This is an interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Shaun Heasley about how a new study finds housing too expensive for with disabilities living on SSI. He lists some interesting stats and figures.

Housing Unaffordable For Many With Disabilities, Report Finds

By Shaun Heasley

Housing is too costly for people with disabilities living on Supplemental Security Income in nearly every place across the country, with apartment rents often exceeding an individuals entire monthly income.

Nationally, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in 2014 totaled 104 percent of the monthly SSI payment for a person with a disability, according to areportout this week.

From Bethel, Alaska to Boston, Mass., to Tallahassee, Fla., we have an affordable housing crisis in our nations local communities, and it is particularly acute for people with disabilities on SSI, said Kevin Martone, executive director of the Technical Assistance Collaborative, which produced the report along with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.

To assess the housing situation for those with disabilities, the organizations compared monthly SSI payments in 2014 to the fair market rents for studio and one-bedroom apartments in communities across the country, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

They found that the average monthly SSI payment for a single person was $750. At the same time, the national average for a one-bedroom apartment was $780 while a studio apartment cost $674 per month.

Both options far exceed whats considered affordable under federal recommendations, which indicate that housing costs should account for no more than 30 percent of a persons income.

The findings suggest that not much has changed since2013when the groups last issued their biannual report dubbed Priced Out. At that time, renting even the smallest apartments in each state cost at least 60 percent of what SSI paid.

As this report makes clear, rental housing is out of reach for people living on SSI without an ongoing rent subsidy, said Andrew Sperling, co-chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/11/housing-unaffordable-report/20375/

Family Voices of WisconsinFamily Impact!Grant Initiative

APPLICATIONSNOW AVAILABLE!

DueJuly 3, 2015

Are you a parent, sibling or other family member of a child or youth with special health care needs or a disability (CYSHCN), age birth to 21? Do you have an idea that would make Wisconsins systems of supports and resources more accessible and responsive to the needs of your family, and other CYSHCN families like yours?

Family Voices of Wisconsin is pleased to announce the launch of its newFamily Impact!Grant initiative. Through this grant program, funding and technical assistance will be provided to family-led projects designed to improve Wisconsins systems of support for family members who have children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs.

Projects may focus on improving local, regional or statewide policies, practices, systems or programs designed to support the health, well-being and community connections of children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs and their families.

Where can I learn more and apply for a grant?

Additional information and grant applications can now be found athttp://fvofwi.org/family-impact-grant/

Partners in Policymaking

Meet Mary Sykes. As a strong advocate for people with disabilities, Mary is very passionate about person-centered planning. She has been involved in numerous disability organizations over the years, and full-heartedly believes in self-determination for all people. Learn more about Mary in this months Member Spotlight.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SDNetwork?

Ive been connected to people with developmental disabilities and the disability rights movement in one way or another since my high school days (which were many years ago!) as a member of Youth-ARC; as a citizen advocate; as a program coordinator for Citizen Advocacy; as a member of and volunteer with the Arc in Dane County; and as a PATH facilitator since 1997. (PATH is one of many person centered planning tools.) Currently, a colleague and I are developing a consulting business that would offer training and support in relationship and community building with and for people with disabilities. Since March of 2014, Ive also worked for Disability Rights Wisconsin, part time, as a training coordinator for the Disability Benefit Specialists program there.

The principles of self-determination have always made sense to me. I remember hearing Tom Nerney speak about self-determination this was many years ago but I still remember the goose bumps elicited by his stirring words, his call for justice, dignity and freedom. Self-determination, for me, is inextricably linked to relationship and belonging independence, for any of us, is not possible without interdependence. None of us can be our best and most powerful selves without love and support and help.

I joined the SD Network because I want to connect with like-minded people! I love that Network members hail from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances, and from all parts of Wisconsin. I was particularly drawn to the Person-Centered Facilitators group because of my work as a PATH and inclusion facilitator.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

The strong and passionate response to the threats to IRIS and other resources posed by the Governors budget proposal has been inspiring and the fact that its had a positive impact gives me hope.

