ACTION NEEDED The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to begin consideration of Medicare legislation on Wednesday, December 5th.  It is very important that Finance Committee members hear now from social workers supporting three changes in Medicare law: Remove clinical social work (CSW) services from the Medicare skilled nursing facilities (SNF) consolidated payment system, permitting CSWs to bill Medicare separately,... 

One of the best ways to get involved in public policy is to work for a campaign either as a volunteer or paid staff. You get to be involved on the ground floor and often can interact with staff at high levels. Many people who actively volunteer for a campaign can later be hired by the candidate once they reach office. Â NASW would like to hear about your experiences volunteering on or working for a campaign.  Read More →

The U.S. Department of Education has created a new call center for borrowers to obtain information about the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 (H.R. 2669). The number for the Federal Student Aid Information Center is 1(800) 433-3243. The law forgives outstanding education debt for those persons that meet the eligibility requirements. Those that would benefit are employees that have made 120 monthly payments on their... 

BackgroundCongress is currently considering legislation to extend Medicaid coverage for youth who age out of foster care. The  Medicaid Foster Care Coverage Act of 2007 (H.R. 1376) will address ways to provide Medicaid coverage for youth who exit the foster care system without a permanent family unit. There are currently 25,000 youth aging out of the foster care system every year who have a variety of unaddressed... 

PACE exists for one reason: to elect candidates with strong records on the issues that matter most to social workers. Despite some recent progress, we as social workers see daily how our clients suffer from the government’s lack of support and funding for social programs. With your help, that can change in 2008. Many of you already provide support to PACE through the $10 check-off on the membership renewal form.Â... 

NASW has signed on to support the platform of Divided We Fail, a new coalition promoting access to health care and long-term financial stability for all Americans. AARP, Business Roundtable, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) formed the coalition in January 2007 “to amplify the message that obtaining health and long-term financial security is vital for all Americans,” the group’s materials... 

Background On October 18th 2007, the House Committee on Education and Labor, by a vote of 27-21 passed the Employment Non Discrimination Act (H.R.3685). This historic legislation providing workplace protections on the basis of sexual orientation has left committee and will likely face a floor vote this week. HR.3685 is identical to the long supported H.R.2015, with the notable exception of protections based on gender... 

BackgroundThe House of Representatives is currently considering legislation that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (HR.2015), introduced by Representative Barney Frank (D-MA), forbids employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of their perceived or actual gender identity or sexual orientation, and prohibits preferential... 

When will this legislation become effective? Most of the changes will take effect October 1, 2007. Who is eligible for the loan forgiveness portion of the legislation? You must be working full-time in a public service job to include: Emergency management Government Military service Public safety Law enforcement Public health Public education (including early childhood education) Social work in a public child or family... 

NASW has been working to secure student loan forgiveness legislation for social workers for many years. Thanks to grassroots member advocacy and the work of NASW lobbyists, a major victory has been scored in support for students and social workers nationwide: On September 7,  2007, Congress passed H.R. 2669, “The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007” which amounts to the most sweeping changes to federal student...