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On December 7, 2011, MassHealth released the draft of its proposal to the federal government to combine Medicare and Medicaid spending and service delivery for persons with disabilities aged 21 to 64 years. See the demonstration proposal here. You can also go to this site to learn more about blending Medicare and Medicaid for "dual eligible recipients" (dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid services). More background from The Arc is here. This policy development is also known as "Duals" so you may see terms such as duals demonstration project and other similar terms. The Arc has one significant policy position that is different from other advocates such as Independent Living Centers, NAMI-Mass and Health Care for All (Independent Living Centers, NAMI, etc.). We believe including long term support services in a single blended rate to private managed care corporation is at best risky and at worst could result in the reduction of those services if health care costs continue to rise. (Long term support services (LTSS) are community based services such as residential, employment, day habilitation, etc.) Advocates do agree on the need for independent case managers and other features that related to health care coordination. The Arc's response to the December 7 draft proposal is here. The Arc will continue to work with Secretary Bigby and her team. We appreciate the communication. The main argument to include LTSS and health care dollars in one rate is that "savings" in Medicare could be applied to LTSS. However we are worried that although this is a goal of the administration that there is much to evaluate before assuming this will happen. We would like there to be two rates, one for health care only and one blended rate. Then recipients could choose and we could analyze the results. A demonstration with only once choice concerns us because: - Historically LTSS and persons with disabilties have confronted barriers in receiving quality health care and this would put more authority into the hands of those same insurance companies or health care entities
- The health care system is far larger and powerful than LTSS system - the tendency to prioritize the health care will be strong
- LTSS is only funded through Medicaid (Medicare has no role) so it's best to keep this program transparent
- Rates in LTSS have always been behind the times and wait lists continue to exist
This systems change process will evolve over time and we will keep you informed. |
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People with intellectual disabilities must have universal access to appropriate, affordable, accessible, timely, and comprehensive medical and dental treatment throughout their lives. In addition, individuals with disabilities need the same opportunities to promote their health in activities such as exercise groups, recreation activities and diet programs.
Much activity is going on in regard to health care. Most recently The Arc of Massachusetts sent in a response to a request for information regarding "Integrating Medicare and Medicaid" for those individuals who are eligible for both programs (dual eligibles). The response, letter and addendum can be found here
Thank you to The Boston Foundation for ensuring the start of our Health Care Project. Publications & Programs New medical respite home opens in December 2011 in the Southeast! Open to entire state. See the Brochure here. The respite home is available to eligible adults for Dept. of Developmental Services (DDS) who are 18 years of age or older throughout Massachusetts who meet the following criteria: Presently receiving in-home nursing or eligible for MassHealth continuous nursing services (CNS) as authorized through the Community Case management (CCM) Program and/or diagnosed with chronic, potentially life threatening medical condition(s) requiring skilled nursing assessments and daily technological and/or medical interventions from trained family, support staff or health professionals.
Extra Measures for Patients with Developmental Disabilities
Brochure from The Arc of Massachusetts to the Medical Community
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - download it free here)
Mercury & Learning Disabilities: A Parent's Guide
Mercury has been linked to learning disabilities and other developmental problems in children. This guide explains how mercury poisoning happens, the ways in which it can affect children, and how parents can help their children manage learning disabilities and/or prevent unborn children from mercury poisoning. A collaborative effort between The Arc, the Learning Disabilities Association of America, the National Education Association (NEA), and the NEA Health Information Network. Healthcare Project at The Arc of Massachusetts
Accommodations for our population are often overlooked as health systems become more complex and insulated. Research has documented many problems, from a national perspective, in healthcare access for people with developmental disabilities. The goal of the Healthcare Project is first to understand the scope of the problem in Massachusetts, and next to determine how best to intervene so that improvements can be made, based in part on alliances with other disability organizations, public agencies, public officials and health care systems. Health Care For All
A non-profit health advocacy organization. Website includes an in-depth collection of healthcare-related resources for people with disabilities. Health Care For All also offers a free health information telephone hotline, which provides information about healthcare in Massachusetts. Access the hotline by phone at (617) 350-7279 or 1-800-272-4232, or go to their home page and click on Health Helpline.
DD Program at McLean Hospital
This program offers outpatient treatment and care, in a partial hospital setting, for people with developmental disabilities who are dually diagnosed with psychiatric symptoms. Directions: Resources for Your Child's Care, Second Edition
“Directions” is an organizing notebook and a resource guide for families of children with special health care needs, designed to help you plan and coordinate care for your child. Provides resources and specialized information about caring for children with special health care needs; ways to organize your child’s health information in order to optimize contact with health providers and health plans; and tips from other parents of children with special health care needs. Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT)
The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) is a citizen initiative in Massachusetts to establish new government policies to prevent harm to our health from toxic hazards. Exposure to pollution and other harmful products has been linked to many health problems, including developmental and behavioral disabilities. The Alliance consists of 142 organizational members – including The Arc of Massachusetts – as well as a network of 1900 individual activists and concerned citizens. Released by Women Voices for the Earth, an AHT affiliate, this report presents mounting evidence that exposure to chemicals in cleaning products is linked to health problems in people, including asthma and reproductive harm. Household Hazards details research on specific ingredients in household cleaners that could pose harm - particularly to children, women and workers. The report also calls for greater regulation of cleaning products sold on store shelves, through legislation such as Massachusetts' Safe Cleaning Products Bill (H2246, S2201).
Mercury Protection Guides & Toolkit
Offers detailed information about mercury, its effects, and how to protect yourself and your family from mercury poisoning. Resources include a Mercury Calculator which can estimate the level of mercury in your blood; a guide to what types and portions of fish are safe to eat; frequently asked questions about mercury-containing products; and information for medical professionals. Created by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the guides and toolkit are also available in Spanish [disponible en español].
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