New MassHealth Program Takes Another Step

On November 29, Secretary Marylou Sudders announced the six organizations which would implement MassHealth's new service model. State House News reported that the organizations are: Boston Accountable Care Organization, Children's Hospital Integrated Care Organization, Community Care Cooperative, Partners Care Connect, Steward Medicaid Care Network Inc., and UMass Memorial Healthcare Inc. An administration spokeswoman said those six were the only ones that applied.  As reported previously by The Arc, these organizations will serve as "accountable care organizations."
   
On November 4, Governor Charlie Baker announced that federal officials had approved the $52 billion (over 5 years) restructuring program at MassHealth. He further stated that the waiver plan reflected "the most comprehensive restructuring of the Medicaid program in more than 20 years."
 
Accountable care organizations are a re-modeling of managed care.   Medicare has already implemented such programs. The Arc will hold regional sessions across the state to educate families about the proposed program, adapting MassHealth presentations. Stay tuned for the announcement. 

Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian 
Executive Director
FEATUREDfeatured
25 Years and Going Strong
Celebrating 25 years as the Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, Leo Sarkissian reads over the dozens of stories that were collected and published in a book by The Arc team. The stories reflected a number of memorable "Leo" moments. Thank you Leo for your years of dedicated service to the families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
GIVINGgiving
Friendships
Amy and Michelle met at camp as young girls. One evening after having dinner together, they stopped at convenience store. While waiting in the checkout line, a woman tapped Michelle on the shoulder and asked, "What agency do you work for?" Michele turned and said, "I don't. This is my friend. We're having a girl's night out!" 
 
They recently enjoyed a Painting with a Splash night and each painted a cardinal in memory of their fathers.
 
Friendships between people with disabilities and without break down barriers and help to eliminate bias. People can see that they have far more in common than they may have thought. The Arc of Massachusetts's Widening the Circle program provides people the support they may need to explore the benefits of relationships. We provide information about resources to help interested individuals engage in and sustain those relationships.
 
The seeds of education, friendship, and inclusion are being planted. They will have a long-term impact to improving the lives of people with disabilities and overcoming bias and fear. Your gift will help make full inclusion in the community a reality. Please give today. 
WEBINARwebinar
Advanced Legislative Advocacy Training
January 11, 2017, 7:00-8:00 PM, $25
 
Advoc ate to Improve Changes for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including Autism
 
The Advanced Training will focus on:
  • Building and strengthening relationships with your elected officials
  • Critical strategic planning and the budget
  • Measuring your effectiveness and success
  • Identifying and understanding obstacles
Presented by The Arc of Massachusetts:  Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs and Program Director of Operation House Call and Charlie Fiske, Director of Public Policy 
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRSgovernmentaffairs
Price Appointed Head of HHS by President-Elect
On November 29, the Trump transition team announced that Congressman Tom Price of Georgia will lead the Health and Human Services administration.  A fierce opponent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), he is a third generation physician. Many disability advocates fear his appointment because Price would end the entitlement status of Medicaid (MassHealth in Massachusetts).  According to a Washington Post article, "Price supports major changes to Medicaid and Medicare, health insurance pillars...Under his vision, both programs would cease to be entitlements that require them to provide coverage to every person who qualifies."

There will be much to share with you over the next few months.  Please stay tuned!  You can read more here.
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