and fund $400 billion for the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) system, increase wages for the direct care workforce, and create more of these jobs.
We must ask Members of Congress to enact legislation that lives up to this plan and do more for people with disabilities, their families, and the direct care workforce. We need:
A $400 billion investment to fund expanded access to Medicaid HCBS to people with disabilities on waiting lists and address the direct care workforce crisis, including raising wages. This effort will also allow unpaid family caregivers who have been filling in the gaps of service for far too long to re-enter the workforce. A national paid leave program. The pandemic forced millions of people to choose between their own health, the health of their families, and their livelihood. We must invest in our care infrastructure and pass a national paid leave program that guarantees paid leave to family caregivers. Improvements to the Supplemental Security Income program. The lowest income people with disabilities who rely on SSI receive extremely limited benefits and cannot have more than $2,000 in savings, an amount that has not been updated since 1984. SSI benefits, asset limits, and other program rules must be updated to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
Act Now: Urge your Members of Congress to meet the needs of people with disabilities, their families, and the direct care workforce!
Members of Congress Unveil Bill to Make HCBS Available to All, Eliminate Institutional Bias Last week, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH); and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released draft text of a bill to make Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory benefit under Medicaid and eliminate waiting lists. Currently, states are allowed to limit HCBS services through waiting lists, while they cannot do so for institutional placements. This bill eliminates that institutional bias. Additionally, it increases federal funding to provide for higher pay for direct support professionals. See The Arc’s statement.
President Signs COVID Relief Reconciliation Bill On March 11, President Biden signed the COVID relief reconciliation package. Notable provisions include: Funding for HCBS: 10% FMAP increase for HCBS for one year. Extension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase through September Economic Impact Payments of $1,400 per person, including for adult dependents Temporary increase in premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act Extension and expansion of tax credits for business that provide COVID leave Expansion of Earned Income Tax Credit for childless adults Expansion of and refundability for the Child Tax Credit for low-income families See The Arc’s statement. Senate Approves Becerra Nomination On March 18, the Senate approved the nomination of Xavier Becerra to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a vote of 50-49. HHS is the cabinet level department that administers most federal health and social service programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act programs, Developmental Disabilities Act programs, Head Start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Additionally, it oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health.
Senate Approves Garland Nomination On March 10, the Senate approved the nomination of Merrick Garland to be Attorney General with a vote of 70-30. The Attorney General is a cabinet level position in charge of the Department of Justice, which is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Approves Fudge Nomination On March 10, the Senate approved the nomination of Marcia Fudge to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with a vote of 66-34. HUD is the cabinet level department that oversees federal housing programs and enforces housing laws, such as the Fair Housing Act.
Senators Introduce Disability Employment Incentives Act On March 9, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and seven other Senators introduced the Disability Employment Incentives Act (S.630). This bill increases three tax credits for employers. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides incentives for businesses that hire people referred by vocational rehabilitation or who are on Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance, would be increased from $2,400 to $5,000. The Disability Access Expenditures Tax Credit would be increased from $5,000 to $10,000. The Architectural and Transportation Barrier Tax Credit would be increased from $15,000 to $30,000.
Announcements Members of Congress Unveil Bill to Make HCBS Available to All, Eliminate Institutional Bias Last week, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH); and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released draft text of a bill to make Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory benefit under Medicaid and eliminate waiting lists. Currently, states are allowed to limit HCBS services through waiting lists, while they cannot do so for institutional placements. This bill eliminates that institutional bias. Additionally, it increases federal funding to provide for higher pay for direct support professionals. See The Arc’s statement.
President Signs COVID Relief Reconciliation Bill On March 11, President Biden signed the COVID relief reconciliation package. Notable provisions include: Funding for HCBS: 10% FMAP increase for HCBS for one year. Extension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase through September Economic Impact Payments of $1,400 per person, including for adult dependents Temporary increase in premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act Extension and expansion of tax credits for business that provide COVID leave Expansion of Earned Income Tax Credit for childless adults Expansion of and refundability for the Child Tax Credit for low-income families See The Arc’s statement.
Senate Approves Becerra Nomination On March 18, the Senate approved the nomination of Xavier Becerra to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a vote of 50-49. HHS is the cabinet level department that administers most federal health and social service programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act programs, Developmental Disabilities Act programs, Head Start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Additionally, it oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health.
Senate Approves Garland Nomination On March 10, the Senate approved the nomination of Merrick Garland to be Attorney General with a vote of 70-30. The Attorney General is a cabinet level position in charge of the Department of Justice, which is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Senate Approves Fudge Nomination On March 10, the Senate approved the nomination of Marcia Fudge to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with a vote of 66-34. HUD is the cabinet level department that oversees federal housing programs and enforces housing laws, such as the Fair Housing Act.
Senators Introduce Disability Employment Incentives Act On March 9, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and seven other Senators introduced the Disability Employment Incentives Act (S.630). This bill increases three tax credits for employers. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides incentives for businesses that hire people referred by vocational rehabilitation or who are on Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance, would be increased from $2,400 to $5,000. The Disability Access Expenditures Tax Credit would be increased from $5,000 to $10,000. The Architectural and Transportation Barrier Tax Credit would be increased from $15,000 to $30,000. Announcements
Courts Permanently Block Public Charge Rule On March 9, the Department of Justice announced it would stop defending the public charge rule. Later that day, the Supreme Court and 7th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed all pending appeals. As a result, the ruling from the North District of Illinois that blocked the public charge rule is now in effect. The public charge rule defines how the Department of Homeland Security decides who is inadmissible to the U.S. because the government thinks they are likely to become a “public charge,” based on the use of certain government benefits. The rule made it extremely difficult for people with disabilities to immigrate to the United States. It also discouraged those who are already here from using critical public benefits, including the Medicaid-funded home and community based services that many people with disabilities rely on to fully participate in their communities.
CMS Announces Special Enrollment Period for Health Coverage The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it will open a special enrollment period (SEP) for federal marketplace health coverage. Typically, individuals can only enroll in marketplace health coverage or change plans toward the end of the year or after a major life event. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS opened a SEP from February 15 to May 15 for individuals in states that use the federally facilitated marketplace (healthcare.gov). Additionally, several states with states-based marketplaces have also announced special enrollment periods.
Amtrak Accepting Claims in DOJ Settlement The Department of Justice recently announced the opening of the Compensation Fund in their 2020 settlement with Amtrak. Find more information here on how to submit a claim.
