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-- To: General Public Re: Final Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Services Rate Changes From: Kylee Hope, Director, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Date: January, 27, 2014 The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) appreciates the public’s review and feedback of the proposed employment service model for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Based on the public comments received, the BRS adjusted the hourly rate, expanded the supported employment payment points, and provided additional clarification with respect to employment services. On January 20th, the Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments in Armstrong v. Exceptional Child Center, Inc., a case filed against Idaho by residential service providers challenging the adequacy of Medicaid reimbursement rates. Under Federal Law, states are required to “assure that payments are consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care and are sufficient to enlist enough providers so that care and services are available.” The case has the potential to significantly impact state Medicaid programs nationwide if the Court rules that private providers have legal standing to hold states accountable for setting adequate Medicaid rates.
It may have been a short week due to the MLK holiday, but legislative committee activity was fierce now that all of the filed bills have been assigned to committees. There are 570 Senate bills and 667 House bills eligible for committee consideration.
As part of INARF’s continuing commitment to ensuring members are informed, we have compiled updates on key issues and activities in which the INARF Board of Directors, Governmental Affairs Committee, and Staff have been engaged in on your behalf.
As reported by INARF early last week, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was signed into law by President Obama, creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to open tax-exempt accounts similar to 529 College Savings Plans. The Act was well received by consumers and providers alike, prompting many questions about the establishment and maintenance of these accounts.
To better prepare INARF members to answer questions posed by consumers and families, Doug Long, with long-time INARF General Counsel and Associate Member Hall, Render, Killian, Heath, and Lyman, researched the act and has provided the following summary, outlining its key provisions: |
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