Proposed rules published on implementation of health care reform's individual mandate: The Affordable Care Act is helping make health care affordable and accessible to millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of direct care workers. On January 30, the Obama administration published its
proposed rules regarding the individual mandate, the provision of the health care law that requires most taxpayers to purchase health insurance. The individual mandate is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2014. In total, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that less than 2% of U.S. residents will be subject to a fine for not having health insurance. Learn more about
direct care workers and the Affordable Care Act and
implementation of the individual mandate.
Tune in tonight to the State of the Union address: Tonight, President Obama will deliver the State of the Union address, an annual address to Congress in which the President speaks about the condition of the United States and his policy agenda. In tonight's address, President Obama is expected to focus on the economy, particularly job growth and expanding the middle class.
Direct Care Alliance is urging the Obama administration and Congress to invest in direct care jobs--one of the fastest growing occupational sectors--as part of their efforts to strengthen the U.S. economy. Watch tonight's State of the Union at 9pm Eastern, and learn more about ways you can
get involved in the conversation.
On March 5, people from over 150 local, state and national organizations--including Direct Care Alliance (DCA)--will gather in Austin for a Texas Medicaid Matters advocacy day. Medicaid is the program that provides low-income individuals and families with crucial access to affordable health care. Together, we will call on legislators and policymakers to expand Medicaid so more direct care workers and other Texans have the health care they need. 
