2011 Newsletters (Archive)

 

December 2011

• Mass Rehab Homecare Assistance Program Accepting Referrals
• Home Affordable Refinance Program Changes
• Funding for Lead Poisoning Prevention May be Cut
• Top Nursing Home Chains Focus on Lower Costs Reduces Quality
• A Letter of Instruction Can Spare Your Heirs Great Stress
• Warning on Senior Advisor Credentials
• Children’s Mental Health Services Guide- Boston Bar Association Updated Version
• Program Highlights
• MBHP Hoarding and Sanitation Initiative
• Allsup- SSDI Representation Service
• Disability Answers Smartphone App
• Highland Kids Initiative
• Health Care Coverage
• Partners a “Pioneer” Accountable Care Organization
• US extends Medicaid waiver for Massachusetts; Deal changes how some hospitals are paid
• Medical Security Plan- New Direct Coverage Plan Not Contracted with Partners
• Medicare Covers Screening and Counseling for Obesity
• Medicare Reminder- Home Health Care Coverage
• Tiered Health Plans Cutting Costs by Restricting Options
• Policy & Social Issues
• Upcoming Program: Money Follows the Person
• No Supercommittee Agreement- What Comes Next
• Of Clinical Interest
• Issues in Healthcare of Sexual Minority Populations
• Bright Light Treatment May Be Effective in Treating Older Patients With Non-Seasonal Depression

 

November 2011

• Winter Moratorium Begins
• Fuel Assistance Cut Dramatically
• MassHealth Bed-Hold Saved Through June
• New DTA Rules Prohibits Use of Cash Assist for Alcohol, Tobacco, Lottery
• Transgender Equal Rights Now Law in MA
• HomeBase Changes
• Pilot program to House Pregnant Women
• Patients Turn to the Internet for Fund-Raising
• Program Highlights
• Respite Homes Program
• Wellesley Friendly Aid Association
• Policy & Social Issues
• FCC Unveils Broadband Plan for the Poor
• Suit Contests Hospitals Use of Observation Status Leading to Non-Coverage of SNF
• Where Can We Realize Real Health Care Savings
• 5 Questions About GOP’s Plan to Privatize Medicare
• Editorial: Medicaid Has a Problem, but Block Grants Won’t Solve It
• Integrated Care Improves Mental Health Outcomes, Cuts Costs
• Of Clinical Interest
• LGBT Cultural Competence- Joint Commission Field Guide
• Behavior Therapy Effective for ADHD
• Conversion Disorder A Problematic Diagnosis
• Damage of Online Bullying Severe
• DSM 5- Petition Calls for Critical Changes
• The Relationship Between Grief and Depression

 

October 2011

• The RIDE In-Person Assessment Additional Information
• Fuel Assistance 2012
• Patrick Vetoes MassHealth BedHold Funding
• 2012 Medicare Part B Premiums Lower Than Predicted
• Applying for Disability- Tips for Advocates
• Planning for Life After Special Education Online Manual
• Family Shelter: EA and HomeBASE Endangered
• Towns Faulted on Aid to Veterans
• SSI Cost-of-Living (COLA) Increase
• SNAP COLA Increase
• Program Highlights
  • MGH Home Base Program - Get Acquainted Sessions
  • Thanksgiving Food Baskets
  • Galia Fund – Free Hat for Cancer Patients
  • The CSL Foundation – Financial and Other Assistance for Ill Children
Health Care Coverage
• Opinion: Medicare- Member Costs Already High
• Policy & Social Issues
  • New Report Offers Insight on Deficit-Reduction Proposals
  • Obama Administration Abandons CLASS Act
  • LGBT Health Care Disparities
  • Disparities Facing People with Disabilities
Health & Wellness
• Evidence Confirms Diet Link to Mental Health
• Poor Neighborhoods May Contribute to poor Health
• Exercise a Viable Treatment Option for Mental Illness
Of Clinical Interest
• Referral to Talk Therapy Cuts Costs, Improves Outcomes
• The Floor Effect -Why It’s Hard to Demonstrate Change in Mild Depression
• Too Much Fructose a Hazard for Heart and Liver
• Writing About Emotions May Ease Stress and Trauma
• Your Attitudes and Medical Choices
• 'Bath Salts' Temporarily Banned

