VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION NOW TO STOP SOCIAL WORKER PAYMENT CUTS Deadline: Friday, September

VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION NOW TO

STOP SOCIAL WORKER PAYMENT CUTS

Deadline: Friday, September 27

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed two reductions in reimbursement for clinical social workers (CSWs) who are Medicare providers. These proposed cuts include a four (4) percent cut in 2020 for code revisions or a seven (7) percent cut in 2021 to increase reimbursement for evaluation and management (E/M) services which are provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) strongly opposes these cuts.

The proposed reductions are included in the proposed rule issued by CMS, “File Code CMS-1715-P; CY 2020 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Payment Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies.”

CSWs are already only reimbursed at 75% of the physician fee schedule, lower than any other mental health provider in Medicare Part B. NASW’s congressional champions have introduced legislation in the House and Senate to increase this rate to 85%.

If CSWs cannot afford to remain in Medicare, then millions of Medicare beneficiaries, including older adults and persons with disabilities, will lose access to essential mental health services. The nation can ill afford to implement these disincentives to CSW participation in this major federal program.

Even if you are not a Medicare provider, it is important to note that private insurance often follows Medicare’s lead when updating payment rates and policies. In other words, this proposal may affect all CSWs.

We urge you to reach out to CMS by this Friday, September 27 to make your voice heard. Simply click on the link below to send a pre-completed email to CMS Administrator Seema Verma expressing your opposition to the proposed payment cuts.

NASW is submitting comments on the proposed rule.

Thank you for your engagement in this critically important advocacy effort.

Contact CMS

2018 CMS National Training Program (NTP) Workshops

You asked, and we listened! At the 2018 CMS National Training Program (NTP) Workshops, you can expect 2½ days of tailored training to meet a variety of learning needs. Whether you’re building a foundation of basic Medicare knowledge, or you want to expand your expertise, there’s something for everyone. You can attend the entire 2½-day workshop, or only the days that meet your varied interests and needs. Day 1 provides the basics, Day 2 has cross-cutting information including legislative and program updates, and Day 3 provides a deeper dive into more advanced topics. It will be helpful if you bring a laptop or tablet to participate in the casework activities. The locations and dates for the workshops are listed below. Attend the location that works for you. And, it’s free!

REGISTER NOW

Locations

Region VII—Kansas

July 31–August 2

The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

1 E Pershing Road Kansas City, MO 64108

Region II—New York

August 6–8

New York Hilton Midtown

1335 6th Avenue New York, NY 10019

Region X—Seattle

August 14–16

The Artic Club Seattle

700 3rd Avenue Seattle, WA 98104

Region IV—Atlanta

September 5–7

Loews Atlanta Hotel

1065 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Region VIII—Denver

September 11–13

Marriott Westminster

7000 Church Ranch Boulevard Westminster, CO 80021

The NTP training materials will be available for download on the registration website prior to the workshops. If you would like hard copies, please download and print. You can also download the materials to your tablet, laptop, or on a USB. NOTE: Registration requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until each meeting reaches capacity. The number of attendees from the same organization may be limited.

Please send all correspondence to:

cms@seiservices.com

Congress is taking steps to treat health information fairly across all conditions.

Next week, the House will consider multiple pieces of legislation to address the opioid epidemic, many of which will improve mental health and substance use care.

Representatives will consider legislation that will:

Make it easier for people who have Medicare to access telemedicine for mental health and substance use care (Access to Telehealth Services for Opioid Use Disorders Act – H.R. 5603);
Require the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover mental health and substance use conditions (CHIP Mental Health Parity Act – H.R. 3192); and
Allow people using Medicare Part D to get prior authorization electronically from their health care providers for needed medications (PASS Act of 2018 – H.R. 5773).

Congress is taking steps to treat health information fairly across all conditions. H.R. 5795, the Protect the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Act, will align an outdated federal regulation, 42 CFR Part 2, with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This will allow for better integration and coordination of treatment—and better outcomes for people with mental health and substance use conditions.

Act now. Ask your Representative to support these bills to address the opioid crisis and provide improved care for all people with mental health and substance use conditions.

CMS announced the mailing of new Medicare cards to beneficiaries in Delaware, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia

CMS announced the mailing of new Medicare cards to beneficiaries in Delaware, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Beneficiaries and other stakeholders will continue to be directed to important mailing information on Medicare.gov and MyMedicare.gov. CMS is also providing new beneficiary and stakeholder resources.

To view updates, beneficiary and stakeholder resources, visit:

The Outreach & education page: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach-and-education.html

For overall info/materials for providers/partners/stakeholders: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/new-medicare-card/nmc-home.html

Below are direct links to each item.

