Essential Health Benefits A report was released by the Institute of Medicine  of the National Academy of Sciences regarding "Essential Health Benefits" under the Affordable Care Act . The Department of Health and Human Services  is charged with developing a package of Essential Health Benefits (EHB) that should be covered by all health plans offered in the Exchanges.  The essential benefits package is supposed to be based on what a "typical" employer plan would offer, but also must cover ten general benefit categories, including "habilitation" services.  The report recommended that the EHB be based on what a typical small employer might offer, and that cost be a primary factor so that premiums are affordable.  Earlier this year Family Voices (Raising Special Kids is the FV Arizona chapter) submitted comments about the importance of habilitation services to children with special health care needs.  The report can be found at http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=13234.  An article about it can be found in the Washington Post at http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/health-care-law-benefits-must-be-limited-to-ensure-affordability-panel-says/2011/10/06/gIQA3K5URL_story.html.   The next step is to issue the proposed EHB package, which may happen by the end of the year.

Report says Medicaid agencies should strengthen requirements

To view the report on Arizona, visit http://www.kff.org/healthreform/8223.cfm and choose AZ from the dropdown list. Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit requires the early identification of health problems and the necessary diagnostic and treatment services.

States have evolved their own policies to implement the requirement, and they vary considerably.

This report examined what policies states have established for EPSDT preventive office visits for adolescent patients ages 12 to 21. Read the full report and visit the website for The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health: www.TheNationalAlliance.org. 

Events and Activities

Petition for supporting Medicaid available online

A petition to support Medicaid funding for people with disabilities and seniors was created on the recently launched online portal called "We the People"

Cerebral Palsy - Recent Advances in Medical Treatment

Saturday, October 22^nd

7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

For Parents and Caregivers

Phoenix Children's Hospital

Melvin L. Cohen Conference Center, Rosenberg Children's Medical Plaza

1920 E. Cambridge Ave., Phoenix AZ 85006

Topics presented by physicians include; Primary Care, Neurology-Seizures, Neurosurgery-Intrathecal Baclofen, Gastroenterology concerns, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation-Spasticity management, Orthopedics, and Parent Perspective.

Register at:  www.phoenixchildrens.com/events

Free Admission - Free Parking

(Sorry, no respite care provided)

Contact:

Karen Pennington

(602) 933-3300 or

kpennington@phoenixchildrens.com

5th Annual DDD Provider Fair

Saturday, November 12th   

10:00am - 2:00pm

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix

The DDD Provider Fair is for individuals eligible to receive services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD qualifying disabilities are Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Cognitive Disability or Epilepsy).  Over 60 Providers and Community Partners will be on hand to answer questions on Respite, Habilitation, Attendant Care, Housekeeping, Day Programs, Residential Services, Employment Services, Therapies, as well as many other services and products.  Walmart gift cards will be raffled off. Fun and Games, Food and Drinks. For more information log on to www.azproviderfair.com

Free Trainings and Workshops presented by Raising Special Kids

To register, call 602-242-4366 or click on the link to register online.

Phoenix location: 5025 E Washington St., #204, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Positive Behavior Support

October 13, 2011

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management.  

Western Arizona (see locations in each listing)

Double Workshop - Kingman

October 14, 2011

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

This double workshop will include The Journey to Adulthood and Bully-Free Environments.

Kingman Hospital, 3269 Stockton Hill Road/Mohave Room-B, Kingman, AZ   

Double Workshop - Lake Havasu City

October 15, 2011

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This double workshop will consist of Self-Advocacy for Youth and Getting and Keeping the First Job.

Arizona Children's Association , 228 London Bridge Road, Suite #202, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403   

En Español

5025 E Washington St., #204, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Conceptos Basicos del IEP

October 13, 2011

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Aprender acerca del proposito del IEP a traves de una vision general del documento y reunion.  

Es su Hijo Blanco de Burlas?

October 17, 2011

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Estrategias de Intervención para Padres de Niños con Discapacidades. Una forma de abuso en la escuela a través de la intimidación, tiranía y aislamiento.

United Way Donations Can Help Raising Special Kids

Make a workplace donation through your employer using a monthly payroll deduction.

United Way pledge cards have a Donor Choice location in which to write Raising Special Kids name and address (5025 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034), or use our United Way Number: 314. Thank you for supporting families of children with disabilities and special health needs!

Raising Special Kids is a tax-exempt 501 © (3) nonprofit organization

 "Your knowledge of effective communication skills really helped me communicate with the school staff without putting them on the defensive. My daughter is now back in school and I have to say the communication between us and her teachers has never been better!"