Of Benefit to All

THE IRS HAS PUBLISHED A LINK TO ITS VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) SITES

2012-02-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

It's Tax Time!

The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to low to moderate income working individuals and families, yet Californian's leave approximately 10 BILLION Earned Income Tax Credit money unclaimed.

This $10 Billion translates into an average EITC benefit of $2,100 for families with children; the maximum for families with eligible children is $5,751. The EITC can be claimed retroactively three years prior to 2011. So, if you qualified in 2008, 2009 and/or 2010, you can get the EITC refund from those years, too.

ITC eligibility requirements are:

• With three or more qualifying children, income less than $43,998 or $49,078 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,751
• With two qualifying children, income less than $40,964 or $46,044 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,112
• With one qualifying child, income less than $36,052 or $41,132 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $3,094

• With no children, income less than $13,660 or $18,740 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $464

If you're on SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and are concerned about exceeding SSI's (and Medi-Cal's) $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (couple) asset limits, don't be. Any EITC payment is exempt from the SSI restrictions. They won't count it against you.

Although there are many reasons why families do not file for the EITC, primary among them is lack of awareness of the EITC and uncertainty as to how to apply for it.
The IRS has established the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to assist folks with low incomes to file specifically to receive the refund that they may qualify for. And it's FREE!

Click here: http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/, put in your zip code and you will be presented with a list of VITA sites in your neighborhood. Click here for more information directly from the IRS:

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html.

Good luck with this to you who may be eligible for this refund.

DB101 SEMINAR & WORKSHOP: www.db101.org

2012-01-26T15:12:00.001-08:00

Arcadia Presbyterian Church

121 Alice Street, Arcadia, CA 91006-3988

Wednesday, February 15^th 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bryon MacDonald, World Institute on Disability, Oakland CA

The World Institute on Disability, under the direction of Mr. Bryon MacDonald, Program Director, Employment and Disability Benefits Initiative, EDBI, has created an invaluable on-line tool providing a wealth of information on Public Disability Benefits. This interactive site is available to everyone who needs to know about benefits safety nets -- how to access them, how to keep maintain them and how to keep them intact when transitioning from disability into the workforce.

www.db101.org consists of information and calculators compiled and composed by some the nation’s most accomplished benefits experts. This is a rare opportunity for anyone working in public and/or private social services sector to be well educated in all aspects of Disability Benefits, Employment and Employment Supports.

Benefits Advocacy Certification Webinar --

2012-01-26T15:08:00.001-08:00

Pacific Clinics Training Institute

Every Tuesday, Feb 3 – March 31, 2012

9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Michael J. Van Essen, Director of Benefits Establishment

This cumulative 24 hour course thoroughly covers all aspects of Public Income and Healthcare Benefits for those who are ill, elderly and otherwise disenfranchised. Center to this instruction are the Social Security Disability Benefits, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance. Their accompanying healthcare coverage, Medi-Cal and Medicare, respectively are also featured.

In addition to the basic instruction, these interactive webinars provide the means for discussions, case studies and many other useful learning techniques, giving the attendees a valuable and multi-dimensional learning experience about subjects that are rarely understood outside of the agencies that administer them.

For further information and to enroll please visit www.pacificclinics.org/trainingginstitute.

Accellerated Savings Accounts Don't Count Against SSI's Asset Limit of $2,000; $3,000 for a Couple

2012-01-17T12:14:00.001-08:00

I am employed by Pacific Clinics of Southern California. We have approximately 12,000 consumers that we serve in four counties including Los Angeles.

Manyof our clients live month to month with very little income – subsistence living,in fact.

Themajority receive SSI – Supplemental Security Income. The maximum monthlypayment from SSI for an individual in California, living alone with cookingfacilities is only $830 a month.

So,saving any of that is, to most, at best, unlikely. Conventional understanding is that any moneyover $2,000 violates SSI’s asset limits and the consumer becomes ineligible forSSI payments when the saved amount is above $2k. That is correct in most cases.

Thereis a special account, however, that is available qualified low income people calledthe Accelerated Savings Account.

SSI recipients who qualify for the ASAwill not have those funds count against SSI’s asset limits!

AcceleratedSavings Accounts are designed to help people with low incomes – disabled or not-- save money. United Way of Greater Los Angeles sponsors ASAs that pay 19.357% interest. That is an unheard ofrate of interest in today’s economy.

TheASA account requires an initial deposit of $500. That money can come from anysource. It often comes from the Earned Income Tax Credit that low-incomeworkers receive from the IRS at tax time, whether they’ve paid taxes or not.(See my article here.)

Afterthe initial deposit is submitted, the account holder deposits $40 each monthfor 15 months. The final yield is over $300, much more than standard savingsaccounts, CDs, etc., would accrue.

Clickhere for the flyer: http://www.cceda.com/News_Archive_files/Flyers.pdf

Formore information or to sign up call any of the organizations by the numberslisted below:

CommunityFinancial Resource Center 323-846-1434

EastLA Community Corporation 323-269-4214x 228

KoreanYouth Community Center 213-365-7400x 228

LongBeach Community Action Partnership 562-216-4620

MexicanAmerican Opportunity Foundation 323-890-1555x 1636

ValleyEconomic Development Center 818-834-0577x 201UnitedWay of Greater Los Angeles 213-808-6467

The Earned Income Tax Credit

2012-01-17T09:43:00.001-08:00

Hello, Everyone.

TAX TIME is just around the corner so I’m sending you few words about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The Earned Income Tax Credit is an income tax refund for low to moderate income working individuals and families.

To be eligible, you must file a tax return -- regardless of annual earnings. An individual whose Adjusted Gross Income is below $13,660, for example, will likely be eligible for a refund of $464, even if he pays no taxes for 2011.

The Adjusted Gross Income of a family with three or more children can be as high as $49,078 and receive the credit. In this case the refund would total $5,751.

Also, this refund can be claimed retroactively for a maximum of three years. A parent or officially designated guardian with three or more dependents that haven’t claimed the refund can submit claims for 2008 and each year since, and, if eligible, could receive approximately $20,000 in one lump sum!

You don’t have to be a parent to qualify for the credit. Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and siblings – Foster Parents, too – can receive this refund. The only requirements are that the qualifying children are under 18 years of age – or under 23 if attending school full time -- are related by blood or have been officially placed in the claimant’s care. They must also have lived at home with the claimant for at least half a year.

Now here’s a very important point of those receiving SSI: This refund does not count against SSI’s or Medi-Cal’s asset limits! These funds are exempt.

The money can be spent or saved. And there are ways to save it and make it grow, with no interruption to income and/or healthcare services.

And, if you’re looking for some free tax help, make an appointment for assistance at a VITA site. VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. VITA folks have been trained by the IRS specifically to help fill out the necessary tax documents and make sure that if a refund is coming to you – any kind of refund including the EITC – you will receive it as quickly as possible. Check www.IRS.gov for VITA locations or Google VITA sites, Southern California.

So, that’s it. To find out more about the Earned Income Tax Credit go to www.irs.gov or call me at 626-254-5000. I’ll be happy to assist.

Thanks.

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

www.ofbenefittoall.blogspot.com

PacificClinics Privacy Notice: This message, and any attachments, is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or exempt from disclosure under federal or state law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and destroy this e-mail and all attachments from your system. (W&I Code, Section 5328, 45 CFR 160 & 164).

FW: CFED Launches the SSI Asset Limit Reform Coalition

2011-12-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

www.ofbenefittoall.blogspot.com

From: Shriver Center [mailto:civicrm@povertylaw.org]
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 1:30 PM
To: Michael Van Essen
Subject: CFED Launches the SSI Asset Limit Reform Coalition

People with disabilities have lower employment levels, report lower levels of savings, and are more likely to experience poverty than those without disabilities. The inextricable connection between disability and poverty requires special attention to developing policies and programs to give people the ability to save, acquire assets, and permanently escape poverty.

As a leader in the asset building and disability movement, the Shriver Center has hosted a webinar series on asset building for people with disabilities: Accessible Assets, Part 1 (November 2009) and Accessible Assets, Part 2 (February 2011). As part of this webinar series, we also developed comprehensive webinar resource pages that provide current research and reports on asset building in the disability community. Among these resources is a Clearinghouse Review law review article, Accessible Assets: Bringing Together the Disability and Asset-Building Communities, which the Shriver Center authored. The article provides a more in depth look at the ABLE Act, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and federal asset limit reform, among other barriers to savings for people with disabilities.

