NCCDD Public Policy Newsletter 12/5/2011
In This Issue
Resources
Opportunity to Speak Out
North Carolina
Federal Policy Update
 

New Resource

 

On the Chopping Block  is a new page on the Together NC website that provides statewide and regional information about the economy and the impact of budget cuts. It is the goal for this website to serve as a one-stop repository for anyone - the public, press and policy-makers - who are interested in learning more about the effects of this year's state budget.

 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

 

President Obama declared December 3, 2011 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities to "renew our dedication to embrace diversity, end discrimination, remove barriers, and uphold the rights, dignity, and equal opportunity of all people."

partners
 
 

 

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
3125 Poplarwood Court, Ste. 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
ncpolicy@nccdd.org
919-850-2901

 
Opportunity to Voice Your Opinion

 

There are many changes happening at both the state and federa level related to supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  What can you do?  Stay informed of policy events such as those presented in this week's newsletter. Contact leaders and service providers in your community, your state policy makers, and US Representatives to let them know your opinions. They want to hear from you!

North Carolina

 

DRNC Letter to Governor Regarding Community Based Services
 
Last week, Disabilty Rights NC  (DRNC) sent a letter to Governor Perdue asking her to take leadership and negotiate a settlement with the US Department of Justice on the issue of individuals with mental illness living in adult care homes.  The Governor has the opportunity to enhance our current system of community based services and lead our state in a new direction for supporting persons with mental illness and other disabilities.  Failure to negotiate with the Department of Justice on this issue could result in a lawsuit requiring North Carolina to comply with the federal Olmstead laws.

 

A copy of the letter can be found on the DRNC website.
 
Statewide Innovations Waiver Implementation Update 

 

The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (MHDDSAS) has released a MAP of proposed Local Management Entities- Managed Care Organizations.  Some regions will begin the statewide implementation of the 1915(b)(c) Waiver in January 2012, while other regions will begin in 2013.  All counties in NC must participate in the statewide waiver program by 2014.

 

State leaders are currently working to set up a variety of Committees and task force groups to establish the new way in which the state will work with LMEs and local providers. 

 

You are an important stakeholder in this process! Please contact your local and state leaders to let them know your thoughts, concerns, and opinions.

Federal
 
Spending Cuts and the Developmental Disability Network

 

During the debt ceiling crisis this summer, a Congressional Super Committee was set up to find $1.2 trillion in savings . The deadline was November 23, 2011. Unfortunately, the group of Democrats and Republicans were not able to reach an agreement meaning that the Super Committee has officially failed.

  

Some experts have said the Committee failure might be a better outcome for health care providers and consumers since Medicare cuts are capped at 2% and Medicaid (food stamps, Social Security and a few other programs) are protected from cuts.

  

However, the remaining non-defense cuts (approximately $38 billion in FY2013) would likely come from other discretionary programs such as National Institutes of Health Funding, the Affordable Care Act's Prevention Fund, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant programs, and funding for the DD Councils and the rest of the DD network.

 

The FY2012 Labor HHS Bill that funds the DD Councils is still not decided. While it could be included in the omnibus bill, differences over the implementation of the health reform law may prevent its inclusion and force another year-long Continuing Resolution.

 

Please contact your Congressional Representatives and let them know the importance of funding the DD Network.

 

ABLE Act: Beyond Academics

The "Achieving Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was introduced to help families of children with disabilities. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, "The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save for their child's future without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, and other sources. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation. If passed, this bill will expand the use of 529 education savings accounts to be used for a student's college education tax-free.
 
North Carolina Senator Burr and Representatiaves Jones, McIntyre, Miller, Myrick, and Price are among those leaders who have signed in support of this bill.

 

ABLE Act 2011 Fact Sheet 

 

The NCCDD works to advance opportunities and services for the estimated 172,000 persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina. NCCDD is charged with creating systems change through grant awards, public policy, and advocacy guided by the core values of integration, productivity, inclusion, independence and self- determination set out in the Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and Assistance Act (P.L. 106-402).