From CMA Press Release, Thursday, August 29, 2013...[T]he Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a memo clarifying that all beneficiaries in private Medicare plans have access to equal coverage when it comes to care in a nursing … [Read more...] about HHS Announces First Guidance Implementing Supreme Court’s Decision on the Defense of Marriage Act
LGBT Seniors
Demise of DOMA: Implementing Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States found a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. See U.S. v. Windsor, Executor of the Estate of Spyer, et al (No. 12–307).[1] In its ruling, the Court … [Read more...] about Demise of DOMA: Implementing Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
Celebrating Pride and Equality: New SSA Rules on Gender Discrimination & DOMA Ruling
New SSA Rules on Gender DesignationLast week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published new rules that make it easier for the estimated 700,000 transgender Americans to update their Social Security records to reflect their gender … [Read more...] about Celebrating Pride and Equality: New SSA Rules on Gender Discrimination & DOMA Ruling
Impact of Budget Control Act and Sequestration on Aids Drug Assistance Programs
As a result of the Budget Control Act, which outlined mandatory cuts to both defense and non-defense discretionary programs in the event a Congressional committee could not agree to a deficit-reduction package, programs impacting the HIV community … [Read more...] about Impact of Budget Control Act and Sequestration on Aids Drug Assistance Programs
Improving LGBT Health: The 2012 Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Annual LGBT Report
This Alert highlights elements of the 2012 annual report of the Coordinating Committee of HHS on improving the health and well being of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.[1] This Alert also highlights work … [Read more...] about Improving LGBT Health: The 2012 Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Annual LGBT Report
Increased Funding for AIDS Drugs Assistance Program Responds to Need for Additional HIV/AIDS Services
On July 19, 2012, the Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS), Kathleen Sebelius, announced the availability of roughly $80 million dollars in grant money to increase access to HIV/AIDS care, including eliminating waiting lists,[1] which have … [Read more...] about Increased Funding for AIDS Drugs Assistance Program Responds to Need for Additional HIV/AIDS Services
Honoring LGBT Pride Month: New Resources Available
June marks Pride month across the country, a time of honoring and celebrating the contributions made by the LGBT community to our nation. Pride Month also brings opportunities to identify and address the unique health care challenges faced by LGBT … [Read more...] about Honoring LGBT Pride Month: New Resources Available
CMS Permits States to Extend Certain Medicaid Spousal Protections to Same-Sex Couples
In a continuation of the Obama Administration's effort to extend rights to same sex couples, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new State Medicaid Director Letter 11-006 (SMDL). There are currently federal … [Read more...] about CMS Permits States to Extend Certain Medicaid Spousal Protections to Same-Sex Couples
The Right to Visit Partners and Others In Medicare Participating Hospitals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently issued new rules for Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals that require written policies protecting patients' rights to choose their visitors during a stay in the … [Read more...] about The Right to Visit Partners and Others In Medicare Participating Hospitals