The CFED recently launched the SSI Asset Limit Reform Coalition as a way to raise awareness about this important issue and to gather support. The SSI Asset Limit Reform Coalition supports and advocates to raise asset limits and protect certain types of savings and investments for recipients of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

For people with disabilities, asset limits in SSI pose a significant barrier to savings. In terms of public policy, asset tests send the wrong message—that having assets is a bad thing. Raising or abolishing asset limits would send a clear message that savings and asset building are encouraged and important. The SSI Asset Limit Reform Coalition is committed to favoring legislation that proposes the following changes to the SSI program:

Raise the asset limit and index the limit for inflation.

For individuals under age 65, exclude $50,000 in retirement savings ($75,000 for a couple) from inclusion in the asset test and exclude Education Savings Accounts and Individual Development Accounts.

For individuals age 65 or older, exclude up to $10,000 in retirement savings ($15,000 for a couple), and disregard one-third of the funds drawn down from retirement accounts when calculating household income.

Remove the requirement that SSI recipients, if eligible, must apply for periodic payments from their retirement savings.

In order to create more asset building opportunities for people with disabilities please consider joining the SSI Asset Limit Reform Coalition!



50 E Washington, Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60602 United States Boston Office: 89 South Street, Suite 407, Boston, MA 02111	Southwest is the official airline of the Shriver Center.


Click here to opt out of future mailings.

FW: Patty Duke Turns 65, Applies Online for Social Security and Medicare benefits

2011-12-14T10:19:00.001-08:00

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

www.ofbenefittoall.blogspot.com

From: Susan Ann Kelley
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 9:35 AM
To: - All Pacific Clinics Staff
Subject: FW: Patty Duke Turns 65, Applies Online for Social Security and Medicare benefits

Here is the latest from Social Security……….watch some of the videos, they are fun…….however, if you are under 30, you may not understand some of the reference to old TV watching………………(so sad for you).

Enjoy,

Sue Kelley

Lead Executive Assistant to Dr. Susan Mandel

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Avenue ~ Arcadia, CA 91006

( (626) 254-5006 ~ Fax (626) 294-1078

*skelley@pacificclinics.org

www.pacificclinics.org

P Think Green : Keep it on the screen.

Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

From: Valleroy, Ann [mailto:Ann.Valleroy@ssa.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 9:17 AM
To: 'PattyLeung@dpss.lacounty.gov'; 'Alansing@cityofpasadena.net'; 'fullerurban@gmail.com'; 'joecolletti@urban-initiatives.org'; 'sofiaherrera@urban-initiatives.org'; Jhoanna Espinoza; Kitty Galt; 'tcody@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us'; 'RBenefits@cityofpasadena.net'; 'mschubel@cityofpasadena.net'; 'psisson@cityofpasadena.net'; 'jackiescott@cityofpasadena.net'; 'rmelendez@cityofpasadena.net'; 'mcruz42@pusd.us'; 'sondrawhitfield@dpss.lacounty.gov'; 'HarryVacaflor@dpss.lacounty.gov'; 'MedikAnjargolian@dpss.lacounty.gov'; 'grcaringella@pasadena.edu'; 'Elida.Guillen@caltech.edu'; 'Ann.C.Schofield-osaki@jpl.nasa.gov'; 'CynthiaR@pasadenaseniorcenter.org'; 'James.granata@parsons.com'; 'dinna.beeton@huntingtonhospital.com'; 'pmendez@fuller.edu'; 'EREYNOSO@ci.arcadia.ca.us'; 'Pamela.cantero@elcentropasadena.org'; 'griffp@dcfs.lacounty.gov'; 'cbarrios@lacera.com'; 'raina@foothillunitycenter.org'; 'tchen@dor.ca.gov'; 'vtp@aidssc.org'; 'diana.ling@edd.ca.gov'; Susan Ann Kelley; 'cmikula@womenatwork.org'; 'pat@ecpac.net'; 'bcole@unionstationhs.org'; 'ltorres@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us'; 'ccurry@css.lacounty.gov'; 'pat.riley@usw.salvationarmy.org'; 'eileen.koons@huntingtonhospital.com'; 'sweninger@css.lacounty.gov'; 'lbeck@abilityfirst.org'; 'skazmi@abilityfirst.org'; 'lreyes@cfar1.org'; 'Sylvia@foothillvoc.org'; 'ellensimon@hearcenter.org'; 'pbjelajac@prototypes.org'; 'resource@211la.org'; 'cgregg@villaesperanzaservices.org'; 'kwhite@villaesperanzaservices.org'
Subject: FW: Patty Duke Turns 65, Applies Online for Social Security and Medicare benefits

Ann Valleroy

Field Representative

Social Security Administration

104 N. Mentor.

Pasadena CA. 91106

877/255-1508, Ext 27902

From: |CA FO Pasadena
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 7:58 AM
To: #SF CA 957 All
Subject: Patty Duke Turns 65, Applies Online for Social Security and Medicare benefits

News Release

SOCIAL SECURITY

Patty Duke Turns 65, Applies Online for
Social Security and Medicare benefits

In a New Video, Oscar-Winning Actress Applies in her Pajamas
from the Comfort of her Own Home

[Disclaimer]

After years of telling people they can apply online for Social Security in their pajamas, Patty Duke has taken her own advice. Duke, who turns 65 today, applied online for retirement and Medicare benefits from home at www.socialsecurity.gov.

"I had no idea this would be such a momentous occasion," said Duke, who for three years has volunteered her time promoting Social Security's online services in numerous Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and media interviews. In a new online video, Duke puts character acting aside and shows everyone what happened when she and her husband Mike Pearce sat down at the kitchen table, turned on their laptop, and applied for her retirement and Medicare benefits.

"All of us at Social Security wish Patty a very happy birthday," said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. "She's a Hollywood legend and an American treasure who reaches a very important milestone today. True to form, she is the one giving us the birthday present by showing her fellow baby boomers the easiest way to apply for benefits."

In 2009, Duke reprised her roles as the identical cousins, Patty and Cathy Lane from the Patty Duke Show, for a series of PSAs promoting Social Security's online services. In 2010, Duke teamed up with the surviving Patty Duke Show cast members for an additional set of spots. Earlier this year, she teamed up with entertainment icon George Takei to encourage people of all ages to "Boldly Go" to www.socialsecurity.gov. In the three years since Duke has volunteered her time with Social Security, millions of people have visited the agency's website and the percentage of online retirements has more than doubled.

"While I just applied for retirement benefits, I'm not retiring from being a Social Security spokesperson," Duke says. "I urge my fellow baby boomers to go online to www.socialsecurity.gov. If you're not sure how to get started on the computer, ask a loved one to help you out. I did, and it was so easy."

###

'Obamacare' to the rescue

2011-12-06T15:22:00.001-08:00

This story was sent to you by: Michael Van Essen

This article appeared on on the OP-ED page of today's Los Angeles Times. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is one of several available to the currently uninsured.

--------------------
'Obamacare' to the rescue
--------------------

A woman who felt President Obama had let the middle class down has changed her mind.

By Spike Dolomite Ward

December 6 2011

I want to apologize to President Obama. But first, some background.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-ward-in-praise-of-obamacare-20111206,0,6794828.story

Visit latimes.com at http://www.latimes.com

Fwd: ADHC Extension Approved by CMS

2011-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Henderson, Patti (DHCS-DIR)" <Patti.Henderson@DHCS.CA.GOV>
Date: November 30, 2011 6:36:33 PM PST
To: "DHCSSTAKEHOLDERS@MAILLIST.DHS.CA.GOV" <DHCSSTAKEHOLDERS@MAILLIST.DHS.CA.GOV>
Subject: ADHC Extension Approved by CMS

Today, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the state's request to extend the elimination date of the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) benefit to March 1, 2012. This allows the state necessary time to implement the new Community-Based Adult Services program, which will provide meaningful medical care to former ADHC participants with intensive health care needs, and help them remain independent in their communities.

The CMS approval letter will be posted to our website at http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/CA%2011-035%20Approval%20Letter.pdf.

Fwd: ADHC Extension Approved by CMS

2011-12-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Henderson, Patti (DHCS-DIR)" <Patti.Henderson@DHCS.CA.GOV>
Date: November 30, 2011 6:36:33 PM PST
To: "DHCSSTAKEHOLDERS@MAILLIST.DHS.CA.GOV" <DHCSSTAKEHOLDERS@MAILLIST.DHS.CA.GOV>
Subject: ADHC Extension Approved by CMS

Today, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the state's request to extend the elimination date of the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) benefit to March 1, 2012. This allows the state necessary time to implement the new Community-Based Adult Services program, which will provide meaningful medical care to former ADHC participants with intensive health care needs, and help them remain independent in their communities.

The CMS approval letter will be posted to our website at http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/CA%2011-035%20Approval%20Letter.pdf.

