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.  MassHealth is working on the "Integration of Medicare and Medicaid" - this change will have a significant impact on our constituents.  Go here for background on this issue and responses from The Arc.  See Medicare and Medicaid Combined. Policy and education objectives were primary recommendations of our research report.  This link reflects the most recent goals/objectives of the project.  It is updated from time to time. Dental Policy Reminder:  Although the state budget did cut back on Medicaid dental benefits for adults, DDS (Dept. of Developmental Services) eligible persons continue to be covered under Medicaid for all dental services (preventive, restorative).  A letter from Commissioner Howe can be downloaded or printed if you need it for verification. Choose dental benefits document on this page.     The project is guided by an advisory committee.  Members play various roles ranging from attending secretariat or commissioner level meetings on health inequities and systems change, assisting in reviewing policies and legislation, discussing best strategies on addressing barriers and participating by making presentations or educating health professionals and others.      As noted above in November 2010, an article from the project and colleagues was published in a national journal.    In December 2010, a conference on Healthy Outcomes was co-hosted by Springfield College and included more than 120 participants.   The project utilizes webinars, conferences and outreach sessions to work with constituents, health professionals and long term support providers.   Go to the adjoining section on this page to obtain information and resources.   Federal Health Care Policy Update - 2011