In 2012, there will be small Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare programs. |
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| Here is the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) information for 2012 for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare programs. These tables show the amounts for 2011 and what the amounts will be in 2012. All changes are effective January 1, 2012. | |
2011 Changes to Health Care, Long-Term Care, and Waiver Programs |
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| In 2011, the Minnesota legislature made several changes to health care, long-term care and waiver programs. The changes may affect things like your eligibility for health care coverage or services, what your coverage will pay for, and what you may have to pay. | |
Build-up Your Retirement Savings Now with help from the payroll tax holiday! |
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| According to the Employment Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), more than 40% of Americans risk running out of money in retirement. This particular scenario seems bleak enough, but when one considers people are living longer, retirement savings become even more important to ones long-term financial management. | |
A Youth Toolkit on Personal Assistance Services |
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| The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announced the release of Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal Assistance Services (PAS): A Toolkit for Youth Transitioning to Adulthood, a guide designed to help transition-age youth with significant disabilities. | |
Changes being made to Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) |
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| Several changes are being made to Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, and waiver programs. | |
More People Now Eligible for Medical Assistance |
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| With the expansion of Minnesota's Medicaid program, more people with low incomes are now eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) benefits, including those who are currently enrolled in General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) and MinnesotaCare. | |
Senate Committee Focuses on Employment of People with Intellectual Disabilities |
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| Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, convened the first in a series of hearings to study ways to improve employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. | |
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Summary and Updates |
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| Many changes brought about by these new laws are of particular significance to people with disabilities. | |
SSI Recipients Can Now Report Wages by Telephone |
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| Social Security has introduced a new automated wage reporting system for SSI recipients. The system allows SSI recipients to report their work income via telephone in the beginning of each month. | |
Obama Administration Offers New Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity Rules |
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| The Departments of Health and Human Services jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders.The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans from restricting access to care. | |
Medicare and You 2011 |
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| The following link provides an electronic Medicare handbook offers answers to your Medicare questions. The handbook includes important facts and changes you will need for 2011. | |
What Benefits am I on Now? |
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| Request a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) to find out what Social Security benefits you're on. | |
Self-Employment and Small Business Resources for People with Disabilities |
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| A variety of websites and other resources are listed to help you get started. | |