 

September 2011

• Proposed Change to The RIDE
• Social Security Offices to Begin Closing Early
• Federal COBRA Subsidy Ends
• TAFDC Clothing Allowance Restored
• Deportation Changes and Consumer Advisory
• Eviction Storage Amendment Problematic
• Hiring a Caregiver- Agency vs. Private
• “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” Repealed
• More Fall Into Poverty
• Mortgage Plan for Jobless Falls Short
• Program Highlights
• Elder Service Plans (ESPs)/Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Primer on Home Supports Under MassHealth, SSI and veterans benefits
• Pocket Amplification Devices at MGH
• North Star- Boston Police Program to Find those Who Wander
• MA Council on Compulsive Gambling
• Providing Help for Senior Bullying
• SCORE Boston – Urban Youth Ice Hockey
• Health Care Coverage
• MassHealth & HSN Co-Pay Increases
• Medicare Changes for 2012
• New Dates for Medicare Open Enrollment
• Insurers Told to Cover Contraception in Full
• Low Income Seniors May be Missing Out Medicare on Extra Help Drug Savings
• MA Proposes Model For Integration of Dual Eligibles
• Policy & Social Issues
• Hospitals in Mass. Feel Fiscal Squeeze
• New Anti-Poverty Program Harnesses Peers, Financial Rewards
• Vacuums and Heat Aid - Are they Health Care?
• Editorial: If U.S. is Serious About Debt, There's a Single-Payer Solution
• Health & Wellness
• The Happiness-Health Connection
• Strong Support for the Brain Benefits of Aerobic Activity
• Of Clinical Interest
  • CBT for Chronic Insomnia
  • “Bath Salts” Effects Similar to Meth, Ecstasy
  • Brief Interventions in Dependent Drinkers
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies in Mood Disorders
  • Iowa Personality Disorder Screen Further Supported
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In Parents
  • Sexual Trauma Rampant in Female OIF-OEF Veterans with PTSD

July/Aug 2011

• National Grid Policy Changes
• HomeBASE- New Emergency Housing Assistance Process for Families
• TAFDC Clothing Allowance Cut
• Mental Care Can Be Hard to Find
• Obama Changes Protocol on Us Troop Suicides
• Program Highlights
• Project IMPACT & Bene-Plan - SSI/SSDI Work Incentives Planning Assistance
• Feds Enhance Site for Comparing Nursing Homes
• Neighbor Brigade- Local Volunteers Help with Errands/Chores
• Earn-A-Bike Programs
• Health Care Coverage
• MassHealth 10 Day Bed-Hold Eliminated
• MassHealth Residency Policy and Procedure Clarification
• End of Network Health CommCare Contract Reminder
• Medicare Reminder - Vaccines
• Policy & Social Issues
• FY12 State Budget Update
• Dual-Eligibles- Containing Cost While Ensuring Protections
• Of Clinical Interest
  • CBT Better Than Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Social Anxiety
• Dignity Therapy Beneficial at End of Life
• EMDR Gaining Credibility
• Mindfulness May Ease Irritable Bowel Symptoms
• Motivational Interviewing Improves Mood After Stroke

