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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Disabilities

Research showed between 10% and 30% of county residents in the state of New York had a dual-use special-need plan in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 28, 2024

NY senior advocates see advantages to dual-use special needs plans

Senior and older adult advocates in New York are pointing to certain health care plans to help people get the best bang for their buck. Dual-use …

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Nearly 13 million Americans receive health coverage through unique plans under both Medicare and Medicaid. They are known as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Unique government health plans try to find an audience

Medicare and Medicaid are key sources of health coverage for many Americans and some people qualify for assistance under both programs. With lagging …

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Dalton (left) and Dawson, together after being adopted in 2017. (Dave Thomas Foundation)
A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

As siblings in foster care, the fear of being separated is daunting. But thanks to a loving family in Jacksonville, Fla., for two brothers in Ohio…

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Nearly eight in 10 Coloradans say they want to age in place in their communities, rather than entering assisted living facilities. (Adobe Stock)
Community-based services for older Coloradans at risk in Legislature

Advocates for people age 65 and older urged Colorado lawmakers to fully fund a program helping people remain in their homes and avoid placement in ass…

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The average rent for an almost 900-square-foot apartment in Las Vegas is $1,457 a month, according to RentCafe. (Adobe Stock)
NV's housing crisis heavily impacts disability community

Like many states across the West, Nevada faces challenges with supply and demand for housing. One advocate for the disability community describes the …

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Aaryn's husband Ken, Samantha, Aaryn and Amy, a Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter. (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)
Ohio mom finds reward in raising adopted daughter with special needs

This month is National Disability Awareness Month, and in Ohio, parents who've adopted kids with special needs say living with a disability isn't …

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Iowa lawmakers are considering legislation that would raise income and asset limits for people with disabilities who still need to qualify for Medicaid benefits. (Adobe Stock)
Advocates for Iowans with disabilities push for higher income limits

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make changes to the income laws for people with disabilities. Disabilities advocates are hold an event at the …

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Nationwide, nearly four in 10 state prisoners and three in 10 federal prisoners reported having a disability, compared to 15% of the general population, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock/generated with AI)
People with disabilities over-represented in justice system

Nationwide, people with disabilities are overrepresented both as victims of crime and those who are accused of crimes, and advocates believe the …

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After lawmakers passed House Bill 1232 in 2021, standardized Colorado Option health insurance was developed with extensive input from consumers, insurers, health providers, rural communities and other stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)
Tracking effectiveness of Colorado’s Public Option health coverage

Colorado's standardized health-insurance plan, known as the Colorado Option, is changing how consumers interact with insurance, according to a new …

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States including California and Illinois have passed mental health legislation similar to what Michigan is now considering, without seeing increases to insurance premiums. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)
MI legislators push for mental-health care access

A House bill aimed at increasing access to mental health care in Michigan could go to a vote on the House floor at any time. Rep. Felicia Brabec…

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The Colorado Avalanche and Xcel Energy are helping fundraise for Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that in 2023 helped more than 38,289 Colorado households through energy efficiency gains, connecting with community solar gardens and crisis-intervention services. (Adobe Stock)
Colorado Avalanche scores an assist on energy bills

The Colorado Avalanche has teamed up with Xcel Energy to generate funds to help people struggling to pay their energy bills this winter. Every time …

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A 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report finds close to 60% of disabled people work in the service industry, a higher percentage than the nondisabled community. A New York bill could help these and many other workers with disabilities remain safe from wage theft. (Adobe Stock)
NY disability rights advocates tackle a mountain of barriers

New York disability rights advocates are working to break barriers in numerous legislative areas, including those in transportation, housing…

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