2011-11-28T10:38:00.001-08:00

SOME EXTRA INCOME?

If any of you know of someone who is in search of employment have them check out this video from the Wall Street Journal. I will be exploring it myself. It could provide those interested with a little extra income, particularly now that the holidays are here. (There's a 15 second commercial that you will have to sit through but it is over fast.)

Social Security Changes Disability Analysis Processes -- Not For the Better

2011-11-21T09:27:00.001-08:00

From the Wall Street Journal today.

Earlier this year, senior managers at theSocial Security Administration in Baltimore, frustrated by a growing backlog ofapplications for federal disability benefits, called meetings with 140 of theagency's doctors.

Themessage was blunt: The number of people seeking benefits had soared. Doctorshad to work faster to move cases. Instead of earning $90 an hour, as they hadpreviously, they would receive about $80 per case—a pay cut for many caseswhich can take 60 to 90 minutes to review—unless the doctors worked faster.Most notably, it no longer mattered if doctors strayed far from their areas ofexpertise when taking a case.

"Theimplication there was that you really didn't have to be that careful and studythe whole thing," said Rodrigo Toro, a neurologist who analyzed cases forthe Social Security Administration for more than 10 years. Some doctors,including Dr. Toro, quit following the changes. Others were fired. In all, 45of the 140 left within months, the agency said.

Theupheaval, described by current and former doctors and agency officials, is thelatest strain on a cash-strapped program struggling to deal with a giant influxof applications.

Intargeting the doctors, the Social Security Administration says it is seeking tooverhaul a part of the disability-review process that can be both expensive andslow.

ASystem under Strain

See how the percentage of residents ages 18to 64 receiving disability benefits has changed in each state since 2001.

Butmany doctors and former agency officials say the changes threaten the qualityof decisions. Several doctors said medical opinions were now prone to inaccuracysince many specialists don't have the backgrounds to make decisions outsidetheir areas of expertise. The new policy could make doctors more likely toaward benefits to those who don't qualify and deny benefits to those who areentitled, these doctors said.

Afterthe procedures were implemented in Baltimore, an eye doctor was assignedback-pain cases, several doctors said. A dermatologist reviewed the files ofsomeone who had a stroke. A gastroenterologist reviewed the case of someonewith partial deafness, the doctors said.

Allof the medical consultants working in the program went to medical school or hadother extensive training, preparing them for the wide range of cases that mightcross their desks, according to interviews with more than 10 of the program'scurrent and former doctors.

Butmany of the doctors haven't practiced outside their specialty in decades, if atall, making the complexities of disability cases even harder to analyze,several doctors said.

Doctorswho specialize in nerve disorders "would be hard pressed to evaluatediabetes and heart disease and … leukemia," said James McPhillips, adoctor who left the program in April once he realized the changes that werecoming.

"Peoplewho shouldn't be getting [disability] are getting it, and people who should begetting it aren't getting it," said Neil Novin, former chief of surgery atBaltimore's Harbor Hospital, who worked for Social Security part time for about10 years. In August, Dr. Novin said, he was pressured by a supervisor to changehis medical opinion and award benefits to someone he didn't believe haddisabilities that would prevent the person from working.

"Iwill not sign my name, MD, on this," Dr. Novin recalled telling theofficial. He said he was cited for being "offensive and intimidating"and fired. Dr. Novin can't recall details of the case, he said, but it wasoutside his area of specialization.

Enlarge Image

MelissaGolden for The Wall Street Journal

Neil Novin, recently fired by the SocialSecurity Administration, says the agency is rushing disability decisions.

Twoother doctors also said they were pressured to award benefits in cases wherethey were reluctant. Supervisors told them that certain ailments should beconsidered "severe," even if the doctors disagreed.

SocialSecurity Administration spokesman Mark Hinkle would not comment specifically onDr. Novin or other doctor's cases. But he said the changes in Baltimore werelikely to speed up the process for analyzing benefit requests, and are "providingthe agency with a more accurate and cost-effective business process."

Mr.Hinkle added: "The decisions are timelier—and all would agree that is agood thing—but this does not mean we are sacrificing quality for 'speed.' It'sa balance."

Whenit introduced the new policies, agency officials began reviewing more of themedical consultants' work and found that some didn't fully understand SSApolicy or properly explain their medical opinions. Mr. Hinkle said the agencystepped up training and other guidance, but "some did not improve and someresented our efforts."

Mr.Hinkle said the new system would put doctors in a better position to considerwhether multiple health issues on a single case met the criteria for adisability. He added that specialists were available to review any case if adoctor requests it.

Thenew policies in Baltimore had already been adopted in other states severalyears ago and officials were happy with the results, supporters of the changessaid.

Enlarge Image

Earlier

· DisabilityPayments Slow as Managers Chase Targets 9/30/11

· Puerto RicoDisability Claims Probed 9/12/11

· Social SecurityJudge Retires Amid Probe 7/18/11

· Disability ClaimJudge Has Trouble Saying No 5/19/11

· Insolvency Loomsas States Drain U.S. Disability Fund 3/22/11

Butsome doctors have complained to the Social Security inspector general that theyhave been pressured to change their medical opinions to conform to targets orgoals set by SSA officials, and they feared they would be fired if theyresisted, according to investigations conducted by the inspector general.

InFebruary 2010, the inspector general, as part of a probe investigatingcomplaints by a doctor, discovered a doctor in the Alabama disabilitydetermination office who approved between 80 and 100 decisions a day. AnotherAlabama doctor signed off on 30 cases an hour after performing only a"cursory review of each case." The investigation said several doctorscomplained of pressure from superiors to approve a higher number ofapplications to meet statistical goals.

TheSocial Security Administration, in a response to the investigation, said itplanned to make certain changes, but defended the Alabama office, saying it"excels" in "performance standards on timeliness and accuracyrates."

Thefederal disability system is designed to help people who can no longer work.For many, it represents the social safety net of last resort. Successfulapplicants receive a monthly stipend and access to federal health-careprograms, often for life.

Througha combination of high unemployment, an aging population and an uneven processfor awarding benefits, the disability system is under strain and could run outof reserves within six to seven years, say budget experts. That would make itthe first major federal entitlement program to go bust in recent history.Applications and appeals, meanwhile, are accumulating in a giant backlog, inpart because of the deep and lasting economic slump.

It'sa toxic combination. The agency is under political pressure to reduce thebacklog. But its efforts to do so—such as revamping medical procedures—are, insome ways, compounding the system's woes, said several doctors.

TheSocial Security Disability Insurance program paid $124 billion in benefits in2010, up from $55 billion in 2001. The backlog of pending appeals in Septemberwas 771,318, up from 705,367 in 2010 and 392,397 in 2001.

Thedisability application process has many layers, including hundreds ofstate-based field offices that accept applications and administrative lawjudges who weigh appeals.

Inaddition, the Social Security Administration spends millions of dollars eachyear on more than 2,000 medical consultants who scour the medical records ofAmericans who believe they have a disability so severe they can't work. Mostdoctors work for the state agencies that administer the program and aresometimes the only people with medical expertise to review claims. Others, likethose in Baltimore, contract directly with the Social Security Administration.

Manymedical consultants are retired or semi-retired doctors seeking additionalincome and working under contract, meaning they can be fired with little cause.

TheBaltimore office is considered the flagship, according to several doctors andJohn Delpaine, who oversaw medical consultants there before retiring inDecember. In its procedures and structure, Mr. Delpaine said, the office setsthe standards for offices throughout the U.S.

Asan application backlog grew over the past decade, Social SecurityAdministration officials worried that doctors were a cause. In some offices,different doctors would review separate medical issues of an individualapplicant. A patient with a knee injury and cancer, for example, would bereviewed by an orthopedist and an oncologist. With 3.2 million people trying toenter the program this year, such duplication became problematic.

Earlierthis year, SSA bosses began pressing doctors to move cases more rapidly,designing a "holistic" process requiring one doctor to review eachcase, according to a document outlining the overhaul and reviewed by The WallStreet Journal.

Thoseuncomfortable in a particular specialty could brush up by taking shortrefresher courses. Doctors in Baltimore who didn't have a background in blooddisease, for example, could take a one-hour seminar.

Theapproach in Baltimore has drawn critics. William Bunn, 47 years old, a truckdriver from Peoria, Ill., found his disability claim rejected, in part, on therecommendation of a retired pediatrician.

Mr.Bunn was diagnosed with small-fiber neuropathy in 2009, a type of nervedisorder that primarily affects older people. Mr. Bunn, who began sufferingfrom pain and numbness in his legs, said he couldn't drive a truck with hiscondition and quit his job. His application was supported by two privatedoctors. But it was rejected after two reviews by the Illinois Bureau ofDisability Determination Services, one of which was performed by thepediatrician.

