In December 2011, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a bulletin on the Essential Health Benefits (EHB), an important component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (see 12/21/11 blog posting).   This week, NASW submitted its comments (see here) on DHHS’ proposed approach.  NASW made a strong appeal for a comprehensive, uniform set of national health benefits, and suggested that weak,... 

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... 

December has seen a renewed commitment to LGBT rights globally.  In early December, President Barack Obama issued the “International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons” memorandum which  directed government agencies to ensure U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote LGBT human rights and fight discrimination.   Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton... 

Celebrate Human Rights Background: On December 10 the world will celebrate Human Rights Day.  Every year, Human Rights Day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. This year the day celebrates human rights activists who have taken to the streets across the globe to advocate for change.  The Role of Social Workers: Social work is fundamentally... 

In April 2011, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a list of recommendations stating how HHS could work to improve the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.  The Secretary stated that “HHS’ HRSA will also convene professional groups that represent LGBT health providers and students to identify challenges and opportunities for training LGBT... 

Supporting the Education of Older Youth in Foster Care Wednesday, December 07, 2011 Exclusively for NASW Sections Members 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET Credit Hours: 1 CEU(s) Presenter: • RoxanaTorrico Meruvia, MSW Moderator(s): • Sharon Issurdatt, ACSW, DCSW, LCSW Too often, older youth in foster care lag behind their peers when it comes to educational attainment. Social workers can explore a range of education... 

“Ask the Reviewer” session to be held December 1, 2011 Interested in learning about the new Advanced Certification Program for Palliative Care offered by the Joint Commission? Dial in to the Joint Commission’s free teleconference, featuring a palliative care reviewer and other Joint Commission experts, on December 1, 2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to dialogue with Joint Commission staff about the certification... 

Join NASW in celebrating National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, an observance of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), this November! Help preserve and expand access to hospice services with NHPCO’s Hospice Action Network. Access free educational materials for professionals and consumers at the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)’s multimedia Hospice Information Center. Earn 2.5...