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, state-based EHB packages will harm low-income and vulnerable individuals. NASW also appealed to DHHS for development of a national medical necessity standard and for inclusion of hospice and palliative care services in the final EHB package. NASW encourages members to submit their own comments by February 10th . (While the published date for comments was January 31st, DHHS considers that a soft deadline.) You are welcome to use the NASW comments as a template for your own letter. Comments should be sent to: EssentialHealthBenefits@cms.hhs.gov
A Step Backwards for Voting Restoration for the Formerly Incarcerated
By Mel Wilson, NASW Senior Policy Advisor The Nebraska legislature recently restored the voting rights of 7,000 people with felony convictions who have already completed their full sentences. However, two days before the law (Legislative Bill 20) was set to go into...