Hisappeal took more than two years. During that time, the family of four had theirtwo cars repossessed and had to rely on food stamps for groceries.

WilliamWombacher, Mr. Bunn's Peoria attorney, objected to the pediatrician's reviewwhen the case was heard by an administrative law judge. The judge, in a raremove, awarded benefits on the spot.

Mr.Bunn said the extended wait brought him "a lot of heartache andmisery."

TheSSA's Mr. Hinkle wouldn't comment on the case. But, he said, "Just becauseone doctor works on a case and makes the decision on that case does not mean thata specialist wasn't consulted."

TheSocial Security Administration has tried previously, with limited success, toimprove its medical screening. In 2005, it proposed creating a Federal ExpertUnit, which would spearhead a national network of specialists to better alignexpertise to cases.

"Wewant to ensure that each case is seen by the right medical eyes," then-SSAcommissioner Jo Anne Barnhart told Congress in 2006. In her testimony, shenoted that, at the time, 20% of disability applicants had musculoskeletalproblems, but just 2.5% of medical consultants were orthopedists.

Theexpert unit was never created. SSA officials said they didn't realize howcostly it would be to set up a network of specialists and needed more time tostudy the idea.

Inthe past few years, a number of senior SSA officials began pressing theBaltimore office to abandon its reliance on medical "specialists,"said Mr. Delpaine, who oversaw the doctors there.

Buthe said he "kept them at bay." His 39-year tenure within the SocialSecurity system impressed on him that specialists played a vital role. When hestepped down in December, the changes were almost immediate.

"Theythink that a doctor is a doctor is a doctor," he said. "I don't thinkthey have an understanding or an appreciation of what a specialist's input canadd."

PhilGambino, an assistant deputy commissioner at the SSA, said the generalistapproach has been used in other states for more than a decade. "Mr.Delpaine's assertion is wrong," he said, "and calls into question hiscredibility on the issue."

MarkIsaacs, former chief of psychological services at Spring Grove Hospital inCatonsville, Md., who is known as an elder statesman of the program, said"the whole atmosphere became charged with tension" after the changesearlier this year.

Mr.Isaacs, a 25-year veteran of the agency, watched as his colleagues, one by one,stopped coming to work. After Dr. Toro, the neurologist, quit his post inApril, several others followed.

"Somewere asked to go," Mr. Isaacs said. "Others went because they had abig argument over their medical opinion not being accepted. Others left becausewho the hell needs all that tension and anxiety?"

Argumentswith managers escalated over the summer, with some doctors getting into heatedpublic confrontations with Social Security officials for either ignoring theirmedical opinion or pressuring them to change it, several doctors said.

Inlate September, Mr. Isaacs received a critique from one manager questioning thequality of one of his reviews. He wouldn't give details of the case, but saidthe critique was "unreasonable." He resigned.

Mr.Hinkle of the SSA wouldn't comment on the allegations by doctors. He said the45 people who left the agency this year departed for a number of reasons,including the new pay structure, health or family issues, or performanceproblems.

Some of my class members taking their final.

2011-11-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

California/Nevada Community Action Partnership - Home

2011-11-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

This looks like a great conference. It's in the LA area, it's cheap and according to the agenda, it looks like there will be a great deal of information. I am scheduled to teach a class that day but will try to rearrange my schedule so that I can attend. Hate to miss it.

http://www.calneva.camp7.org/

Reality Check - What it costs to be poor

2011-11-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Very interesting article about the high cost of poverty in this country. Every politician in America should read it.

http://www.moneyintention.com/reality-check-what-it-costs-to-be-poor.htm

FW: Updated Provider Payment Reduction Information Available

2011-10-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

www.ofbenefittoall.blogspot.com

From: Douglas, Toby (DHCS-DIR) [mailto:Toby.Douglas@DHCS.CA.GOV]
Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011 5:29 PM
To: DHCSSTAKEHOLDERS@MAILLIST.DHS.CA.GOV
Subject: Updated Provider Payment Reduction Information Available

This email is to inform you that the Department of Health Care Services' website has been updated with information regarding the recently approved provider payment reductions, including updated "Budget Actions" information with copies of State Plan Amendment approval letters, transmittals, and notices; DHCS' access analysis and monitoring plan; and, a chart outlining the provider rate reductions.

To view this information, please go to DHCS' website at www.dhcs.ca.gov.

Thank you.

Fw: CWG: Simplified Explanations of the New Medicaid Rules That Could Harm Americans with Disabilities

2011-10-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

From: World Institute on Disability

Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011 3:06 PM

To: =?utf-8?Q??=

Subject: CWG: Simplified Explanations of the New Medicaid Rules That Could Harm Americans with Disabilities

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

The California Work Group
on Work Incentives and Healthcare
The CWG

October 28, 2011

The California Work Group (CWG) Urges You to Make Public Comments by Monday to New Medicaid Rules That Could Harm Americans with Disabilities

From:             Julie Ward

TO:                 CCD Health, Long Term Services, and Employment task forces

We need your help—please take a few minutes to review the consensus CCD comments on the Medicaid eligibility NPRM and submit to CMS a comment in support of our letter.

For one of the most serious problems in the proposed rules, please see page three of the document.

Click here to see simplified explanations of the New Medicaid Rules That Could Harm Americans with Disabilities prepared by Health and Disability Advocates, www.hdadvocates.org.

Many disability groups have serious concerns that CMS is misinterpreting the intent of Congress with regard to how people with disabilities should be screened for eligibility when the Medicaid expansion occurs in 2014. As a result we are concerned that some people with disabilities may not be able to access or retain some of the services and supports they require to live and work in the community if the NPRM is not revised.

Many thanks to Lisa Ekman who took the lead in analyzing, researching and writing these excellent comments. She led a workgroup of members of the Health, LTSS, and Employment Task Forces, spent countless hours walking some of us through the regs and when questions remained yesterday walked us through the comments and the NPRM again. This is a complicated regulation and I apologize that we are not giving people more time to review and digest but I want the membership to know that this letter was developed with input from the 3 task forces. If you have concerns please contact me immediately as I would like to submit these comments by noon on Monday the 31^st ( the due date).

TO COMMENT please go to www.regulations.gov click submit comments, search for CMS-2349-P and when it comes up hit submit a comment and type a message of support in the comment box.

Feel free to cut or paste from our comments—the important thing is to show CMS that the disability community is concerned and the numbers of comments are more important than resubmitting our entire comments. Thanks and it is not to late to sign on to the CCD exchange comments also due on Monday.

Thanks,

Julie

Julie Ward
Director, Health Policy
The Arc
1825 K Street NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20006
Phone: 202.783.2229
Toll free: 800.433.5255
Fax: 202.534.3731
Email: ward@thearc.org

www.thearc.org

Republished by The World Institute on Disability

For more information visit www.wid.org.

FW: Medi-Cal Budget Announcement - NEW CALL-IN NUMBER

2011-10-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

From: Henderson, Patti (DHCS-DIR) [mailto:Patti.Henderson@DHCS.CA.GOV]
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2011 3:22 PM
To: DHCSSTAKEHOLDERS@MAILLIST.DHS.CA.GOV
Subject: Medi-Cal Budget Announcement - NEW CALL-IN NUMBER

Dear Interested Parties:

The Department of Health Care Services Director, Toby Douglas, will host a 4:30 p.m. conference call to make an important announcement concerning the Medi-Cal budget. See attached Press Release. We invite you to join the call by dialing toll-free 1-888-566-5917 passcode 6418059. Please note this is a new number from the one previously sent.

Thank you.

FW: Student loans can't wait

2011-10-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

From: James Kvaal - Policy Director, BarackObama.com [mailto:info@barackobama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 4:08 PM
To: Michael Van Essen
Subject: Student loans can't wait

Friend --

President Obama just took two serious steps to make life a lot easier for folks with student loans -- and there's a good chance you or someone you know will benefit from these changes very soon.

Here's how:

-- Effective this January, if you're someone who has different kinds of loans -- guaranteed and direct -- you'll be able to roll them both into one direct loan and bring down your interest rate. You'll only have to write one check a month, and you'll see a discount. This switch adds no cost to taxpayers across the board.

-- You might remember that, as part of last year's student loan reform, borrowers' loan payments could be no higher than 10 percent of their disposable income. This is a big deal -- but it wasn't going to help anyone enrolling before 2014. Today, the President announced that he's speeding up this program so it will affect students next year -- helping over 1 million students. This will have huge consequences for people struggling to make their student loan payments.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see how policy changes will actually affect your day-to-day life.

Not the case with this one. These changes will make a real difference in helping millions of Americans get by month to month.

