This paper presents the annual report of the Association for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) for 2008. In 2008, ACNJ wrote a better ending for children by: (1) Advancing universal health care for children. ACNJ's assistant director chaired a state task force charged with getting more uninsured children enrolled in New Jersey's child health insurance…

The Idaho Rural Education Task Force was formed in July 2007 with the goal of proposing and examining solutions to challenges facing rural schools. The task force's work this year has focused on three areas: recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers, funding shortages related to insurance costs and staff allowances, and the technology…

Context: Due to various barriers to health care access in the rural setting, there is concern that rural older adults might have lower access to prescribed medications than their urban counterparts. Purpose: To review published research reports to determine prevalence and mean medication use in rural, noninstitutionalized older adults and assess…

This survey study explored gender differences in transition imperatives and opportunities for youth with disabilities (N = 521). Results indicated that males and females differ in terms of the adult outcomes they hope to achieve, transition training opportunities they have received, and their access to teachers and other nonfamilial adults to…

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has published the "Data Book" for each of the past 24 years, tracking the well-being of America's children nationally and by state. To take advantage of the tremendous growth in research and data on child development, the Annie E. Casey Foundation has improved how they measure child well-being and rank…

New Jersey children and families begin this new decade with the state and nation in an economic downturn that has been marked by widespread job losses, an increased rate of child poverty and a growing number of households without enough to eat. These challenges are reflected in the measurements of child well-being in this report. "New Jersey…

In this report the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation (NIHCM) and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) focus on selective, exemplary collaborations between state health agencies and health plans to reduce overweight and obesity in children. The idea of collaboration is simple. Partner A agrees to…

In this article, we aim to identify the sources of mastery--the understanding that individuals hold about their ability to control the circumstances of their lives. The sample for our inquiry was drawn from the Medicare beneficiary files of people 65 and older living in Washington, DC, and two adjoining Maryland counties. We find that past…

Objective: Describe the general health, comorbidities and health service use among U.S. children with ADHD. Method: The 2001 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) contained the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; used to determine probable ADHD), data on medical problems, overall health, and health care utilization. Results: Asthma…

This document presents witnesses' testimonies from a Congressional hearing called to examine the health care access problems of the large number of Americans without health insurance and those suffering from underinsurance or inadequate coverage of primary acute or long-term care. Opening statements are included from Representatives Edward Roybal,…

The pros and cons of state laws mandating mental health insurance are discussed in this report. The history of a 1985 Supreme Court case which held that states could mandate mental health benefits introduces the report. In an overview of the issue, the long-standing argument between the insurance industry and the mental health establishment is…

The health and dental self-insurance program instituted in the Waukegan (Illinois) Public Schools can credit three major factors for much of its success. First, claims are processed in-house by the district, resulting in improved communications about claim decisions, faster payments, and higher employee satisfaction. Second, the plan is…

This document provides testimony from two Congressional hearings, one on the subject of long-term care services for the elderly and the other on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In the hearing on long-term care, opening remarks are given by Congressmen Waxman and Wyden. Expert testimony from the following witnesses is provided: (1)…

In response to a request by Senator John Melcher of the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging, the General Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed legislative proposals designed to protect Medicare enrollees from the financial hardships that often accompany catastrophic illness. The GAO originally examined six legislative proposals introduced…