by independencenw | Sep 29, 2011 | advocacy, budget cuts, community connections, customers, resource
On October 1st, somewhere between 700 and 800 people will be exited from brokerage services due to non-Medicaid status. Recently, our staff got together to create resource lists for those affected. Below are some resources that might be of use to you or someone you know.
211 – This should always be your first stop for resources in our community. This clearinghouse has a comprehensive listing of resources available to you 24/7. Check them out now!
Ride Wise – Ride Connections’ Ride Wise program teaches older adults and people with disabilities to travel independently and safely on public transportation. The services are provided at no charge for those who qualify and encompass all forms of public transportation (bus, light rail).
Independent Living Resources – ILR promotes the philosophy of Independent Living by creating opportunities, encouraging choices, advancing equal access, and furthering the level of independence for all people with disabilities.
Mint – Mint is a free money management software that will help you manage your funds so you can continue living independently.
Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation– The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, founded in 1959, serves as the nonprofit arm of the Lions Clubs of Oregon. Today, the Foundation continues to provide sight and hearing assistance for Oregonians in need through numerous programs that improve the quality of life of our most vulnerable members of our community.
Free Geek – Free Geek’s mission is to recycle technology and provide access to computers, the internet, education and job skills in exchange for community service.
Human Solutions – Since 1988, Human Solutions has developed a wide range of effective programs to assist families and individuals to find successful pathways out of poverty and homelessness toward self-sufficiency. Human Solutions helps families and individuals gain prosperity which in turn helps our greater community to thrive.
Impact NW – Impact Northwest’s mission is to help people achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty.
DART (Disability Assault/Abuse Response Team) – DART provides a domestic violence support group for women with developmental/cognitive disabilities. They are currently holding their meetings at the INW office. Please follow the link to learn more.
SE Works – SE Works’ mission is to strengthen the economic health and well being of our diverse southeast Portland community by facilitating successful connections between job seekers and employers.
Educate Ya – The mission of Edúcate Ya, Inc. is to foster social change, cultural integration, professionalism, and wellness education in the Latino communities. Our objective is to educate and create awareness about cultural, social, economic, and health concerns in the different Latino communities, as well as the broader community.
Latino Connections – A project of Easter Seals, LC is a grassroots employment service for employers. LC works to train, educate and motivate Latino participants focusing on employment. LC implements a holistic approach to reducing barriers to employment, fully integrating job seekers into the current workforce.
Catholic Charities – Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services provides high quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees, and engages in public education, training and community outreach in order to promote justice for all newcomers.
Neighborhood House – Our programs help low-income, recent-immigrant and other vulnerable people overcome challenges so they can achieve success, stability and independence.
Volunteers of America of Oregon – Our programs help individuals, families and even communities to move from instability to security, from feeling unseen and uncared for to acknowledged and affirmed and from isolation to independence.
Incight – Incight empowers people with disabilities to become contributing members of society. We accomplish this through several dynamic programs focused in the areas of: Education, Employment, Networking and Independence.
Parent to Parent – We’re a state-wide non-profit organization based in Portland, OR dedicated to making a difference in the lives of parents of children with various disabilities.
Disability Rights Oregon – Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) promotes Opportunity, Access and Choice for individuals with disabilities by assisting them with legal problems directly related to their disabilities.
Thank you to the Personal Agents of Independence Northwest for compiling this list of resources.
by independencenw | Aug 9, 2011 | advocacy, employment
CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Disability Rights Oregon’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) helps people having difficulty seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services from Oregon’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), Independent Living (IL) centers, the Oregon Commission for the Blind, and tribal programs.
CAP OFFERS INFORMATION, ADVICE AND ADVOCACY THAT FACILITATES EMPLOYMENT AND INDEPENDENT LIVING.
We provide information about VR, IL and employment services and benefits, teach you how to protect and assert your rights, and inform you about your responsibilities. We can help. Call us.