We put together a video explaining how these changes will help Americans. Watch it to learn a little more about what today's steps would do, and then make sure everyone you know who should hear about it does.

President Obama isn't waiting on Congress to take action. He's doing everything in his power, right now, to help bolster our economy and get folks back on their feet.

On Monday, he laid out new rules on federal mortgages to help make sure more families don't lose their homes to foreclosure.

On Tuesday, the administration announced two new initiatives to help veterans find work.

Today, it means making changes that make student loans a lot easier to manage.

These are actions that can't wait on the next vote or the next election. So long as people are struggling, this President and this administration will do everything in their power to help them when and where they can. It's just that simple.

Now, let's make sure that the millions of people who stand to benefit from today's steps know about it.

Watch the video to learn more about today's student loan changes -- and then help get the word out:

http://my.barackobama.com/Student-Loan-Reforms

Thanks,

James

James Kvaal
Policy Director
Obama for America

This email was sent to: mvanessen@pacificclinics.org

Update address | Unsubscribe

FW: SSI Refugee Benefits Suspended; CAPI Program Can Fill the Gap10/25/11

2011-10-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

From: Vicky Pulatian [mailto:VTP@aidssc.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 10:23 AM
To: JRiley@APLA.ORG
Cc: NRomero@APLA.ORG
Subject: Fwd: SSI Refugee Benefits Suspended; CAPI Program Can Fill the Gap10/25/11

FW: ALERT: Possible Medicare Part B Cuts

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

More Scary Stuff Below:

Subject: ALERT: Possible Medicare Part B Cuts

Good afternoon,

As a member of California Partnership for Access to Treatment (CPAT), we know you are concerned about patients' access to care and treatment. Proposed cuts to Medicare Part B would prohibit many Medicare beneficiaries with serious illnesses like cancer, arthritis and MS from getting their medication from their doctors. Medicines that are biologics and injected in a doctor's office are at risk because of the Super Committee's proposed rate cuts.

We urge you to contact Congressmen Xavier Becerra, Kevin McCarthy and Devin Nunes via phone or email to tell them cutting Medicare Part B is not the answer. A fact sheet is below and a letter written by the Association of Northern California Oncologists to Congressman Becerra is attached for your reference. Please send us a copy of letters so we can compile a massive book of letters from people who are concerned about this issue.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Brandon Stephenson (323-466-3445) or Jason Dumont (916-658-0144) to discuss how your organization can communicate your concerns and help prevent cuts to this vital program.

The contact information for the congressmen is:

Xavier Becerra (202-225-6235)
Kevin McCarthy (202-225-2915)
Devin Nunes (202-225-2523)

FACT SHEET: ADDITIONAL CUTS TO MEDICARE PART B DRUGS SHOULD NOT BE OFFERED AS PAY FORS

• Medicare coverage of physician-administered drugs under Part B provides patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other grievous illnesses access to the critical medicines they need - administered in the safe, reliable setting they require. Part B provides our most frail seniors with access to a narrowly defined, limited number of medicines administered by a health care professional (e.g. medicines that must be either injected or infused under the direction of a physician).

• Providing Part B drugs to patients requires physicians to follow complex procedures. Many Part B products are injected or infused directly into the patient's bloodstream; involve treatment regimens that call for ongoing clinical monitoring and patient education; require detailed clinical knowledge to determine appropriate dosing, to mix, and to deliver in sterile conditions; and have special handling and complex storage requirements mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of their product labeling. And unlike pills that patients can take themselves at home, Part B drugs are purchased directly by physicians, who then bill these products to Medicare along with the other services that they provide to patients during their office visits.

• ASP+6% reimbursement for Part B drugs has driven down Medicare costs. A few years ago, as part of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), Congress reformed Part B drug reimbursement and payment amounts were dramatically reduced; The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated ASP+6% would save Medicare $16 billion. Payments are now set using market-based Average Sales Price (ASP) data, which reflects an average of the prices – including negotiated discounts and rebates – paid by physicians and other drug purchasers.

-In a 2007 report, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) noted, "As intended by the policy, payment rates for drugs were reduced to levels closer to provider purchase prices and payment rates for drug administration increased."1 CMS has agreed with this assessment and noted that ASP has benefited patients. Specifically, a 2009 report commissioned by the agency stated, "The payment reforms appear to have controlled Medicare expenditures for Part B drugs and to have reduced beneficiaries' out-of-pocket liabilities for these drugs."2

-A recent study by the Moran Company of ASP prices from 2006-2011 found that total payments and units remained stable, while medical inflation (CPI-M) increased by 21.6% over the same time period.3

• Congress set the reimbursement rate for most Part B drugs at ASP+6%. The "+6%" is used with the average sales price for several purposes:

-Acquisition costs vary. Physicians in large practices or who commonly use Part B drugs may negotiate discounts on drug prices based on purchasing volumes. Smaller physician offices, especially those in rural areas, are less likely to have significant purchasing power and, therefore, they acquire drugs at higher prices.

-A product's acquisition cost is just one aspect of the overall costs incurred by a physician. Other costs that physicians must bear commonly involve (1) shipping fees, (2) supplies used in handling and preparing the products for use by ailing seniors, (3) overhead costs for storing the products, (4) staff time for clinical monitoring and education of patients; (5) staff time required to negotiate prices and order products; the activity of ordering products is complicated by the growing cancer drug shortage problem; and (6) some states impose taxes on the drugs.

• MedPAC notes that, for most physicians, the difference between ASP+6% and their costs for drugs is "slim." MedPAC also reports that "there are some drugs they [physicians] cannot purchase at the payment rate," meaning that the Medicare reimbursement rate is less than the physician's acquisition cost. As part of the legislative negotiations on ASP, MedPAC cautioned Congress that physicians need an additional percentage above ASP and specifically said that the percentage "should be set high enough to cover the costs of an efficient provider." 4

• Due to the inclusion of prompt pay discounts in ASP, oncology clinics in effect are already reimbursed at less than their ASP+6%. ASP includes prompt pay discounts, which are contractual discounts provided by manufacturers to wholesalers. Prompt discounts may be up to 2%5 and according to the Community Oncology Alliance "artificially reduces payments to cancer clinics and other purchasers" because the discounts are not passed on to physicians or their patients.6 Congress excluded prompt pay discounts from the Average Manufacturers Price (AMP) - which is used in Medicaid - as part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), but has not required corresponding changes for ASP. H.R. 905 aims to address this issue and remove prompt pay discounts from the ASP calculation.

• Without an adequate reimbursement limit, many practices and clinics will be forced to close their doors and turn away senior patients. A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that, "...many practices pay prices above ASP +6 reimbursement for key products," and concluded, "...economic strain combined with inadequate reimbursement limits patient access to care when practices are forced to turn away patients or to go out of business."7

• The proposed cuts to Medicare could mean thousands of cancer patients will be denied access to the life-saving treatments they need. Community oncology practices are already reducing services and closing down because reimbursement rates have declined; A recent study by the Community Oncology Alliance indicates that in the past 3 ½ years, 199 oncology clinics across the United States have closed and 369 are struggling financially.8 The proposed cuts to ASP+6% could put many of the nation's cancer providers at risk, particularly small and rural providers, and cause dangerous disruptions in care for extremely ill Medicare patients.

• A key pending government report should shed some light on whether cutting reimbursement for Part B covered drugs and biologicals is worth the risks to patients and providers. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning a study in 2012 to determine whether changes in the reimbursement methodologies for the Part B drug program would result in significant savings. This study would be an important step in understanding the potential impact of changing Part B drug payment. However, the 2012 OIG study does not currently appear to address the consequences to patient access to care that could result from cutting Part B drug reimbursement. It would be premature for Congress to act before the OIG's recommendations are available and before directing the OIG or other government agencies to assess the impact of such cuts on patient access to lifesaving treatments.

• Recent proposals by MedPAC and the President do not include ASP cuts. ASP cuts were not included in the $233 billion payfors that MedPAC identified to offset a permanent doc fix in a September 2011 proposal. ASP cuts also were not included in the President's $3.2 trillion deficit reduction plan.

Medicare Part B coverage provides America's seniors living with debilitating diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis with access to the critical physician-administered medicines they require. Congress should not look to Part B and ASP for further cuts. ASP is a market-driven system that has reduced government and patient expenditures while providing access to necessary and life-saving treatments. MedPAC and others have found that some physicians already have problems obtaining some products at or below the current ASP+6% rate. Reducing reimbursement could cause serious disruptions to a carefully balanced system.

Footnotes

1. MedPAC Report to the Congress: Impact of Changes in Medicare Payments for Part B Drugs (January 2007).

2. Cheh, V. Part B Drug Payment Reform: Lower Expenditures without Signs of Adverse Effects (August 28, 2009). Contractor No.: 500-00-0033(09).