June 2011

• SPEAK UP – MGH Campaign to Empower Patients
• HomeBASE: State Drafts an Approach to Keep Families in Homes
• Fair Housing Rights for Parents and Pregnant Women
• HAVEN Featured in Best Practice Manual
• Open Enrollment for Non-Group Plans and CommCHOICE
• Program Highlights
• Partners International Contracted Short-Term Apartment Rentals
• Sun Initiative Foreclosure Intervention for Those with Income
• Mortgage Aid for Unemployed
• Boston partners with LIFT to link families to resources
• Sexual Health Program for Cancer Patients and Survivors
• Medicare Corner
  • Medicare Preventative Services Awareness Campaign
• Medicare Launches Spanish Version of Website
• For Some on Medicare Cancer Drugs Out of Reach
• Medicare Advantage Plans and Travel
• Medicare ESRD: 30-Month Coordination Period and If You Improve
• Medicare and Worker's Comp
• Policy & Social Issues
• Patrick signs 10-day interim state budget
• Impact of Potential Loss of 10-day Bed-Hold
• Investors may fund social programs
• Health & Wellness
• Concussion and Student Athletes- New Rules
• Of Clinical Interest
• Criteria Changes for Bipolar Disorder Proposed for DSM-5
• Alcohol Dependence More Likely Among Mentally Ill
• CBT for Insomnia Cuts Suicide Risk
• Higher Mortality, Inferior Care for Mentally Ill After MI
• Weight Stigma- Health Implications
• Panic Symptoms- Slow, Steady Rise After Stress
• You Look Great- What NOT to Say to an Ill Friend
• 10 Things Not To Say To Parents of Preemies

 

May 2011

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Both Extended and Re-designated for Haitians
• “47 Secret Veterans' Benefits for Seniors” Book Available Through CRC
• Partners No Longer Contracting with Network Health for CommCare
• Average Long-Term Care Costs in MA
• Program Highlights
• Comfort Zone Camp for Families with Losses Due to Suicide
• Book: Mom Always Liked You Best
• Policy & Social Issues
• Court Rules Against Immigrant Exclusion From CommCare
• Mass. Public Health- 50 Layoffs
• SSI Chief- ‘Children’s Disability Program Flawed’
• Patrick Administration Examines Hospital Pay Disparities
• HHS Launches Initiative to Pay Hospitals Based on Performance
• Opinion: Don’t worry about Medicare. Worry about Medicaid.
• Health & Wellness
• Will Flying or New Scanners Give You Cancer
• Diet Soda May Heighten Risk for Vascular Events
• Fitness Program Benefits Mind and Body in Cancer Survivors
• Of Clinical Interest
• Psychiatric Diagnosis- Where's the Science?
• Major Restructuring Proposed for DSM-5
• Forgiveness Can Improve Immune Function
• Impact of Bed Bugs Much More Than Skin Deep
• NSAIDs Might Interfere With Antidepressants
• Sepsis and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly
• Treating Intermittent Explosive Disorder

 

April 2011

• Social Security Going Paperless 5-1-11
• Responsibility for a Deceased Relative’s Debts
• Program Highlight
• MassHealth Enhanced Coordination of Benefits (ECOB) Program
• Health Coverage
• Commonwealth Care Open Enrollment
• New Medicare Rule Requires Homebound Patients to See Doctors
• US House Budget Proposal Would Change Medicare & Medicaid
• US Drafts Accountable Care Organization Rules
• MA FY 12 Budget: House Ways & Means and House Proposal
• Proposes to Fund Bridge Program Through December
• Health & Wellness
• Breaking Up Periods of Sitting May Make a Difference in Health
• Of Clinical Interest
• Borderline Personality Disorder Remits More Often Than Expected
• Is There a High Degree of Scientific Certainty in Modern Medicine
• Possible Link Between SSRIs and Breast Ovarian Cancer
• Why do MDs Look Down on Psychiatry
• Income Loss Linked to Risk of Mental Disorders