YOUR RIGHTS:
- Determination of your eligibility for services within 60 days
- Understanding the process and how decisions are made
- Participation in assessments and in the development of your Individualized Plan for Employment
- A written copy of your Individualized Plan for Employment and all decisions
- Review of your Individualized Plan for Employment once a year
- Appeal of decisions you disagree with, including receiving a due process hearing and continuation of services during the appeal period
- Mediation of disagreements if you’ve requested a hearing
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate openly with your VR or IL counselor, including discussing your concerns, interests, desires and goals
- Maintain records of what is said and all paperwork you are given
- Keep your counselor informed of changes in your circumstances
- Ask questions when you do not understand
- Get the facts and follow the correct steps to make a complaint or to appeal if you don’t agree with a decision
ABOUT DRO:
DISABILITY RIGHTS OREGON (DRO) promotes OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS & CHOICE
for individuals with disabilities. They assist people with legal representation, advice and information designed to help solve problems directly related to their disabilities. All services are confidential and free of charge.
DONATIONS
Disability Rights Oregon is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible.
RESOURCES
DBTAC Northwest
Tribal VR — Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Voice: 503-879-4543
Oregon’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Voice 1-877-277-0513
TTY: 1-866-801-0130
Tribal VR — Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Voice: 541-553-4952
Oregon Commission for the Blind
Voice: 1-888-202-5463 or 971-673-1588
TTY: 971-673-1577
Job Accommodation Network
Voice: 1-800-526-7234
TTY: 1-877-781-9403
by independencenw | Aug 3, 2011 | budget cuts
Effective October 1st, 2011, brokerage customers who are not currently Medicaid recipients (or Oregon Health Plan/ OHP Plus as it’s often called) will be exited from brokerage services.
Why is this happening? Oregon has been dealing with a serious budget deficit for some time. The State of Oregon Department of Human Services was instructed to find areas to cut spending. The State chose to cut non-Medicaid* recipients from support services. When a customer in services becomes eligible for Medicaid, the state can access federal funding on their behalf. If a customer is on a Medicaid waiver, the federal government funds approximately 60% of their services, therefore saving the state money.
Somewhere around 800 people are losing services on October 1st, 2011. At Independence Northwest, we estimate between 35 and 45 people will lose services. Brokerage operational funding is also being cut since we are paid for the number of people we serve. This is the largest cut to support services in its ten year existence.
What happens when I am exited from brokerage services?
If you are exited from Independence Northwest, you will be referred back to your local Community Developmental Disabilities Program in Washington, Multnomah or Clackamas. There, you will be assigned a Case Manager/Service Coordinator.
Will I have access to paid supports after exiting the brokerage?
Unfortunately, this is not likely. If you are exited from the brokerage and referred back to the county, the probability of having any service funds is very low. Cutting your service cost is one way Oregon’s Department of Human Services is addressing its program budget cuts. Your county Case Manager/Service Coordinator will be available to connect you to resources in the community and during times of increased need.
What happens to my current providers?
Your brokerage plan will pay those providers you currently work with (domestic employees, independent contractors or provider agencies) through September 30th, 2011. After that, the State of Oregon will no longer permit state funds to be used to pay for your services. Effective October 1st, 2011, all service agreements will be null and void. If work happens on or after this date, you should be sure you have alternate payment options.
Can I private pay for services?
You should speak directly with your providers to see if this is a possibility. Independence Northwest is unable to offer private pay case management.
My plan just started. I want to use my entire plan year’s funds before I’m exited. Can I?
We have received direction from the State of Oregon Department of Human Services that customers exiting our services are to have their overall annual benefit amount reduced by the number of months left in the plan October 1st forward. (For example, if your plan year is July through June, you would be eligible for a pro-rated plan amount for three months: July, August and September, thereby reducing your overall benefit amount.) Were all non-Medicaid customers to spend all their funds between now and October 1st, the State might be in a position to cut other services to make up for the unexpected loss. If you have questions about this, check with your Personal Agent. Since guidance in this area has been minimal and this is a time of unexpected change for all involved, we will likely refer you to the State for a direct answer to more complex queries.
These services are essential for my health and safety. This puts me at serious risk.
Please communicate as soon as possible with your Personal Agent about any health and safety issues related to this service loss. We need to connect you with county personnel and work together on a transition that addresses these concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us – we want to work closely with you and your circle of support during this difficult time.
