On March 15, the Governor released his budget proposal. It is quite extensive, and in this entry, we have listed some highlights of items that have an impact on many people on the autism spectrum and their families and which address our public policy priorities. Health and Human Services $126 million for 2,000 more Innovations waiver…
Public Policy Update: Tailored Plans, NC Budget, and Medicaid Expansion
Tailored Plans Delayed until October 1, 2023 NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) announced that the new Tailored Plans under Medicaid will be delayed again, this time until October 1, 2023. Citing concerns that people would have difficulties using primary care physicians and specialty health care services (“network adequacy”) and that other…
The Samantha R vs. the State of North Carolina Court Decision
In February of 2020 the State was found to be in violation of the Persons with Disabilities Protection Act and that people with disabilities in North Carolina were being unnecessarily institutionalized, or were at risk for being institutionalized, due to a lack of community-based options. The decision reinforced what people with disabilities, their families and…
Letter to Legislators from the Autism Society of North Carolina
The following letter was sent in May to thank legislators for increased funding for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The Autism Society of North Carolina will continue to advocate for competitive wages for DSPs in recognition of the work they do improving lives and supporting families. May 18, 2022 To: House and Senate Leadership, Joint…
Public Policy Update – North Carolina General Assembly Update
State Budget Adjustments Act Introduced: The NCGA is in the process this week of passing a brief budget adjustments act, HB 103. A reminder that the state passed a two-year budget for fiscal years July 2021-June 2023 last November which included additional waiver slots, increases to wages for direct support professionals, and an increase in…
Public Policy Updates – May 2022
Services in NC Medicaid Plan NC plans to offer additional services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as others, under (i) services plan through the Medicaid program. When Tailored Plans begin operation December 1, 2022 as part of the state’s Medicaid Transformation some of the services that LME-MCOs offered under b(3) such…
Early Voting and Voting by Mail
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is sharing information about voting in North Carolina during this election year through blog articles, social media posts, and other channels. Much attention will be paid this year to state primaries, US Congressional races, and state legislative races. As a nonprofit organization, ASNC does not become directly involved…
Register to Vote by April 22 for May 17 Primary
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is updating and re-publishing its series of articles on elections and voting in North Carolina. ASNC encourages you to understand when and how you can exercise your right to vote. The North Carolina Primary election will be held on May 17, 2022. Primaries determine which candidates will…
Elections 2022: Get Ready to Vote
As a nonprofit organization, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) does not become directly involved in elections or campaigns, but we want members of our community to understand their right to vote, how to vote, and where to get accurate and up-to-date information. ASNC will be publishing updated version of articles, blogs and other…