The beneficiary blog: https://blog.medicare.gov/2018/05/02/look-out-for-your-new-medicare-card/

The provider drop-in article: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/NMC-Provider-Drop-in-.pdf

The Products Page: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/Products-to-share-with-beneficiaries.html

The beneficiary announcement in English: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/NMC-Beneficiary-Announcement.pdf

The beneficiary announcement in Spanish: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/NMC-Spanish-Beneficiary-Announcement-.pdf

The beneficiary drop-in bulletin in English: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/NMC-Drop-in-Bulletin.pdf

The beneficiary drop-in Spanish: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Outreach-and-Education/NMC-Drop-in-Bulletin-in-Spanish.pdf

Destroy your card video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf9q0dVinF8

Mailing map: https://www.medicare.gov/newcard/

The updated social media kit: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Partners-and-Employers/NMC-Guide-to-Sharable-New-Medicare-Card-.pdf

The Partners and Employers Widgets:

o In English for partners: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Partners-and-Employers/English-provider-and-partner-widget-landing-page.html

o In Spanish for partners: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Partners-and-Employers/Spanish-provider-and-partner-widget-landing-page.html

o In English for beneficiaries: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Partners-and-Employers/English-beneficiary-widget-landing-page.html

o In Spanish for beneficiaries: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/Partners-and-Employers/Spanish-beneficiary-widget-landing-page.html

Clinical Therapist Wanted Cumberland MD

Therapist

Position Summary

The Clinical Therapist will provide effective therapy to children, adolescents, families and/or individual adults in office, home/community and school settings. Individual will work closely with Program Supervisor and Psychiatry Department. The therapist also assists with general quality assurance responsibilities for program treatment services.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Delivery of Services
Professional Development
Performance Improvement
Documentation and Record Keeping:
Community

Essential Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or human services degree.
Current MD Counseling or Social Work License
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
Experience: at least 1 year experience working with children and/ or families
Clearances: State Police/FBI per state regulations; Child Protection

Location: Cumberland, MD

Contact: Ally Taylor, Recruiter

To apply, visit: https://www.pressleyridge.org/careers.html

Maryland Infants and Toddlers Programs (Birth to Three)

Local Infants & Toddlers Programs: Single Point of Entry

Main_Content

Allegany County
Allegany County Infants & Toddlers Program
Allegany County Public Schools
108 Washington Street
PO Box 1724
Frostburg MD 21532
(Main) 301-689-0466
(Single Point of Entry) 301-759-2415
(Fax) 301-689-3834

Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County Infants & Toddlers Program
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
1450 Furnace Avenue
Glen Burnie MD 21060
(Main) 410-222-6911
(Single Point of Entry) 410-222-6911
(Fax) 410-222-6916

Baltimore City
Baltimore City Infants & Toddlers Program
Baltimore City Health Department
3002 Druid Park Drive
Baltimore MD 21215
(Main) 410-396-1666
(Single Point of Entry) 410-396-1666
(Fax) 410-547-8292

Baltimore County
Baltimore County Infants & Toddlers Program
Office of Special Education
105 W. Chesapeake, 4th Floor
Baltimore MD 21204
(Main) 410-887-2169
(Single Point of Entry) 443-809-2169
(Fax) 410-339-3946

Calvert County
Calvert County Infants & Toddlers Program
Calvert County Public Schools
1305 Dares Beach Road
Prince Frederick MD 20678
(Main) 410-535-7380
(Single Point of Entry) 443-550-8405
(Fax) 410-535-7883

Caroline County
Caroline County Infants & Toddlers Program
Caroline County Public Schools
204 Franklin Street
Denton MD 21629
(Main) 410-479-3246
(Single Point of Entry) 410-479-3246
(Fax) 410-479-0108

Carroll County
Carroll County Infants & Toddlers Program
Carroll County Board of Education
Carroll Springs Elementary School
495 South Center Street
Westminister MD 21157
(Main) 410-876-4437 ext.283
(Single Point of Entry) 410-876-4437
(Fax) 410-751-3954

Cecil County
Cecil County Infants & Toddlers Program
Cecil County Public School
201 Booth Street
Elkton MD 21921
(Main) 410-996-5444
(Single Point of Entry) 410-996-5444
(Fax) 410-996-5454

Charles County
Charles County Infants & Toddlers Program
Charles County Health Department
5998 Gwynn Center
La Plata MD 20646
(Main) 410-609-6808
(Single Point of Entry) 301-609-6808
(Fax) 301-609-6691

