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March 20, 2024 | Issue 122 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

NJ FamilyCare logo

Inequity in Medicaid "Unwinding" Challenged by National Advocacy Organizations


The National Health Law Project (NHeLP) has challenged the Medicaid "unwinding" process in several states.


On March 12, NHeLP, together with Disability Rights DC at University Legal Services and Disability Rights Texas, filed two separate complaints with the US Departments of Justice, and Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the Medicaid renewal processes in the District of Columbia and Texas. Read more by clicking here.


Earlier this year, NHeLP filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against the Medicaid renewal system used in Texas, alleging that thousands of Texas Medicaid enrollees have been harmed by wrongful terminations and other errors in the state's automated eligibility system developed by contractor Deloitte Consulting LLP. See more by clicking here.


In addition, in February of this year, the National Immigration Law Center filed a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights of the US Department of Health and Human Services alleging that at least 13 states are failing to provide meaningful language access to individuals with limited English proficiency during the medicaid renewal process. Read more here.


For more information on remaining covered in New Jersey, visit the SPAN webpage on affordable healthcare by clicking here.

Resources

CMS logo

CMS Releases Clarifying Information Regarding Permissible Medicaid and CHIP Renewal Practices

On Friday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin and slide deck to address questions CMS has received from states, stakeholders, and external partners regarding the permissibility of certain practices during Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) renewals.


To clarify what is permitted under existing federal renewal requirements, both during and beyond Medicaid unwinding, these resources reiterate some of the relevant federal renewal requirements for state reference, outline policy and operational practices that are not permitted under existing federal Medicaid and CHIP redetermination regulations, and provide examples of processes that are not permitted under federal requirements.


In partnership with NJ Citizen Action, SPAN conducts outreach, education, training and train-the-trainer workshops on worker benefits and protections, including NJ Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits, Earned Sick Leave, and Unemployment Insurance. To see the SPAN webpage on this work, click here. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Danica Lafortune dlafortune@spanadvocacy.org or Rhea Malone rmalone@spanadvocacy.org.

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Advocating for Early Intervention: Our Passion, Our Future


Wednesday, March 27

1:00 PM ET

Via Zoom


Parents, advocates, early interventionists, and their partners in four very different states will share their experiences to discuss how they formed new partnerships to strengthen Early Intervention and their struggles and solutions. Key themes including equitable access, adequate funding, workforce recruitment/retention, and family voice in decision-making will be highlighted.


Panelists:


  • Zareen Kamal, Policy Specialist, Start Early
  • Sadia Batool, Early Childhood Family Lead for Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems, Pennsylvania Office of Childhood Development and Early Learning
  • Leanne Barrett, Senior Policy Analyst, RI Kids Count
  • Libby Sonnier, Executive Director, LA Policy Institute
  • Moderator: Karen Berman, Senior Director of Illinois Policy, Start Early


To register, click here.

Upcoming Events


SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.


Highlighted Event This Week

Partners In Education Transition Mini Conference flyer

Partners in Education

Transition Mini-Conference: Building a Future of Possibilities


10:00AM - 3:00PM ET

Saturday, April 6

East Brunswick Public Library

Civic Center Dr.

East Brunswick, NJ 08816

In Person



This FREE conference is for youth and their parents/caregivers on the topics of transition to adult life, adult services, self-advocacy, assistive technology, and more.


  • Do you understand your youth's transition plan?
  • Does your youth need to build their self-advocacy skills?
  • Are you a youth preparing to transition from school to adult life?


Join us in person to learn strategies and resources from SPAN!


To learn more and register, click here.

See all of SPAN's upcoming events with details and registration links here 

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Creative Expression


Read our latest youth blog post, "Creative Expression," to learn to express yourself through creative art forms.


To access the post, click here.

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