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Dozens of CA events this weekend honor Latino Conservation Week; Kamala Harris joins Oprah Winfrey in emotional campaign event; Report finds poor working conditions in Texas clean energy industry; AI puts on a lab coat, heads to technical schools.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

S.P.E.D. Program: Win/Win for North Dakota

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Thursday, May 3, 2007   

Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled, or "SPED" is a safety net for those not poor enough or frail enough to qualify for Medicaid, but who still need help with day-to-day tasks. The program allows them to live independently at home. At the start of the legislative session, there was an effort for stricter eligibility requirements that would have made it more difficult to access the program, but Governor Hoeven changed his mind and encouraged lawmakers to leave the program untouched. Linda Wurtz with AARP North Dakota says SPED bridges a gap between those who can pay for their care and those who qualify for Medicaid.

“This program will enable people to get a little help with funding services at home without being so very frail or without being extremely poor. It's just to catch people in that little gap and help them with services.”

Wurtz believes that with the SPED program, everyone wins in the long run because people prefer to stay at home, and the cost savings over institutional care is significant. She notes that it's important for North Dakotans to know the SPED program is available.

“I think it's just that people don't know about it, and that they don't know the advantages of the program. They don't know that they are qualified and eligible to use it.”

To apply, contact your county social service office or call the North Dakota Senior Help Line at 1-800-451-8693.



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