APRIL 2021 Conference
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About Your Presenters:
Jeff Hughes, Executive Director of Progressive Independence in Norman, Oklahoma has been involved with the Independent Living Movement since 1993. Jeff accepted his current position as Executive Director of Progressive Independence in Norman Oklahoma since 2000. In his present position, Jeff has received certification in Advantage Case Management, Social Security Benefits Planning, Phase I and II ADA through the National Council on Independent Living/DREDF, Futures Person Centered Planning, and Job Coach Certification. Jeff has also held numerous state and national leadership roles including but not limited to Member at Large to the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), Past Chair Person to the NCIL Task Force on the Administration on Community Living, Past Chair of NCIL’s Subcommittee for the Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as Governor Appointments to the Statewide Independent Living Council and Office of Disability Concerns. Jeff currently serves on Anthem's National Advisory Board and previously served on Aetna’s National Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Committee.
Health Care
The Affordable Care Act establishes Affordable Insurance Exchanges (Exchanges) to provide individuals and small business employees with access to health insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2014. An Exchange is an entity that both facilitates the purchase of Qualified Health Plans (QHP) by qualified individuals and provides for the establishment of a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), consistent with Affordable Care Act 1311(b) and 45 CFR 155.20. Exchanges will provide competitive marketplaces for individuals and small employers to directly compare and purchase private health insurance options based on price, quality, and other factors. Exchanges are integral to the Affordable Care Act’s goal of prohibiting discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions and insuring all Americans. Read More
Massachusetts and CMS Sign Off on First Memorandum of Understanding for Dual Eligible Integration Demonstration
As announced on Thursday, August 22, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Massachusetts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two for a demonstration to integrate care for dual eligibles. With the release of the MOU, Massachusetts is the first state to receive approval from the federal government to begin implementing a new system of integrated care for dual eligibles. Read More
We believe that the needs of the disability community must be integrated into implementation of healthcare legislation. Changes must be made to end the needless institutionalization of people, especially those living in rural communities, when the provision of appropriate services and supports can prevent such actions. Read More