A Module-Based Telepractice Intervention for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities.

In the current study, we describe a study of the Internet-based Parent-implemented Communication Strategies-Storybook (i-PiCSS). I-PiCSS is an intervention program designed to train and coach parents to use evidence-based naturalistic communication teaching (NCT) strategies (i.e., modeling, mand-model, and time delay) and reading techniques while reading storybooks with their young children with disabilities. Three participating parents were trained via online modules and coached via telepractice technologies (videoconferences). Zoom videoconference software was used for all coaching sessions. Using a single case multiple-baseline design across NCT strategies within each family, we examined, (a) parents' fidelity use of the three NCT strategies, (b) parents' use of book reading techniques, and (c) child language and communication outcomes. After self-directed training and remote coaching, parents used modeling, mand-model, and time delay strategies with higher rates and fidelity (accuracy). Children initiated more communicative acts upon parents' use of time delay and increased their numbers of single-and multiple-word responses.

The Medicare drug benefit: update on the low-income subsidy.

The Medicare drug benefit (Medicare "Part D"), provides federal subsidies to pay premiums and cost sharing for low-income beneficiaries--almost 10 million in 2009. Yet there are several policy issues concerning these low-income beneficiaries under Part D. First, over 2 million individuals who may qualify for the subsidies have not enrolled. Second, in some states, low-income beneficiaries have little choice of plans (while non low-income beneficiaries have dozens of choices), unless they pay out-of-pocket for premium amounts above what the subsidy covers. And third, millions of those who have enrolled in the benefit face the prospect each year of switching drug plans or paying more to keep their current drug plan. What led to this state of affairs? Are there lessons to be learned from Medicare Part D as Congress debates how to provide health insurance subsidies on behalf of low-income individuals?

The nuts and bolts of PDPs.

This issue brief provides an overview of Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs), with a focus on fundamentals such as enrollment, premiums, formularies, cost sharing, prices, payment, cost management, and appeals and grievance processes. It also highlights major changes to the PDP landscape between 2006 and 2007.

A closer look at the Medicare part D low-income benchmark premium: how low can it go?

This issue brief explains how the Medicare Part D low income benchmark premium is calculated, what factors influence the level of the low-income benchmark premium in any given year, and the implications of the benchmark amount for Medicare drug plans and beneficiaries as it changes from year to year. The paper provides a simplified, two-year example of how the low-income benchmark premium is calculated in order to illustrate the key factors that influence it.