I am privileged to witness individuals and groups articulating their dreams and creating action plans in the service of a bright and shining future and I know this is happening all across this state! I see people continuing to learn about person centered planning and striving to use those tools in a meaningful way. I am inspired by people thinking outside the box, being creative in their thinking and action, coming together to support someones vision for a better life. I am inspired by people with disabilities sharing their dreams and gifts and talents. Truly, we are better together!

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to direct their own supports, or who would want to be more self-determined?

Dont give up if something doesnt work, look for another way. Our best resource is one another think outside the box in terms of whos in your corner, who your people are. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected sources!

These words come to mind please substitute for God whomever/whatever has meaning for you (this has been attributed to Nelson Mandela but may actually be the words of Marianne Williamson):

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are younotto be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

What message would you like to share with themembersof the SDNetwork?

It would be the same as above dont lose hope. Dont hold back. And take care of yourself do what you need to do to feed your mind, body and spirit.

What's your dream vacation?

I recently returned from one of my most favorite spots on earth the North Shore of Lake Superior. Being there with my sweetheart, my spouse. Just sitting on the rocks by those big, expansive, wild, beautiful waters. Hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail. Having dinner at The Angry Trout caf in Grand Marais. We are already scheming about when we can go back!

***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.

Ignite Your Grassroots Efforts: Apply for BPDD SPARKS Grant!

This is an interesting article in Disability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about a new program federalofficials are launching in effort to help people with disabilities become more financially independent. She explains that it's starting as a pilot program in six cities in the US. It sounds like an interesting program.

Feds Launch Financial Effort Aimed At People With Disabilities

By Michelle Diament

With a first-of-its-kind effort, federal officials are looking to provide hands-on assistance to help people with disabilities become more financially independent.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said this week said that it will launch the ROADS to Financial Independence initiative as a pilot program in six communities across the nation.

Through local partner agencies, individuals with disabilities who are currently working or transitioning into the workforce will be offered access to financial counseling alongside employment, independent living and other more traditional support services.

Historically, people with disabilities have been excluded from the economic mainstream, said Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ROADS to Financial Independence initiative aims to help provide them with the proper support and services to lead financially healthy and independent lives.

Research suggests that with high unemployment, many people with disabilities have no savings for emergencies and they are more likely to rely on alternative financial services like payday loans and check cashing.

Those participating in the new program will be given an assessment and then paired with a financial counselor who will help them open a bank account, create a budget and set and achieve goals. Over five years, officials said they expect to assist 14,000 individualswith disabilities.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it will focus on establishing best practices for helping people with disabilities improve their financial situation that can be replicated.

The program will be managed by the National Disability Institute and operated by 19 organizations in six communities Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; the Finger Lakes region in New York; Seattle, Wash.; the state of Delaware and in the Washington, DC metro area.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/04/feds-financial-effort/20356/

Another interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Jay Hancock about the proposed changes to Medicaid. He explains that privatizing Medicaid has become popular in many states. He makes several interesting points in this article. Again, this is especially interesting given the happenings in Wisconsin.

Changes Recommended For Medicaid Managed Care

By Jay Hancock

Sweeping proposalspublished Mondaywould create profit guidelines for private Medicaid plans as well as new standards for the plans doctor and hospital networks and rules to coordinate Medicaid insurance more closely with other coverage.

We are taking steps to align how these programs work, said Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which proposed the rules.

Privatized Medicaid has grown rapidly as budget-pinched states have responded to commercial insurers promise to deliver care for a fixed price. Most beneficiaries of Medicaid state programs for the poor run partly with federal dollars now get care through contracted insurers.

The653-page rule, which also would require states to establish quality ratings for Medicaid plans, constitutes the biggest regulation change to Medicaid managed care in more than a decade. The National Association of Medicaid Directors, a group of state officials, called it a milestone.

One proposal would require plans to assume, for rate-setting purposes, that they will spend at least 85 percent of their revenue on medical care.

