Other News, Information, and Resources (Washington Update, October 25, 2018)

Guidance on Bullying 
On October 21, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education issued a 13-page letter outlining the obligations of a school when a student with an IEP or 504 Plan is bullied.

Social Security Administration announces 2019 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
The Social Security has announced a 2.8 percent increase in Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2019. The eight million SSI beneficiaries will receive the increase beginning on December 31, 2018. Social Security benefits will increase as of January 1, 2019. For details, see this fact sheet.

CMS Proposes to Require Manufacturers to Disclose Drug Prices in Television Ads (CMS press release, 10/15/18). See also The Health 202: The Trump administration may not be able to force drugmakers to advertise their prices (Washington Post, 10/16/18).

Improving Care for Children with Complex Medical Needs
On October 5, the Alliance for Health Reform sponsored a briefing on Capitol Hill about improving care for children with complex medical needs.  Video, a transcript, panelist presentations, and a list of resources can be found on the Alliance website.

The Future of Children’s Health Coverage: Promoting Young Children’s Healthy Development in Medicaid and CHIP
The Georgetown Center on Children and Families (CCF) has issued a report, Promoting Young Children’s Healthy Development in Medicaid and CHIP, and an accompanying blog post, What Medicaid Can Do for Our Nation’s Youngest Children.

WORTH REPEATING: Infographic on Inequities in Coverage and Financing of Care for CYSHCN
The Catalyst Center has created a one-page infographic illustrating important elements of inequities in coverage and financing of care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). This infographic touches on several subgroups that are less likely to be adequately insured and face a greater risk for adverse health effects as a result.

WORTH REPEATING: Behavioral Health Homes for Children
(National Academy for State Health Policy and the National Center for Medical Home Implementation)