Advocacy

What We Do:

The Arc of Massachusetts continues to advocate for community-based supports and services partnering with the 18 chapters and other organizations in our state. We reach out to key administration and legislative officials, facilitate activities with other organizations, and empower families to act on their own behalf. This page lists current policy issues and comments.

You can also check out The Arc of the United States’ website for information regarding federal policy.

MassHealth Restructuring

MassHealth plans to restructure the delivery of services which it funds in Massachusetts.  Many of our constituents receive services through the primary clinician program.  MassHealth’s plan is under the description of “integrated care”.   It will require the formation of “accountable care” organizations.  Two of the models proposed required managed care organizations to be utilized.

“Meeting the Challenge of the Community Imperative”

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has shared its recent transformational efforts in a report titled, “Meeting the Challenge of the Community Imperative”.  We have posted that memo here.  The new report combines several initiatives.  Some examples  are employment, enhancing family support, addressing social inclusion, aging and expansion of services to adults such as those with autism and developmental disabilities.   DDS leadership realizes that meeting this challenge is not simply a matter of people living in a community home or working at a neighborhood job or company.  It’s feeling part of that community or job that is most meaningful.

21st Century Policy

The mission of the Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy is to advance full community participation for individuals with disabilities. The following links provide information for families and individuals, as well as elected officials and other policymakers, to help them conceptualize what a comprehensive disability policy can and should look like.

Home and Community Policy Rule and Transition Plan

Executive Office of Health and Human Resources/Department of Developmental Services

In September, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) released a new HCBS (home and community based settings) policy. The policy is in response to a new rule from the Center on Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which funds a significant part of all long term supports regardless of their setting. The Arc supports the general thrust of the new policy which we stated is “consistent with the evolution of community services over the past 50 years and more specifically with the Americans with Disabilities Act”. The policy not only sets out new standards which reflect respect for individuals served but more self-direction.