March 2011

• 2011 Federal Poverty Guidelines
• New Additional OBRA Exemptions
• Veterans Get Help to Quit Smoking
• Homestead Act Protections Strengthened
• USCIS Boston Field Office Moving
• Winter Moratorium on Heat Shut-Offs Extended
• Patrick Postpones Cuts to Elderly, Disabled
• Program Highlight
• American Association of Daily Money Managers
• Health Coverage
• Open Enrollment in Non-Group Plans – New COBRA Exceptions & Waiver Process
• Medicare Drug Plan Appeals Reminder
• Medicare D - Judge Rules that CMS Misinterpreted Off-Label Drug Coverage Standard
• Social Issues & Policy
• Lawmakers, Advocates Urge Overhaul Of Child Services System
• Imperiled State Program a Lifeline for Deaf and Blind
• Healthcare Reform May Not Reduce Medical Bankruptcies
• Health Plan With Low Rate Hikes Has Fewer Choices
• US Again Denies Same-Sex Couple Visas
• Health & Wellness
• Mindful Eating
• Of Clinical Interest
• Study- Palliative Care Reduces Medicaid Hospital Costs
• Bipolar Disorder Often Mistaken for Depression in Primary Care
• Financial Health of the Cognitively Impaired May Be Forgotten
• Most 'Locked-In Syndrome' Patients Are Happy
• Reinvention of Depression Instruments by Primary Care Clinicians
• Why Do Clinical Trials Exclude Depressed People?
• Self-Injury YouTube Videos Mark an Alarming New Trend
• Talk Therapy May Help Treat Social Anxiety
• Depression and Diabetes – A Bad Combination
• Paternal Depression Liked to Negative Parenting Behaviors

February 2011

• Breastfeeding Support
• New Transgender Protections In State Government
• New MGH Area Code & Exchange
• Health Coverage
• Patrick Unveils Health Overhaul
• MassHealth Alters Auto-Assignment
• Patrick Budget Proposal
• Patrick FY12 Budget- Detailed Analysis
• Health Provisions- More Detail
• Big Cut to Early Intervention Assailed
• Patrick Budget Threatens Immigrant Access to Shelter
• Obama Budget Proposal
• MA Outlook: Programs for poor Would Take Big Hit; Targeted Spending Could Add Jobs
• Medicare
• LIHEAP Cut
• Healthy Homes Takes Big Hit
• Community Service Block Grant Cuts
• Social Issues & Policy
• Worst Case Housing Needs
• Report: TAFDC Grants Inadequate
• Social Impact Bonds
• Program Highlight
• Lotsa Helping Hands
• Of Clinical Interest
• Cognitive Training Decreases Crash Risk for Older Drivers
• CBT and Exercise Therapy Safe Effective for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Energy Drinks May Pose Serious Health Risks for Young People

January 2011

• Supplemental Budget Passes
• Proposed Cuts in Adult Foster Care, Adult Day Health and Day Habilitation
• Steep cuts in Patrick’s Budget Plan
• Underutilized Cash Assistance: the Earned Income Tax Credit & Free Tax Preparation Sites
• First National Action Plan for Alzheimer's Disease
• Angel Flight Agrees to Appoint Independent Board
• New Law Allows for Creation of Trusts for the Care of Animals
• Pilot Program Helps Students Apply for Financial Aid 
• Health Coverage
• Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period Reminder
• CommCare Bridge Safe Through 6-11
• Medicare- Lawsuit Against “Improvement Standard”
• Administration Returns to, Then Re-Drops, End-of-Life Plan That Caused Stir
• Social Issues & Policy
• Medicaid Cost Crisis Looms for Bay State
• Blue Cross Pushes for Global Payments
• Perplexing Prescription Labels May Get a New Look
• Opinion: Rationing is Happening Now But Not From Health Reform
• Opinion: Bringing Patients Into Discussion about Accountable Care Organizations
• Of Clinical Interest
• Mindfulness Therapy is No Fad
• Combat PTSD, Not Mild TBI, Linked to Poor Outcomes
• Caring for Convicts/Ex-Offenders
• Bright Light Treatment May Improve Nonseasonal Depressive Symptoms
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Decreases Risk for Recurrent Cardiac Events
• Drug-Induced Deaths More Common Than Alcohol- or Firearm-Related Fatalities
• First-Trimester Abortion Does Not Increase Risk of Developing Severe Mental Disorders