by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies ManagerCompetitive bidding sounds like a good idea, right? Get the lowest price and the best deal. Save money. What could go wrong?Plenty, especially when it’s Medicare running the process and durable medical equipment (DME) vendors doing the bidding. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Competitive Bidding Program for…
Did you know that Disability Capitol Action Day is only two days away? On Wednesday, May 25, Californians with disabilities will come together on the west steps of our state capitol in Sacramento for a march, rally and resource fair. This year’s theme is “Our voices, our choice, our lives, our vote.” With many proposed budget…
Written by Kim Cantrell, CFILC’s Director of Programs A treatment authorization request, otherwise known as a TAR, is a form needed to pre-approve funding for treatment, including Medi-Cal approved assistive technology (AT). The TAR is submitted for Medi-Cal approval before the order is placed and provides medical justification for the AT requested. In almost all…
By Kim Cantrell, CFILC’s Director of Programs Finding funding for AT can be tricky. If you aren’t able to fund the device you want right away, don’t despair. It’s just time to get creative and develop an AT Funding Strategy. You are much more likely to get the device you need if you have a…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager Seeds have been planted and the sprouts of a new collaboration have begun to emerge. Last fall we convened a summit of organizations that have an interest in AT reuse. The group began to explore ways to work together for the common purpose of increasing access to used…
CFILC sponsored national Ed Roberts Day legislation The California Foundation for Independent Living centers applauds the overwhelming passage of legislation honoring pioneering disability rights advocate Ed Roberts in the House of Representatives. Authored by Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez), House Resolution 1759 declares the House’s support for a national “Ed Roberts Day” to be held on January 23rd. “Ed Roberts was…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager In a time of severe budget cuts that imperil the ability of Californians with disabilities to live independently, the reuse and recycling of assistive technology is a moral imperative. Reuse is one of the most effective ways to enable more low income individuals to acquire devices that empower…
By Princess Rehman, Youth Advocate, CFILC Did you know that many community college students with disabilities around California are not getting their accommodation needs met? They registered with Disability Students Services. They followed the proper protocol. Yet many students are having their requested accommodations delayed. Some students are not receiving their accommodations at all.…
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services just completed its action on the Governor’s May revision of the State budget. Both houses have rejected cuts proposed by the Governor which removes them from further consideration in this year’s budget. Among the items rejected were Medi-Cal caps on benefits including durable medical equipment, medical…
A Call to Action: The California Department of Health Care Services has proposed to cap benefits for several categories of “optional” services under Medi-Cal in the Governor’s budget proposal now before the legislature. These caps will limit the maximum annual fiscal year reimbursement that Medi-Cal will pay for such things as hearing aids, wheelchairs, IV…