It’s a week full of announcements! This week we’re reading up on the Medicaid managed care regulation released last Tuesday, news from Google of a $20 million investment in universal access, and changes at the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Spoiler alert: ACL announced the new Administration on Disabilities.
- Called “epic” and a “milestone,” the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday released a 653-page rule proposing the largest regulatory change to Medicaid managed care since 2002. The Proposed Rule is open for public comment through July 27. It is a lot to work through; Governing has the top five changes.
- Google announced its latest Impact Challenge will be a $20 million fund to create “universal access for people with disabilities,” writes Engadget. The new Google Impact: Disabilities Program is soliciting suggestions for accessibility issues needing solutions until September 30.
- More announcements: The Administration for Community Living has updated their organizational structure to “formally incorporate the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs,” the agency shares in their June 1 announcement. The most significant change? Creation of a new Administration on Disabilities.
- As we await the D.C. Circuit’s decision in HCAA v. Weil later this month, a related case is being heard at the state level – before the Georgia Supreme Court. Oral arguments on whether in-home care providers are entitled to earning a minimum wage under Georgia state law were heard June 1, reports WABE, the Atlanta PBS affiliate.
- Last week Disability Scoop reported allegations by advocacy groups that Texas school districts are “using truancy laws to absolve themselves of responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).” The article continues their coverage of education issues, following an April piece in which the web-based news outlet reported on a “Dear Colleague” letter reminding school districts of other pathways for resolving disputes over IDEA services.
ICYMI: Last week the National Advisory Board’s Declarations blog spotlighted mental health parity and guest blogger Sita Diehl, director of State Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.