If I get on Medicaid in the future, can I re-enter brokerage services?
Everything we’re being told by the State indicates that you will be able to come back to brokerage services if/when your situation changes and you become Medicaid eligible. There will be many openings at brokerages throughout the state and for some time we are not expecting waitlists to be an issue. We know that this is not possible for everyone and are disheartened by this reality.
Where can I complain and/or voice my concerns about this change?
You may file a formal complaint by using this form or you can call the Department of Human Services or your legislators directly.
Think you might be eligible for Medicaid? Check out our FAQ sheet on Getting on Medicaid here.
Have additional questions not addressed in this FAQ?
Contact your Personal Agent or Independence Northwest’s Executive Director Larry Deal at larry.deal (at) independencenw.org or by calling 503.546.2950.
Click here for a PDF version of this FAQ document.
by independencenw | Jul 25, 2011 | budget cuts, customers
UPDATED JULY 26th 2011:
As a result of budget cuts during the 2011/2013 session, the State of Oregon Department of Human Services has instructed Independence Northwest and all other support services brokerages statewide to exit any and all customers without Medicaid from our services on October 1st.
We will exit approximately 35 – 45 people from our agency alone. Statewide, there are about 800 people who will lose services. If you aren’t on Medicaid and you need help applying, call your Personal Agent as soon as possible.
How does eliminating services for people without Medicaid/OHP save the state money?
- The state currently provides services for customers who are not Medicaid eligible solely from the state general fund budget. When a customer in services becomes eligible for Medicaid, the state can access federal funding on their behalf. If a customer is on a Medicaid waiver, the federal government funds approximately 60% of their services, therefore saving the state money.
I have a job; can I still apply for Medicaid?
- Most likely. Currently, brokerage customers can potentially access Medicaid if they have resources under $2,022.00. “Resources” means the amount of money left over in your bank account the following month after you’ve paid your bills. Your primary vehicle or home does not count as a resource. If you are an adult over the age of 18, your parents’ resources no longer count and the Medicaid worker would be considering your resources alone. There are also other incentive programs out there which help working people with disabilities qualify for Medicaid such as the Employed Persons with Disabilities (EPD) program. Ask your PA to set you up with a benefits planner to discuss your options.
I have private insurance already, why should I apply for Medicaid?
- You can keep your private insurance AND still be eligible for Medicaid. Your private insurance will remain your primary insurance benefit. In some cases, once you become eligible for Medicaid, it will even cover your premiums on your private insurance or Medicare insurance plan, saving you money! If you are a brokerage customer, having Medicaid also increases the amount of plan dollars you are eligible for. Even if you are not utilizing all the money in your plan now, you may need additional supports some day.
Who do I talk to about my options for applying for Medicaid?
- Talk to your Personal Agent. They can help direct you to the right office and can assist with the application process if needed. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to a benefits planner beforehand to make sure you are taking advantage of all the incentive programs that might be available to you.
Helpful phone numbers:
- Benefits Planners:
- Disability Rights Oregon 503-243-2081
- Independent Living Resources 503-232-7411
- Medicaid offices
- Multnomah County ADS helpline 503-988-3646
- Clackamas County Medicaid office 503-655-8336
- Washington County DAVS office 503-846-8881
You can download a PDF version of this information here.
– Erin Graff, Assistant Director Independence Northwest
by independencenw | Jul 13, 2011 | customers
Compassion Vancouver West, a free event, will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 9am- 3pm at Washington Elementary School, 2908 S St (30th & S St) Vancouver, WA 98661.
This is a multii-service event welcoming the uninsured and underinsured members of Vancouver. The following will be provided:
- Basic medical exams
- Basic dental cleaning and emergency treatment
- Basic chiropractic exams
- Basic eye exams
- Social service fair
- Children’s activities
- Free haircuts
- Free lunch, and other services
Compassion Vancouver is a collective of local churches working together to bring health and dental care to our community that does not have access to care.
Go to the following link for more info: http://compassionvancouver.com/
Thanks to Natasha Roe for the heads up.
