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Text Box: There are many issues that could affect Idahoans with disabilities coming before the Legislature in the upcoming session.  Families throughout Idaho should be aware of these issues, in order to discuss their thoughts, needs and feelings with their Representatives and Senators.  Don’t wait to let your elected officials know how these issues affect you! Each topic will have ways to get a hold of key participants or sponsors.  For more resources or contact information, go to our website at connectingfamilies.net!                  Issues & Topics           Medicaid Modernization                 Medicaid Buy-In            Katie Beckett  Reform               Disruptive Students

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Text Box: Center on Disabilities and Human Development—EDK 293

Text Box: winter, 2005

Text Box: Volume 4, Issue 1

Text Box: Making Connections

Happy HolidaysText Box: MEDICAID MODERNIZATION   Governor Kempthorne has proposed a sweeping overhaul of our Medicaid system. Key points to the change include: 3 categories of eligibility (low-income kids & working-age adults, individuals with disabilities or special needs, and elders). Each category emphasizes the right care or service at the right time. What will this mean for Idaho and will the changes in structure actually be made? For more information online: http://www.modernizemedicaid.idaho.gov/ or call the Governor’s Office at 208-334-2100. Have your voice heard!

Legislative BuildingText Box: KATIE BECKETT REFORM This program disregards family income for children with developmental disabilities who are eligible for long-term care. There is no similar program for children with serious emotional disturbance. Advocates are proposing that Katie Beckett be expanded to include children with mental illness, but that could involve the program changing to include copays or a means test for families above certain incomes. This program is a life line for many families. How could this change affect you? Contact Comprehensive Advocacy (Co-Ad,Inc) at 1-866- 262-3462 or on the web at http://www.users.moscow.com/co%2Dad/Default.htm.          

Text Box: To Contact the Governor’s Office via web: http://www.accessidaho.org/ or call 208 -334-2100

Text Box: MEDICAID BUY-IN For the last decade, Idaho has been attempting to persuade the legislature to fund this program, which would allow individuals with disabilities to go to work and “buy-in” to Medicaid. This is needed because many commercial health plans do not cover services that some people with disabilities require, and if they do go to work they often will make more money than is allowed under the Medicaid program. The structure is in place—we’re ready to go—but Idaho has said “No” due to cost. Let’s get this approved! For more information, contact Kelly Buckland at the State Independent Living Center at 1-800-487-4866.

Text Box: Contact the State Independent Living Council via web: http://www2.state.id.us/silc/  or call 800-487-4866

Text Box:                  DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS   Last year, HB 202 was proposed—and killed—that would have allowed children who disrupt the educational process to be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor—with no language regarding students with behavioral disabilities. The bill may be reintroduced in the next session. Disability advocates will be working to propose other non-punitive solutions that do not alienate the family and divert the student into the juvenile justice system. This is an important issue to watch, be ready and get informed about this issue! For more information, contact the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities  at 1-800-544-2433 or on the web at http://www2.state.id.us/icdd/.

Text Box: Health and Welfare Interim Committee Rep. Sharon Block, Chair—Twin Falls Rep. Pete Nielsen—Mountain Home Rep. Margaret Henbest—Boise Rep. Kathie Garrett—Boise Rep. Thomas Loertscher—Iona Rep. John Rusche—Lewiston    

Text Box: Contact the ID Council on Dev. Disabilities via web at http://www2.state.id.us/icdd/ Or call 800-544-2433

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