President Joe Biden signed the Think Differently Database Act into law a few weeks before leaving office. The law aims to establish an online database to gather and publicize resources for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
The Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must create a public website containing Medicaid-covered services. The website also must include eligibility criteria for Medicaid, contact information for state Medicaid offices, and information about long-term care services and community-based care. HHS also must publicize the website so that people with disabilities, families, and service providers know how to access this crucial information.
The public can search the database by zip code to find available services in their area. In addition to the information listed above, the database must include resources on health care, mental health care, and other community-based services. People with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities should benefit from the resources on the site.
Reps. Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and 25 co-sponsors introduced this bipartisan legislation. All too often, people with disabilities and their caregivers must navigate both federal and state resources, usually in different locations, which can be confusing and frustrating. The national database will eliminate this problem and create a single source of information for local, state, and federal resources for this demographic.
Molinaro, who lost his seat in the 2024 November election, has devoted his congressional career to changing and improving how businesses, organizations, and the public view and relate to people with special needs. The former congressman created the “ThinkDifferently” initiative in large part to support his son, who is on the autism spectrum.
Call Rubin Law to Learn More About the Think Differently Database
Rubin Law is the only Illinois law firm to dedicate itself exclusively to providing compassionate legal services for children and adults with special needs. We offer unique legal and future planning techniques to meet your family’s individual needs.
Call us today at 866-TO-RUBIN or email us at email@rubinlaw.com to learn more about the services we can offer you and your family.
