UPDATE: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has notified us that the changes to the Innovations waiver are now proposed to go into effect November 1 to allow for additional training and preparation, and to provide additional time for approval of the changes by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The…
NC Passes Autism Insurance: What It Means for Families
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. On Tuesday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed SB676, “Autism Health Insurance Coverage.” The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature, which would make North Carolina the 43rd state to enact autism insurance legislation. This is a historic…
Legislation to Authorize ABLE Act Introduced in NC
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, ASNC Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The North Carolina General Assembly has introduced legislation to authorize 529 savings plans for individuals with disabilities, as allowed under the congressional ABLE Act of 2014. Advocacy groups, including the Autism Society of North Carolina, are supporting the passage of legislation,…
NC General Assembly Begins Long Session
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The North Carolina General Assembly began its long legislative session on January 28, spending the two weeks prior to that organizing committee membership and shifting offices for new members and leaders. This year’s legislative session is off to a slow start. The…
Make Your Voice Heard on Services in NC
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, ASNC’s Chief Program Officer. In the coming months, we all have many opportunities to help shape future services for people on the autism spectrum in North Carolina. In ongoing community meetings, ASNC has been represented by our staff members and families from local ASNC chapters. Read on for…
ASNC Advocating for You on Services Issues
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Kerri Erb, Chief Program Officer. Federal Guidance on Autism Services under Medicaid “Will Medicaid cover autism services including Applied Behavioral Analysis?” Many families have asked this question since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance earlier this…
Voting: What You Need to Know for the 2014 Elections
Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 4, and early voting sites will open Thursday, October 23. North Carolina voters will elect candidates for a variety of offices, including the General Assembly, Congress, state judgeships, and others. Below are a few things you should be aware of since new voting laws were passed in 2013. You…
State Wants to Hear from You on IDD Services
The NC Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public input as it works to create a better way to provide services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the Division of Medical Assistance will be holding listening sessions across the state….
Legislative Wrap-up 2014: Education Policy
This article is the last of several wrapping up the 2014 legislative session. The Autism Society of North Carolina’s focus on education continued to highlight improving education for children with disabilities in public schools while also offering options to parents who need to find different academic settings. Public Education: Per-student funding was not changed for…