Budget Cuts

Even if the state Department of Health and Human Services laid off all of its office workers and eliminated all administrative costs, the savings wouldn't meet a budget-cut target of 15 percent, DHHS Secretary Lanier Cansler told legislators Tuesday. Last month, the state's chief budget officer sent a memo to state agencies, community colleges and universities asking for plans on how they would cut their budgets by 5 percent, 10 percent and 15 percent. The state is facing a  shortfall of about $3.5 billion next year. The state DHHS annual budget is about $17.3 billion, with about $3.9 billion coming from the state. Nearly 60 percent of the state money going to the department pays for Medicaid services. Overall, 86 percent of state money for the department is spent on patient services. This year, the federal government puts up $3 for every $1 the state spends on Medicaid, but that will drop to $2 next year. "We can't just cut administration," to get to 15 percent, Cansler said. "We're going to have to get rid of programs and reduce services."

Cansler also formally notified lawmakers that Dorothea Dix, the state psychiatric hospital in Raleigh, will close. The legislature did not give the department money to run the hospital this year, and Cansler told staff in an August memo the hospital would close. The notification to a Joint Legislative Commission on Government Operations subcommittee, which will pass it on to the full commission, is one of the procedural steps Cansler must take before shutting down a hospital. (Dome, THE NEWS & OBSERVER, 10/19/10).

Sally R. Cameron, Executive Director

NC Psychological Association

1004 Dresser Court #106

Raleigh, NC  27609

919-872-1005 phone

919-872-0805 fax

ncpasally@mindspring.com

www.ncpsychology.org

If you are a service provider or someone you know receives Social Security benefits and would like to work but isn't sure how to get started, this Work Incentives Information Summit is the place to be! Generally, service providers should not advise Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiaries on how their particular benefits will be impacted by employment income. However, acquiring some knowledge about this subject may assist in making appropriate referrals and help to dispel myths about how work will affect SSA and other benefits. You can play a critical role in making a positive difference in a SSA beneficiary's decision to explore employment opportunities.

On November 17-18, 2010, the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, through the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, will sponsor a Work Incentives Information Summit at the City Hotel & Bistro in Greenville, NC that will answer questions such as:

·         How can an individual work and keep health care

     benefits

·         How can working affect their benefits

·         Who can help individuals secure employment

·         What is the Medicaid buy-in and when will it be

     implemented

Registration is free; snacks and lunch will be provided each day. Space is limited so please confirm your attendance by email to Jamalh Greene jamalh.greene@dhhs.nc.gov.  Please direct questions to LaShona Johnson lashona.r.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov  or Jamalh Greene jamalh.greene@dhhs.nc.gov.  

If you are planning to stay overnight, Please contact the City Hotel & Bistro in Greenville, NC to make reservation. (252) 355-8300

Please ask for a sign language interpreter or materials in alternate formats in no later than November 8, 2010, either by phone (919) 855-3588 or email Jamalh Greene.

Save the date!

January 20, 2011

NCARF Directors Forum & Winter Training Day

Greensboro, NC

The 2011 Directors Forum will concentrate on NCARF's 2011 Legislative Agenda.  Please plan to attend or send someone from your organization.  We would like every NCARF member organization represented!

Business Development is the tentative topic for the 2011 Winter Training Day which will run concurrently with the Directors Forum.  Please plan to send the appropriate person from your organization.