Dochester County
Dochester County Infants & Toddlers Program
Dochester County Public Schools
P.O.Box 619
700 Glasgow Street
Cambridge MD 21613
(Main) 410-221-2111, ext.1023
(Single Point of Entry) 410-221-1111, ext. 1023
(Fax) 410-221-5215

Frederick County
Frederick County Infants & Toddlers Program
Frederick County Development Center
350 Montevue Lane
Frederick MD 21702
(Main) 301-600-1612
(Single Point of Entry) 301-600-1611
(Fax) 301-600-3280

Garrett County
Garrett County Infants & Toddlers Programs
345 Oakland Drive
Oakland MD 21550
(Main) 301-334-1189
(Single Point of Entry) 301-533-0240
(Fax) 301-334-1893

Harford County
Harford County Infants & Toddlers Program
Harford County Health Department
John Archer School
100 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air MD 21015
(Main) 410-638-3823
(Single Point of Entry) 410-638-3823
(Fax) 410-638-3825

Howard County
Howard County Infants & Toddlers Program
Howard County Public Schools
HCPSS Ascend One
8930 Stanford Blvd., Suite 201
Columbia MD 21045
(Main) 410-313-7017
(Single Point of Entry) 410-313-7017
(Fax) 410-313-7103

Kent County
Kent County Infants & Toddlers Program
Kent County Public Schools
5608 Boundary Avenue
Rock Hall MD 21661
(Main) 410-778-7164
(Single Point of Entry) 410-778-7164
(Fax) 410-778-2896

Montgomery County
Montgomery County Infants & Toddlers Program
Montgomery County Health Department & Human Services
51 Monroe Street, 17th Floor
Rockville MD 20850
(Main) 240-777-3997
(Single Point of Entry) 240-777-3997
(Fax) 240-777-3132

Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County Infants & Toddlers Program
2300 Belleview Avenue
Cheverly, MD 20785
(Main) 301-925-1985
(Single Point of Entry) 301-925-6627
(Fax) 301-925-1984

Queen Anne’s County
Queen Anne’s County Infants & Toddlers Program
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
5441 Main Street
Gransonville MD 21638
(Main) 301-265-8415
(Single Point of Entry) 410-556-6103
(Fax) 410-827-4548

Somerset County
Somerset County Infants & Toddlers Program
Somerset County Public Schools
7982A Crisfield Highway
Westover MD 21871
(Main) 410-651-1485
(Single Point of Entry) 410-623-2037
(Fax) 410-651-2931

St. Mary’s County
St. Mary’s County Infants & Toddlers Program
St. Mary’s County Public Schools
23160 Moakley Street
Leonardtown MD 20650
(Main) 301-475-4393
(Single Point of Entry) 301-475-5511 ext. 32223
(Fax) 301-475-4350

Talbot County
Tablot County Infants & Toddlers Program
Tablot County Public Schools
P.O.Box 1029
12 Magnolia Street
Easton MD 21601
(Main) 410-820-0319 Ext. 150
(Single Point of Entry) 410-822-0330 ext. 150
(Fax) 410-822-9508

Washington County
Washington County Infants & Toddlers Program
Washington County Public Schools
PO Box 730
Hagerstown MD 21741
(Main) 301-766-8217
(Single Point of Entry) 301-766-8217
(Fax) 301-791-6716

Wicomico County
Wicomico County Infants & Toddlers Program
Wicomico County Health Department
900 Mount Hermon Road
Salisbury MD 21804
(Main) 410-677-5250
(Single Point of Entry) 410-677-5250
(Fax) 410-677-5817

Worcester County
Worcester County Infants & Toddlers Program
Worcester County Public Schools
6270 Worcester Highway
Newark MD 21841
(Main) 410-632-5033
(Single Point of Entry) 410-632-5033
(Fax)    410-632-3867
Contact Information
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone:     410-767-0261 or 800-535-0182
Fax:     410-333-8165

MD Salem Children’s Trust, located in Garrett County, MD., is seeking a MD Licensed Social Worker

MD Salem Children’s Trust, located in Garrett County, MD., is seeking a MD Licensed Social Worker to provide services to provide individual and small group therapy services for the youth at our Salem School. The hours of work are: 180 School Days (Monday through Friday 10am – 3pm) and 16 hours per week during our 30 day Summer Program. The hourly rate of pay is $20.30. Please visit our website at www.mdsalem.org to find out more about our mission, our organization, and the youth that we serve and submit an application. I welcome your calls with any questions that you might have 301-689-8176 ext.206 for details.