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ACL: Developmental Disabilities Act
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The act was originally signed into law by President Kennedy in 1963 and was reinstated on October 30, 2000, by President Clinton. The law as we know it today assures that individuals with developmental disabilities, along with their families, have access to needed community services, individualized support, and more. This ACL webpage has a number of links to different aspects of the law, history and how it is implemented.
ACL Blog: Closing out National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Written by several ACL staff, this blog reflects on the role that employment can play in community inclusion for people with disabilities. The authors touch on topics such as the importance of equal expectations for people with disabilities, competitive and integrated employment, and assistive technology.
SSI: Cost of Living Increase for 2024
The Social Security Administration announced that SSI payments will increase 3.2% in FY 2024. The increase will mean that the maximum federal SSI payment for individuals will reach $943 per month next year, up from $914 currently. The maximum for couples will be $1,415, up from $1,371. Actual payments to SSI beneficiaries could be higher since some states tack on extra. The new amounts will take effect for about 7.5 million SSI beneficiaries nationwide starting Dec. 29, while higher payments will begin for those receiving Social Security in January.
SSI: What Happens when an SSI Beneficiary Turns 18?
When your child turns 18, Social Security will review their eligibility for continued SSI payments based on the disability rules for adults. For more information, please review the publication, What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18. Did you know there is a page specifically for youth? Check out Social Security’s Youth Resources page.
CMS: Access to Medicaid/CHIP in Rural Communities
Having health coverage is important when it comes to staying healthy, no matter where you live. Reaching children and families who are eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can be challenging, especially in rural areas across the country. An estimated 13.4 million children under the age of 18 live in rural areas across the United States, and kids in these communities are 24 percent more likely than those in urban areas to depend on Medicaid and CHIP for health coverage. Additionally, Medicaid and CHIP cover over 300,000 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children nationwide, many of whom reside in rural areas, including on Indian reservations, and may be more likely to rely on Medicaid and CHIP for coverage than other children.
As part of the Connecting Kids to Coverage campaign, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) staff and partners will discuss important strategies, resources, and best practices for rural community outreach and enrollment and address health equity challenges in rural communities. Speakers will also discuss the importance of partnerships, provide actionable tools, and share materials from the campaign’s rural health initiative to support outreach.
November 9, 2023, 2-3pm ET | Register here
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