The Disability Law Center is among many organizations locally and nationwide that oppose an unfair insurance practice called non-medical switching, or NMS. NMS occurs when insurance companies make changes to coverage that ultimately force patients to switch their medication.

Many individuals with disabilities are forced to change the medication that their doctor prescribed and that works well for them when an insurance company or plan decides that it is now too costly to cover. The insurer will end the coverage for that medication and force the individual, without their doctor's input, to switch to another medication putting their health at risk.

These coverage changes take place during the plan year, long after open enrollment. NMS locks consumers into a plan that may no longer meet their needs.

* If you've been a victim of non-medical switching, share your experience by clicking on the link below and taking this survey developed by Global Healthy Living: https://www.research.net/r/STF7DTL

* Please share this survey with others as well.

DLC, along with other patient and provider groups in Massachusetts, formed the Patient Access & Safety Coalition. As such, we advocated for state legislators to address this issue and they created the Medication Switching Commission to examine this issue and report the findings back to the legislature.

This survey data will be used to better inform the Commission and legislators about the impact of NMS. Please take the survey and help us obtain the information and data we need to end this unfair and potentially dangerous practice.

Thank You.

Chris Griffin
Disability Law Center

Alex Beam's column in the B oston Globe, recently, is of interest to people with disabilities.  The story is preceding a hearing this Tuesday at the Statehouse on a bill proposed by Harriet Chandler.  The bill, S1169, would allow dental therapists to treat patients under the "general supervision" of a dentist.  The bill is opposed by the Massachusetts Dental Society.

You can read the story here.

Good news!

Many of you have been following the Blind community's efforts to implement rules that would add sound to new hybrid and electric cars. You may have participated as subjects in studies to determine optimal sounds for the Department of Transportation to use when setting standards.

Over the last month, there has been some conflicting information about whether the final rules would go into effect as planned under the new administration. Happily, everything seems to be on track (see notice below from Tony Stephens, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.)

As the number of blind Americans increases and the popularity of quiet cars grows, this was an important initiative to improve pedestrian safety, not just for the Blind community (which led the effort,) but for all pedestrians. The U.S. now joins Japan and the European Union, which already have similar laws in place.

Good work!

Greetings ACB Affiliate Leaders,

We wanted to forward along news that the final rule encompassing quiet cars went into effect this week. The rule was initially slated to go into effect earlier in the year, but was delayed due to the regulatory review process between the transition to the new administration. Concerns had arisen during the early part of summer that the rule might be further postponed, but its extended deadline of September 5th came and went without any such delay.

To learn more about the final rule, visit the below link for the November 14th, 2016 news release on the rules enactment:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-sets-quiet-car-safety-standard-protect-pedestrians

Warmest Regards,

Tony

Anthony Stephens
Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1703 N. Beauregard Street, STE 420
Alexandria, VA 22311

When:  Saturday, September 23, 2017, 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

Where:  Francis Farm in Rehoboth, Massachusetts 

Community Autism Resources, an Autism Support Center serving 82 cities and town from the Greater Fall River area, to the South shore, Cape & Islands, will hold the 14th annual Hearts and Hands Walk/5K Run for Autism and Family Fun Day at Francis Farm in Rehoboth, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM. The Hearts and Hands Walk/5K run is the signature fundraiser for Community Autism Resources. All of the money raised through this event stays in the local communities and helps provide free services, supports and resources to children, teens, adults and their families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Family Fun Day is a thank you to all for their support and efforts in taking action and raising much needed funds and awareness for this event!

There will be: Carnival style games, Bubble Creation station, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Two Bounce Houses, Amazing Raffle Items, Our Autism Store and so much more. You can still create your own fundraising team by going to www.community-autism-resources.com

Community Autism Resources provides free programs and services for children, teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. These include trips to the movies where the theaters are Sensory friendly; Ice-skating; Hayrides; trips to police and fire stations; "Twilight Tours" at Buttonwood Park Zoo; Grandparent brunches featuring various speakers discussing issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. CAR will be expanding its services to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder this Fall by sponsoring the Gottschall Access Program, 3 year certificate Program at Bristol Community College. Community Autism Resources recently opened a new office in Brockton Massachusetts.

For more information on the Hearts and Hands Walk/5K Run, Contact Crystal Medeiros at 508-379-0371 X. 22 Oror1-800-588-9239 X. 22 or e-mail CMedeiros@Community-Autism-resources.com or you can go to our Website at: http://www.community-autism-resources.com