The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Consumer Alert
 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a consumer alert about a website that has the appearance of being an official government website for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

 This new website - http: / /preexistingconditioninsuranceplan.com/ - is not maintained by any government programs and consumers are strongly urged not to submit personal information. CMS is taking the appropriate steps to protect consumers from being misled.

 The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan made available through the Affordable Care Act makes health insurance available to people who have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing conditions. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan:

• Covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
• Does not charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition.
• Does not base eligibility on income.

Individuals interested in the new pre-existing condition insurance program should visit: http://www.pcip.gov/ or call 866-717-5826.

Panel Says U.S. Should Weigh Cost in Deciding 'Essential Health Benefits'   

By: Robert Pear, New York Times, October 6, 2011

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) calls for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to decide the specifics of the essential benefit package in the individual and small group market and Exchange plans. An announcement of these specifics by HHS is expected by May 1, 2012. This article reports on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations to HHS on deciding the essential benefits, including consideration of cost as a significant factor. As HHS goes about this work, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is planning to provide opportunities for Americans to voice their priorities at "listening sessions."

Transition in health care

Spotlight on Child Health Issues is a new e-publication for providers, families, and states from  the National Center for Medical Home Implementation (NCMHI). It provides timely medical home resources to supplement the monthly Medical Homes @ Work e-newsletters. The first Spotlight, Transitioning From a Pediatric to an Adult Medical Home, highlights how challenging this transition can be, especially for youth with special health care needs.  

Spotlight highlights promising practices that support families, youth, young adults, and providers and systems changes in states that provide technical assistance, training, and resources to pediatric and adult providers. Mallory Cyr, a young adult with special health needs, shares her transition story. The Spotlight concludes with resources for providers, youth, and families. 

Child Care Readiness

The Arizona Department of Health Services Child Care Licensing unit has developed information and training for Arizona child care providers in effective preparation for emergency and natural disaster situations. The areas targeted include: 

• Evacuating children in child care: Developing and maintaining a written emergency plan that ensures health, safety and welfare (shelter in place, lock down and shelter out\host facility), including information which will protect children and staff during emergencies.
• Reunifying children and their families after a disaster:  Developing and implementing plans, procedures and back-up plans to communicate with children and staff's families and community agencies before, during, and after an emergency. 
• A focus on children and staff that may have special needs or chronic medical issues and requirements such as transportation, food, or medicine before, during and after an emergency.
• A plan of action for recovery and for a continuum of care for children and families.

See the "Emergency Preparedness" web page with links to existing statewide emergency communication sites, pages containing guidance and information for basic emergency preparedness, and a new web page containing resources and links to disaster and emergency preparation and training.

Mental Health Courts Roundtable Forum

Mediated discussion of the care and treatment of those with mental illness as their lives intersect with our criminal justice system. Sponsored by David's Hope and the Arizona Mental Health and Criminal Justice Coalition. For more information call 602-774-438 http://www.davidshopeaz.org/.

Thursday, October 20, 2011  

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

ASU DOWNTOWN CAMPUS

Nursing and Healthcare Innovations Bldg. 2 Rm. 110

550 N. Third St. Phoenix, 85004

October Phx HFA meeting will feature a spooktacular Halloween Parade!

Thursday Oct 27th, 6:30-8 pm (RSVP required)

Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E Shea Blvd., Rm E102, Scottsdale, AZ

Contact: Email: hfautism@cox.net or Website: www.phoenixautism.com

Best meeting of the year! Tons of fun for the kids!

What you need to know:

1. Kids come dressed up in their costumes if they want (but not enough to scare younger kids).

2. Parents bring goodies (for about 30 kids) so kids can trick or treat from you!

3. Parade will be before speakers in parent's meeting room--younger kids first.

Donation of raffle items are requested for this party.

October Speakers are psychologists who are pioneers and innovative thinkers in our schools!

• Sarah Gentry: Autism Specialist
• Peggy Oranski: Explorer Middle School Psychologist
  Nationally Certified School Psychologist with a Psychology Specialist degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
• Annie Butler: Sunrise Middle School Psychologist
  Nationally Certified School Psychologist with a Master's degree in School Psychology from Northern Arizona University.  

Disability Awareness Fair in Southern AZ

First Annual Sahuarita Disability Awareness Resource Fair

Building an Inclusive Sahuarita

Saturday, December 3, 2011

10 am - 2 pm

Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Way, Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Resources, displays, guest speakers and presentations

Please register for all workshops. To register, click on the name of the workshop or call 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007.

United Way Donations Can Help Raising Special Kids

Raising Special Kids is eligible for donations made through United Way campaigns. Make a workplace donation through your employer using a monthly payroll deduction. Raising Special Kids is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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!

Host Information Table Saturday, October 22nd

Cerebral Palsy Conference - Recent Advances in Medical Treatment ~ Phoenix Children's Hospital, Melvin L. Cohen Conference Center, Rosenberg Children's Medical Plaza, 1920 E. Cambridge Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85006. Raising Special Kids will be hosting an information table at this event from 7:30am to 12:30am. If you are available to assist in hosting the table for an hour or two, please contact Janna Murrell at jannam@raisingspecialkids.org

"Thanks again for all of your help!  I definitely had more confidence and felt very prepared going into these meetings because of your help and because of Raising Special Kids!"