Such a medical loss ratio target is similar to that required under the health law for other plans but with a key difference. Unlike health plans sold through the laws online marketplaces and elsewhere, Medicaid plans wouldnt have to rebate the difference if they spend less than 85 percent.

But states would still need to take that into account the next year when they set new rates, thus limiting profits later, said Vikki Wachino, CMS deputy administrator. CMS is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Jeff Myers, CEO of Medicaid Health Plans of America, an industry group, criticized the inclusion of the medical loss ratio standard, which supporters promote as ensuring plans spend a minimum amount on care instead of on executive salaries and shareholder profits.

We dont believe a nationwide MLR is appropriate, Myers said. A uniform profit standard across diverse states could limit plans ability to spend administrative dollars to fine-tune care coordination and quality, he said.

Generally, however, we are very supportive of the direction they are going, he said of CMS. He particularly praised the proposal to better align the Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, which aids families with children with moderate incomes, with Medicaid.

Led by giants such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Aetna and Centene, private Medicaid plans generated nationwide operating profits of $2.4 billion last year, according to regulatory data compiled by Mark Farrah Associates and analyzed by Kaiser Health News.

Advocates for the poor have complained that HHS regulation of Medicaid managed care has lagged behind the industrys growth. Industry profits have sometimes come at the expense of denied care and inadequate doctor networks, they say.

Astudy last yearby HHS inspector general found that half the doctors listed in official plan directories werent taking new Medicaid patients. Among doctors who were, one fourth couldnt see patients for a month.

CMS proposed new standards for network adequacy that also allow wide flexibility to states. States would have to certify at least annually that Medicaid managed-care patients have sufficient access to doctors and hospitals, based on standards for numbers of medical providers per member, maximum distances required to travel for care and other criteria.

This latest proposed guidance ensures that health plans and states have the flexibility to structure their programs and benefits to meet the unique health needs of their enrollees, Dan Durham, interim CEO of Americas Health Insurance Plans, an industry lobby, said in a prepared statement.

Sarah Somers, an attorney with the National Health Law Program, which has long urged updates to federal regulations, praised proposed safeguards for Medicaid members with disabilities and limited English ability.

The regulations governing network adequacy have some positive aspects, she added. But we are concerned that they do not contain the specificity that we recommended.

The proposal also would establish a quality-rating system, perhaps similar to the star scores assigned to Medicare coverage for seniors, so members could compare plan performance. However Wachino said it was too early to tell what the ratings would look like.

Margaret Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, a group of not-for-profit Medicaid companies, said she was disappointed the quality standards wouldnt apply to traditional Medicaid run by the states as well as to private Medicaid plans.

We think that managed care will come out ahead in that comparison, she said.

In a victory for industry, the rules also propose to loosen marketing restrictions on insurers that offer Medicaid coverage as well as plans sold through the health-law marketplaces.

Some companies are counting on capturing customers moving from Medicaid to commercial plans or vice versa as the members incomes fluctuate. The new regulation would make it easier for insurers to let Medicaid beneficiaries know that the same company sells a plan through the marketplace.

The rules published this week are only proposals. HHS will take comments until late July and issue final rules later.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/01/changes-medicaid-managed/20346/

An interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about how the U.S. Census Bureau found that the number of businesses that serve people with disabilities is drastically up. She gives some interesting statistics.

Census Records Sharp Rise In Disability Providers

By Michelle Diament

The number of businesses devoted to serving the needs of people with disabilities is up dramatically and so are industryrevenues, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Between 2007 and 2012, there were more than 5,400 new businesses created nationwide providing caregiving and day services for individuals with disabilities and the elderly, bringing the total to 25,899.

Growth in the industry meant that such establishments added nearly 300,000 new workers during that five-year period and revenues jumped by more than $9 billion to $34.4 billion annually.

The data comes from a Census report published ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26.

In addition to businesses providing care services, the Census also cites a 19 percent rise in companies offering transportation for people with special needs.

At the same time, revenues for vocational rehabilitation service providers increased by $1 billion despite just 200 businesses being added to the sector.

Source:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/02/census-disability-providers/20352/