The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two important announcements related to the Affordable Care Act this week. Thirty-two health care organizations from around the country were selected to participate in the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACOs) Program.  The Pioneer ACO program was designed for organizations with experience operating in ACO-like arrangements.  These 32 health care organizations... 

In a surprise move last Friday, HHS released a bulletin announcing its intention to let states determine the scope of essential health benefits to be established under the Affordable Care Act.  The  Essential Health Benefits Package (EHB) forms the basis for insurance coverage offered through the state-based “exchanges,” when they become operational in 2014.  The EHB will determine health care coverage for millions... 

Older Adults Adjusting to New Life Challenges: How Social Workers Help Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Exclusively for Specialty Practice Section Members Sponsored by the NASW Aging Section 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET Credit Hours: 1.5 CEU(s) Presenter: • Forrest Hong, LCSW, C-ASWCM Moderator(s): • Kamilah Omari, LMSW-Clinical and Macro, ACSW Thanks to the emergence of modern medicine and drugs, the generation... 

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP): Comprehensive Coverage for the Uninsured The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes numerous programs to improve health care access for Americans.  One of these is the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP).  The PCIP is available nationwide for children and adults who have been locked out of the health insurance market because of a pre-existing condition. The PCIP... 

NASW News’ “Social Work in the Public Eye” asked: Who takes care of caregivers when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? Licensed clinical social worker Elizabeth Bollwinkel takes that question to heart in an article in the Los Altos Town Crier in California. Elizabeth Bollwinkel The story explained that about 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Bollwinkel, an education... 

The House passed legislation (H.R. 3659) that would extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through fiscal 2012. The bill, which passed by voice vote, would place restrictions on how benefits can be used and modifies certain requirements states have to meet when reporting data and administering benefits. The so-called strip club loophole allowed recipients to use benefits at liquor stores, casinos... 

Now you can apply online in Spanish for Social Security Retirement benefits, Medicare, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Not ready to retire? You can get an estimate of your future retirement benefits in Spanish, too. Check out the new services at Social Security Spanish website, www.segurosocial.gov. It’s so easy.  Read More →

NASW News blog exclusive: By Paul R. Pace, News Staff Helping women achieve equality was the focus of a keynote presentation by NASW President Jeane Anastas at the NASW Wisconsin Chapter’s conference earlier this year. Anastas explained that one of her major goals as president of the association is to highlight the issues facing women in society generally and in the social work workforce specifically. Like the professions... 

From the October 2011 NASW News: By Maren Dale, Special to the News Nearly every social worker subscribes to the broad principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics: a commitment to service; social justice; the dignity and worth of a person; the importance of human relationships; integrity and competence. However, one’s background and unique sets of beliefs can influence how these principles are interpreted and... 

Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction Does Not Reach Agreement The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the Super Committee, had a deadline of November 23 to find at least $1.2 trillion in spending cuts or tax revenues over 10 years. They could not reach an agreement. Under the Budget Control Act, if the Joint Select Committee could not reach an agreement automatic cuts would be triggered. ...