— (02/14/2014) How are states responding to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the impact on VR services and clients? WYDVR is interested in any new policies and/or procedures that are being utilized. WY DVR is interested in how other states are responding to this and what, if any, impacts states foresee on services to clients. WY DVR is trying to determine if additional policies, procedures or guidelines need to be put into place to address the potential impacts.

From John Stem, MD Division of Rehabilitation Services:

Maryland DORS has not made any specific changes to policy resulting from the ACA and does not anticipate formally making changes. Individuals who indicate they have insurance through the ACA will be coded as having “Private Insurance through Other Means” (RP 41) in the RSA 911.

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From Feona Barnett, Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind:

We have a meeting on this very subject Thursday, February 6th. This will be our first meeting to discuss this issue. I am interested in hearing what you find out from other states. Thanks!

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From John Halliday, ICI:

The VR-RRTC.org web site has two webinars on this issue with considerable material to consider.

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From Janet Cool, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities:

Ohio is providing training to counselors regarding the Affordable Care Act, which is expected to increase their knowledge about comparable benefits. The BVR Deputy Director does not otherwise foresee any changes in policies or procedures related to the Affordable Care Act, at least at this point. However, the ACA should allow more people to access health insurance and therefore have new or increased comparable benefits available to them that could be utilized in lieu of VR funding. Existing policies and procedures already indicate that these resources are utilized first.

Posted in: Health Care