3. The Moran Company. Trends in Weighted Average Sales Prices for Prescription Drugs in Medicare Part B, 2006-2011 (August 2011).

4. MedPAC Report to the Congress: Impact of Changes in Medicare Payments for Part B Drugs (January 2007). MedPAC Report to the Congress: Variation and Innovation in Medicare (June 2003).

5. 72 Fed. Reg. 39142, Final Rule, Medicaid Program: Prescription Drugs (July 17, 2007).

6. Community Oncology Alliance, Summary of the Problem and Legislation accessed on Oct. 3, 2011 at http://www.communityoncology.org/ UserFiles/files/e6c14902-aebb-4368-8d8f- b14234f95161/Prompt%20Pay%20Background%20and% 20HR% 20905%20Fix.pdf

7. Favret, UB, Jordan, WM, Kirchof, MS, Neltner, ME, and Chudzik DA. "An examination of oncology drug purchasing compared to average sales price." J Clin Oncol 26: 2008 (May 20 suppl; abstr 20500).

8. Community Oncology Alliance: Community Cancer Center Practice Impact Report (March 2011).

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The Texas Tribune: Perry, Governor's Office Downplayed Allegations at Centers for Disabled

2011-10-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

I read an article that you might be interested in at The Texas Tribune.

Perry, Governor's Office Downplayed Allegations at Centers for Disabled
by Emily Ramshaw | 10/24/11
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-state-agencies/aging-and-disability-services/perry-downplayed-abuse-institutions-disabled/

Gov.Â Rick Perry and his staff repeatedly downplayed the severity of abuse and neglect allegations at Texasâ€™ state-run institutions for the disabled â€"Â until conditions became so dire that federal authorities intervened.Â

RE: soc sec raises

2011-10-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Shirlee... not only is it a good hook but an additional one will be the fact that those who are on Medicare may see a good deal of that increase consumed by Premium increases and other potential medical cost hikes. It's a double-edged sword, as a matter of fact.

Another topic is the Free Clinic that is being held at the Sports Arena this week. Now, I believe the majority of those folks are going there for dental and vision treatment because none of the public healthcare benefits programs (Medicare and Medi-Cal in particular) offer D&V coverage.

But, how many of those people who are there are aware that for all other health needs there is the Low Income Health Plan in LA County called Healthy Way LA?

I wonder how enrollment in the plan is going?

National (and State) enrollment in the Pre-Existing Healthcare Plan (also from the Affordable Care Act) is much lower than was anticipated. A good deal of the low enrollment has to do with:
1. Insufficient Promotion
2. Six month waiting period
3. Insufficient Promotion

I suspect the same with HealthWay LA.

Just some things to think about. I'm going to post this on my blog, too.

Michael J. Van Essen
Director, Benefits Establishment
Pacific Clinics
800 S. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 254-5043 (office)
(626) 254-0661 (fax)
www.ofbenefittoall.blogspot.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Shirlee Smith [mailto:shirlee@talkaboutparenting.org]
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 2:39 PM
To: Michael Van Essen
Subject: soc sec raises

>
>
>> Hey Michael,
>>
>> With social security "good news" raises for recipients, this would be
>> a good time to get in touch with Larry Mantle.
>>
>> Find a good hook that takes the story beyond the raises. While it is
>> good news, and other people may be thinking, "BUT the country is in
>> an economic crisis - how can they be giving out more money," the
>> truth about how meager the soc sec budgets are of those who depend on
>> this.
>>
>> Well, you'll think of the trick that gets Larry's attention.
>>
>> Let me know when YOU're gonna be ON.
>>
>> Shirlee
>>
>

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information

2011-10-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

There will be a cost of living increase for all Social Security (OASDI -- Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance -- SSDI) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income Recipients beginning January of 2012.

Click on this link http://www.ssa.gov/cola/
To go to the Social Security Website's page that explains it in further detail.

If you have any further questions, please give me a call at the number below.

MVE

Michael J. Van Essen
Director, Benefits Establishment
Pacific Clinics
800 S. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 254-5043 (office)
(626) 254-0661 (fax)
www.ofbenefittoall.blogspot.com

L.A. County expands no-cost healthcare

2011-10-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's Happening!

L.A. County expands no-cost healthcare

RE: What is Angelo's partner's name?

2011-10-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/05/pcip-enrollment-far-far-b_n_995984.html

In case you didn't see my facebook post.

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

Social Security Update - September 2011

2011-10-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Latest SSA Newsletter.

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment begins October 15 and goes through December. Make sure if you're going to change your plan that you do AS soon AS possible so that all of the enrollment is completed and processed by Jan. 1.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/newsletter/

FW: Today's California Healthline

2011-09-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

From: California Healthline [mailto:info@chcf.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 8:34 AM
To: Michael Van Essen
Subject: Today's California Healthline

View Mobile-Friendly Version >

Thursday, September 15, 2011 — LATEST NEWS

Reform Law Challenges in Calif. Could Have Broader Implications

California is seeking approval from the Obama administration for Medi-Cal cuts, as the state works to expand coverage under the federal health reform law. Federal officials are concerned more states could seek cuts if California's are approved. Los Angeles Times.

Republicans Say Obama Administration Ignored Warnings on CLASS Act

Republicans seeking to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act -- a long-term care insurance program created by the health reform law -- say the Obama administration ignored repeated warnings about the program's financial instability. AP/Washington Post.

Organizations Win $4M in Grants for Medical Home Development

A number of California organizations have received more than $4 million in grants to help roll out medical homes based at community clinics. The funds were allocated by the Community Clinics Initiative, which is run by philanthropy groups the California Endowment and Tides. Payers & Providers.

Report: Rates of Vaginal Births After C-Sections Vary Widely Across Calif.

A report from the California HealthCare Foundation finds that rates of vaginal births after caesarean sections vary widely across California. The rates were highest in Berkeley and Greenbrae and lowest in El Centro Imperial County. San Francisco Chronicle.

Health Industry Group Outlines Proposal To Cut Medicare Spending

The Healthcare Leadership Council has sent the debt panel a plan to curb Medicare spending by $410 billion over 10 years without cutting reimbursements. Under the plan, beneficiaries would use vouchers to buy private health plans from an insurance exchange. National Journal et al.

SPECIAL REPORT

L.A. Care Health Plan's Elaine Batchlor Talks About Efforts To Improve Safety-Net Care
	Elaine Batchlor, chief medical officer at L.A. Care Health Plan, spoke with California Healthline about the challenges facing safety-net health programs and the opportunities to address such challenges through innovation.

EVENTS

Discussing Role of Medicaid in Health Plan Exchanges

Sept. 15-16, Washington, D.C.

Board Meeting for Health Profession Education Group

Sept. 21, Sacramento

Meeting on How To Help Patients Avoid Fraud

Sept. 22, Riverside/San Bernardino

View All Events

New Drug Bill Awaits Brown's Signature

A bill before the governor would more than cut in half the amount of time it takes for physicians to obtain authorization from insurers for non-formulary prescription drugs.

Read Capitol Desk

AROUND CALIFORNIA

34 California Hospitals Named Top Performers

$5M UC-Riverside Med School Grant Closer to Final Approval

ACROSS THE NATION

HHS Initiative Aims To Trim Heart Attack, Stroke Deaths

Project Zeroes In on Improper Payments in Health Programs

Industry Alliance Launches Insurance Enrollment Effort

FEATURES

Health Care's 'Tricky' Role as Economic Leader in California

by George Lauer, California Healthline Features Editor

A new report showing hospitals' considerable economic impact in San Francisco reinforces the widely held contention that consistent job growth makes the health care industry a bright spot in an otherwise bleak economic landscape.

MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of August 26, 2011

Advocacy Groups Urge CMS Officials To Reject Proposed Medi-Cal Cuts

Lawmakers Advance Insurance Oversight, Epilepsy Drug Bills

Institute of Medicine Finds No Link Between Immunizations, Autism

Calif. Agency Among Recipients of Funds for Public Health Initiatives

FROM THE FOUNDATION

Health Reform in Focus

Major changes are on the horizon in the way Americans get and pay for health care. A series of videos explains how the system will be remade under health reform and who will gain new coverage.

Clinic Strategic Restructuring: Self-Assessment Workbook

Some California community clinics are seeking to deliver care more efficiently through strategic restructuring, such as mergers or partnerships. This self-assessment workbook and resources guide can help.

Consumer Perspective on Health Coverage Enrollment Pathways

Hear preliminary findings about the health coverage enrollment experiences of Californians. Through a range of interviews and focus groups, researchers chronicled the perspectives of a cross-section of low-income Californians applying for insurance.

