Family Support – Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Bill Introduced in the
House
Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS), co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Disability Caucus, introduced the Lifespan Respite
Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3913) on November 3. The bill would reauthorize
the Lifespan Respite program through 2020 at an authorization level of $15
million per year (an amount well above its present $2.3 million annual
appropriation). This program implements statewide systems of coordinated,
community-based respite for family caregivers caring for individuals regardless
of age or type of disability. Read a summary of the bill here.
Social Security – Joint Economic Committee Holds Hearing on Social
Security Disability Insurance
Last week, the Joint Economic Committee held a hearing on “Ensuring Success
for the Social Security Disability Insurance Program and its Beneficiaries.”
Witnesses were Patrick O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General of the Social Security
Administration; Mark Duggan, the Trione Director of the Stanford Institute for
Economic Policy Research and the Wayne and Jodi Cooperman Professor of
Economics at Stanford University; and Rebecca Vallas, Director of Policy for the
Poverty to Prosperity Program at the Center for American Progress. Visit the
Joint Economic Committee web site for testimony and to view archived video of
the hearing.
Announcements
Health Care—Open Enrollment Begins November 1st
Now is the time for individuals who are uninsured or looking for affordable health
insurance to investigate the private health insurance plans available through
state marketplaces (to find your state information visit the health care website).
During “open enrollment”, a person can purchase private health insurance
through the marketplace in each state. There may also be financial assistance to
help with health care costs available for low and moderate income. It is also
important for people who currently have insurance through the marketplace, to
look at the plan and determine if it will continue to meet the needs of the person,
or select a better plan. Individuals who do not take action will be automatically
re-enrolled in the current plan. Re-enrollment is also an important opportunity for
people to report any changes in income.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
