Automatic data processing equipment and services; conditions for federal financing participation--HCFA. Final Rule

In September 1978, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-then the Department of Health, Education and Welfare) published a regulation containing requirements that State and local governments must observe to claim Federal reimbursement for the costs of automatic data processing (ADP) equipment or services. The regulations are applicable to certain public assistance programs under the Social Security Act. The regulations were modified in February 1980 and in January 1986 to implement certain changes. These regulations change requirements for the claiming of Federal matching funds for the acquisition of ADP equipment or services in the administration of public assistances programs under the Social Security Act Titles I, IV, X, XIV, (AABD), XXIX and XX. The change modifies the regulations to conform to legislative changes, raises the HHS prior approval threshold for most State and local government acquisitions, and limits the types of documents which are subject to prior approval requirements. The purpose of the change is to: Simplify and make these regulations consistent, to the maximum extent possible, with those regulations that govern availability of Federal Financial Participation (FFP) at the enhanced matching rate for computerized systems that support programs under Titles IV-A, IV-D, and XIX of the Social Security Act; Allow States more flexibility in implementing small systems; and reduce paperwork.

Social services for older rural Americans: some policy concerns

Older rural Americans remain largely underserved because the majority of social service delivery systems are established in urban areas. Even with recent efforts to assess the conditions of the nation's rural elderly, there have been oversights that affect the development of policies intended to provide needed services. The author explores these problems and provides suggestions for constructive changes in policy formation.

Funding health services for children

This paper reviews major federal laws that have helped raise a consciousness in this country for increasing availability of health care services for handicapped and chronically ill children, and have authorized financial assistance for these services. This review is intended to provide a basic understanding of these key statutes so that they can be used to expand available occupational therapy services. Private health insurance is also reviewed since approximately one-third of all health care costs for children is reimbursed by this source.

Revised federal allotments to states for social services expenditures pursuant to Title XX--Social Services Block Grant Act; promulgation for fiscal year 1984--HHS. Notification

The Federal allotments of +2.5 billion to States for social services under Section 2003 of the Social Security Act (Act) which were published in the Federal Register November 26, 1982 (47 FR 53502) were based upon the authorization set forth in Section 2003 of the Act at that time and were contingent upon Congressional appropriations actions for the fiscal year. Public Law 98-135, enacted October 24, 1983, amended Section 2003 of the Act, by increasing the authorization to +2.7 billion for Fiscal Year 1984 and each succeeding fiscal year. The allocation of this authorized amount for Fiscal Year 1984 is shown in Column 1 of the table below, and it too is contingent upon Congressional appropriations actions. Public Law 98-139, enacted October 13, 1983 appropriates +2.675 billion for allocation to the States under Section 2003 of the Act for Fiscal Year 1984. The allocation of this appropriated amount is shown in Column 2 of the table below. Accordingly, the promulgation made in 47 FR 53502, November 26, 1982, is rescinded and the promulgation, as revised, is set forth in Column 2 of the table below.

Need for and use of social and health services by multiple sclerosis patients living at home in England

200 disabled multiple sclerosis patients living at home in England were interviewed to discover to what extent they were receiving the social and health benefits to which they were entitled. Many patients were ignorant of their entitlements, and there were major deficiencies in their receipt of cash benefits, job retraining, rehousing and home alterations, help in the home, and telephones, cars, and radio and television receivers. Social-worker visits were infrequent and ineffective. No single person is responsible for informing patients about benefits and helping to secure them. A multiple sclerosis register is recommended, together with automatic referral of those listed to social workers. The only major criticism of medical care was that the diagnosis should be revealed to the patient earlier and more information on the disorder should be provided. More frequent contact with multiple sclerosis patients by ancillary health workers (physiotherapists and health visitors) is needed.

Additional federal allotments to states for social services expenditures pursuant to the Title XX-Block Grants to States for Social Services--Office of Human Development Services, HHS

Section 2003 of the Social Security Act, as amended, authorizes $2.45 billion for allocation to the States for Social Services Block Grants--Fiscal Year 1983. Public Law 98-8, enacted March 245, 1983, appropriates an additional $225 million for Fiscal Year 1983. This notice contains State allotments and explanations of how the allotments were determined; conditions for receipt of these funds and other information.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

In fiscal year 1981, Congress appropriated $1.85 billion for home heating assistance to help low-income households meet rapidly rising energy costs. Eligibility for payments was based on income and energy-cost criteria. This procedure represented a departure from the earlier Federal focus of assisting households facing emergency hardships. Funds for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program were allocated to the 50 States and District of Columbia, six territories, and 55 Indian tribal organizations. This article presents program data and information on the characteristics of the more than 17 million persons who received aid under this program.

Federal allotments to states for social services expenditures pursuant to the Title XX-Social Services Block Grant Act; promulgation for fiscal year 1984-HHS. Notification of allocation of Title XX

This issuance sets forth the individual allotments to States for Fiscal Year 1984 pursuant to Title XX of the Social Security Act, as amended. The allotments to the States published herein are based upon the authorization set forth in Section 2003 of the Act and are contingent upon congressional appropriations actions for the fiscal year. If the Congress enacts and the President approves an amount different from the authorization, the allotments would be adjusted proportionately.