Home | Edit Profile | About CHL | Contact Us | Unsubscribe

California Healthline is published daily for the California HealthCare Foundation by The Advisory Board Company.
© 1998 - 2011 California HealthCare Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

test

2011-09-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

got this in my google email data base now
--

Be well and best regards,
Bryon

Bryon R. MacDonald
Program Director

Employment and Disability Benefits Initiative, EDBI
www.db101.org

bryon.wid@gmail.com


World Institute on Disability
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TTY    510-225-0478
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"You gain strength, courage, confidence, by facing the experience you fear the most." Eleanor Roosevelt

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mvanessen@roadrunner.com has shared: Only Half of Uninsured Aware of ACA Coverage Expansion

2011-09-14T11:26:00.001-07:00

If Obama wants to get support for the Affordable Care Act, he's got to do a much better job of promoting it and getting those it is intended to serve aware of it and that it exists!
Only Half of Uninsured Aware of ACA Coverage Expansion Source: itup.org more

mvanessen@roadrunner.com sent this using ShareThis.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Summary and Updates

2011-09-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Summary and Updates
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 (1) will lead to significant changes in our nation’s health care system, including extending health care coverage to many more Americans. Many of the changes in the new law do not happen right away, but will take effect over the course of many years, through 2020. This summary timeline shows when major reforms that will affect the general public are expected to go into effect, so that you can prioritize what to learn about first.
Read Affordable Care Act (ACA) Summary and Updates
Click here
to read more.

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Invitational Summit Held at Mathematica Headquarters in Washington D.C.

2011-09-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

On April 7 and 8, 2011, the World Institute on Disability, Mathematica Policy Research, and the National Council on Independent Living convened an invitational summit at the Mathematica offices in Washington, D.C. Participants known to hold a wide range of policy perspectives were invited, including policy analysts, advocates, government and private sector researchers, insurance representatives, along with Congressional and Administration staff. Former and current senior Social Security Administration staff from the 1980s to the present joined the dialogue, as well as officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Read Report on April Employment Summit in the Great Recession.

Click here: http://www.wid.org/ to read the rest of the articles as well as all of the other news and information available this month at www.wid.org!

FW: IHSS Unmet Needs, Consumer and Provider Open House, Communicating with Your Dr.

2011-09-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

From: PASC - IHSS Public Authority [mailto:e-news@pascla.ccsend.com] On Behalf Of PASC - IHSS Public Authority
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 3:46 PM
To: Michael Van Essen
Subject: IHSS Unmet Needs, Consumer and Provider Open House, Communicating with Your Dr.

If you are not able to view this e-mail please click here to view a web page version.

PASC E-News, Issue #38

September 2011

Understanding IHSS Unmet Needs

Earlier this year, the state implemented a 3.6% reduction in service hours for all IHSS consumers, with the reduction coming first from any documented unmet needs. The recently enacted budget also contains a trigger cut that will reduce IHSS hours further if certain state revenue goals are not met. Once again, the reduction would first come from a consumer's documented unmet needs. But what is an unmet need and how do you, as an IHSS consumer, know if you have any documented unmet needs?

When a county social worker conducts your assessment or re-assessment, they may determine that you need more hours of service than are allowed by program regulations. Once you have reached your maximum IHSS benefit level, any additional services that you need (excluding protective supervision) become known as unmet needs. These services are not paid for by IHSS, but should be documented by your social worker, and should be listed on the bottom of your Notice of Action.

More information about unmet needs and how they could impact future changes in your services will be discussed in PASC's upcoming Consumer TeleWorkshop, which will be held on September 28th at 1 PM. Visit PASC's website at www.pascla.org for information on the TeleWorkshop call-in number and access code.

PASC to Hold Another Open House for IHSS Consumers and Providers

Based on the success of our June 27th open house, PASC will sponsor another Open House for IHSS consumers, their family members, and IHSS homecare workers on September 23rd at the Joslyn Adult Center in Burbank. You are invited to join us anytime between 10 am and 4 pm. During the Open House, PASC staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist you with a variety of IHSS-related issues, including:

Information on how to join the PASC Homecare Registry
Information on how to request additional IHSS hours or appeal an hours reduction notice
Consumer Corner, for IHSS consumers to meet and network with one another
Immediate provider referrals for IHSS consumers
Homecare job listings for Registry-qualified providers
Information on the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan
Assistance with late check, timesheet, and payment issues

The PASC Consumer and Provider Open House will be held on Friday, September 23rd, from 10 am to 4 pm at:

Joslyn Adult Center

1301 W. Olive Avenue

Burbank, CA 91506

Cross St.: N. Griffith Park Dr.

For more information or to RSVP, please give us a call at 877-565-4477.

Talking to Your Doctor About CAM

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health has launched the "Time to Talk" campaign to encourage patients to discuss their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with their healthcare providers. CAM includes products and practices not generally considered part of conventional medicine -- such as herbal and dietary supplements, vitamins, homeopathic remedies, and acupuncture.

Giving all your healthcare providers a full picture of what you do to manage your health helps you stay in control. Also, some CAM approaches can have an effect on conventional medicine, and talking to your healthcare providers will help ensure coordinated and safe care. According to NCCAM, herbal or botanical products and other dietary supplements may interact with prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. They can also have negative, even dangerous, effects on their own.

A 2010 AARP-NCCAM survey of people 50 and older showed that over half of those surveyed use some type of CAM, and over a third take a herbal product or dietary supplement. Yet, as shown above, only about half of CAM users said they have ever discussed CAM with their healthcare providers.

Is it Time to Talk to your doctor about CAM? Here are some tips:

When completing patient history forms, be sure to include all therapies and treatments you use. Make a list in advance.
Tell your healthcare providers about all therapies or treatments, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, and herbal and dietary supplements. Don't wait for them to ask -- be proactive.
If you have more than one doctor or healthcare provider, let all of them know about the CAM and conventional therapies you use. This will help each provider make sure that all aspects of your healthcare work together.
If you are considering using a CAM therapy, ask your healthcare providers about its safety, effectiveness, and possible interactions with medications (both prescription and nonprescription).

The Time to Talk website has free downloadable materials, including fact sheets and a wallet card to help you record your medical conditions, medications, and CAM use. Visit the site at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk, or call the NCCAM Clearinghouse at 888-644-6226, Monday-Friday, 5:30 am-2 pm, Pacific time, to speak with a representative in English or Spanish. TTY users may call 866-464-3615.

Do you have questions about PASC and the IHSS Program? Do you have suggestions for topics to be covered in the PASC E-News? Send your questions and suggestions to e-news@pascla.org. PASC E-News is designed for you to get the information you need!

Note: If you do not wish to receive future editions or would like to update your profile with us, please scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on either "SafeUnsubscribe" or "Update Profile/Email Address"

Upcoming Trainings and Events

Click on event for more information

PASC Board Meeting (L.A.) - September 12th : This meeting is open to the public and provides a forum for IHSS consumers to have their voices heard.

PASC/IHSS Mobile Help Desk (Lancaster) - September 16th: A PASC representative will be available to answer your questions and listen to your concerns regarding the IHSS Program.

PASC/IHSS Mobile Help Desk (L.A.) - September 21st: A PASC representative will be available to answer your questions and listen to your concerns regarding the IHSS Program.

PASC Consumer and Provider Open House (Burbank) - September 23rd: See article above for additional information.

IHSS Consumer Seminar - How to Hire and Train Homecare Providers (L.A.) - September 23rd: Come learn tips on how to hire a homecare provider to best meet your needs.

IHSS Consumer Seminar - Directing your Medical Care (Sherman Oaks) - September 27th: Learn how to prepare for your doctor visits, what questions to ask your doctor, how to get the results that you want from your doctor, and how to work with your doctor to get your IHSS forms completed including the new IHSS medical certification form.

PASC Consumer TeleWorkshop: Undertanding IHSS Unmet Needs - September 28th: See article above for additional information.

Legislation Watch

Several bills that could have an impact on the IHSS community have been introduced in the senate and assembly for the 2011-2012 legislative session. Listed below are the bills that PASC is currently tracking. For additional information on any of the bills, visit PASC's website at www.pascla.org.

AB 40 (Yamada) - Elder Abuse Reporting: Passed by the assembly on May 23rd. Did not make it out of committee in the senate before deadline.
AB 138 (Beall) - Elder Economic Planning Act of 2011: Passed by the assembly on May 31st. Amended and passed by the senate on August 31st.
AB 622 (Dickinson) - Civil Grand Juries: Passed by the assembly on June 1st. Amended and passed by the senate on September 7th.
AB 876 (Valadao) - Hiring IHSS Providers: Signed into law by Governor Brown on July 7th.
AB 889 (Ammiano) - Domestic Work Employees: Passed by the assembly on June 2nd. Did not make it out of committee in the senate before deadline.

· SB 393 (Hernandez) - Patient-Centered Medical Home Act of 2011: Passed by the senate on June 2nd. Did not make it out of committee in the assembly before deadline.

· SB 411 (Price) - Home Care Services Act of 2011: Passed by the senate on June 2nd. Currently being heard by the assembly.

SB 930 (Evans) - IHSS Enrollment and Fingerprinting Requirements: Passed by the senate on May 19th. Amended and passed by the Assembly on August 30th.

In This Issue

IHSS Unmet Needs

PASC Open House

Talking to Your Dr. About CAM

Upcoming PASC Trainings/Events

Legislation Watch

IHSS Consumer Review - Summer 2011

Includes information on:

Cuts and Changes to IHSS

New IHSS Eligibility Requirements

Reductions and Changes to Medi-Cal

PASC's Consumer Network

Selecting the Right Homecare Worker

and more

Download your copy now at www.pascla.org

Quick Links

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View past editions of PASC E-News

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Personal Assistance Services Council | 4730 Woodman Ave., Suite 405 | Sherman Oaks | CA | 91423

Check out the link:

2011-09-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

I think it will be another valuable resource.

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

FW: Electronic Federal Benefits

2011-09-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Van Essen

Director, Benefits Establishment

Pacific Clinics

800 S. Santa Anita Ave.

Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 254-5043 (office)

(626) 254-0661 (fax)

From: Wendy Wang
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 1:01 PM
To: Michael Van Essen
Subject: Electronic Federal Benefits

MVE,

FYI…

Federal Benefits to be Paid Electronically Beginning in March 2013

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is phasing out paper checks as a payment option for federal benefit payments. People who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or other federal benefit checks for themselves or on behalf of someone else, must switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013. The move to electronic payments is designed to enhance beneficiary safety by eliminating the risk of lost or stolen checks, improve the ease and efficiency of the payment process, and provide beneficiaries with faster access to their payments.

There are two electronic payment options available:

Direct deposit: People with a checking or savings account can sign up to receive their money through direct deposit. Their money will go straight into their checking or savings account on payment day each month and be accessible from virtually anywhere.
Direct Express Debit MasterCard: This is a prepaid debit card; money is posted to the card account on payment day each month. Cardholders can make purchases, pay bills and get cash anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. No bank account or credit check is required.

Beneficiaries may switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express card any time before March 1, 2013. The National Council encourages behavioral health agencies to inform consumers about these changes and direct them to www.GoDirect.org (or the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-333-1795) to sign up.

Wendy Wang, MPP| Corporate Director of Community Education, Outreach, and Public Policy

Pacific Clinics - Corporate Office

Advancing Behavioral Healthcare

800 S. Santa Anita Avenue | Arcadia, CA 91006-3555
Phone: (626) 254-5007

Fax: (626) 294-1078

wwang@pacificclinics.org

www.pacificclinics.org

"The information contained in this electronic message is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or taking any action in reliance on the content of this information is strictly prohibited." "If you have received this copy in error, immediately notify the sender by e-mail and delete the information from your system." (W&I Code, Section, 5328, 45 CFR 160 & 164) Thank you.

Fwd: Medicare and Diabetes: Is Anyone Else Confused?

2011-08-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Diabetic Connect" <email@email-alliancehealth.com>
Date: August 29, 2011 8:10:18 PM EDT
To: <mvanessen@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Medicare and Diabetes: Is Anyone Else Confused?
Reply-To: "Diabetic Connect" <reply-fec715777c60067c-47_HTML-36198151-1053716-507@email-alliancehealth.com>

Recipes | Discussions | Videos | News Articles UNSUBSCRIBE

Medicare and Diabetes: Is Anyone Else Confused?
Healthy Diabetic Eating Tips from a CDE
The Importance of Oral Health when You Have Diabetes
Glucose Testing: A Moment in Time
Your Diabetic Feet
Should You See a Diabetes Specialist?
Adjusting Insulin When You Exercise

Medicare and Diabetes: Is Anyone Else Confused?
Are you approaching your 65th birthday or considering making a change in your Medicare plan? Here's a great breakdown of all the different parts of Medicare, what each one covers, when you can enroll, and important considerations specifically for people with diabetes. This expert article is written by Susan Sloane, one of our Diabetic Connect Advocates, who is not only a Certified Diabetes Educator, but also a Registered Pharmacist. ...

Related links:
Healthy Diabetic Eating Tips from a CDE
The Importance of Oral Health when You Have Diabetes
Glucose Testing: A Moment in Time
Your Diabetic Feet

Should You See a Diabetes Specialist?

Which kind of doctor is best for treating diabetes? Should you stick with your family doctor or find someone who specializes in diabetes? Here is practical advice to help you find the right care.

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Emailing: California Healthline - The Daily Digest of News, Policy & Opinion.htm

2011-08-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Latest News

Monday, August 22, 2011

CVS Agrees to $2M Settlement in Customer Overcharging Lawsuit

CVS Pharmacy has agreed to pay more than $2 million to settle a California lawsuit claiming it overcharged customers and engaged in misleading advertising. The retail pharmacy chain has admitted no wrongdoing or liability. Pasadena Star-News et al.

Medical Data of 300,000 Californians Available Via Unsecured Website

A researcher recently found that the medical data of 300,000 Californians were available online through an unsecured site. Southern California Medical-Legal Consultants said it thought the information was secure and has taken steps to protect the data. AP/Forbes.

Debate Continues Over Bill on Administration of Seizure Drug in Schools

Teachers, parents and nurses continue to debate legislation that would allow non-medical personnel in schools to administer the epilepsy drug Diastat to students. The bill is up for review by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. AP/San Jose Mercury News.

Many Hospitals Hiring Physicians To Increase Market Share, Revenue

A new study by the Center for Studying Health System Change finds that hospitals increasingly are hiring physicians in an effort to increase their market share and revenue. However, researchers note that the strategy does not guarantee clinical integration. Modern Healthcare.

HHS Gives 106 Waivers in July for Exemption From Reform Provision

Last month, HHS granted 106 new waivers exempting groups from aÂ rule in the federal health reform law that prohibits caps on health benefits. The agency has said it will stop accepting applications for the waivers in September. CQ HealthBeat, The Hill's "Healthwatch."

AROUND CALIFORNIA

Grocery Union Authorizes Strike Over Health Benefits

On Sunday, a spokesperson for the United Food and Commercial Workers union announced that more than 90% of the union's members who are employed at three Southern California supermarket chains -- Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons -- have voted to reject the chains' latest health care benefits proposal. The vote automatically authorizes union officials to call for an employee strike after 72 hours. The grocery store chains have indicated that they want to increase workers' share of health insurance premiums and eliminate HMO coverage as an insurance option. Los Angeles Times et al.

Inland HMO Launches Pilot To Cut Hospital Readmissions

Inland Empire Health Plan -- an HMO that serves an estimated 500,000 residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties -- has contracted with San Fernando-based Partners at Home on a pilot program aimed at reducing hospital readmissions among Medicare beneficiaries. Under the pilot program, participants will receive a home visit, at least four follow-up telephone calls from Partners at Home staff and possibly food delivery services. Riverside Press-Enterprise.

ACROSS THE NATION

Study Finds Racial Disparity in NIH Grant Review System

Black researchers are significantly less likely to secure NIH grant funding than white applicants, according to a study published in the journal Science. Study author Donna Ginther of the University of Kansas said the disparity can be explained one of two ways: black applicants do not have the same "cumulative advantages" -- such as education and mentoring privileges -- as whites, or there is bias in NIH's grant review system. NIH Director Francis Collins pledged to take steps to root out any bias issues in the review process. Reuters et al.

Kindred To Buy Calif.-Based Home Health Firm for $51M

Kentucky-based Kindred HealthCare will purchase Walnut Creek, Calif.-based Professional HealthCare for $51 million in cash. Professional HealthCare provides home health, hospice and private duty nursing services, as well as durable medical equipment. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the third quarter. San Francisco Business Times.

OPINION MAKERS

Opinion: Inmates' Medical Care of Concern for Counties

One "consequence" of the recent "U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering California to reduce its prison population by 30,000" will be the "strain on local budgets of trying to meet the health care needs of this population," Lois Davis -- a senior policy researcher at RAND -- writes in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. "The chief reason the court ordered a reduction in the prison population was the failure of the state to meet the basic medical needs of prisoners," Davis writes. "If the state shifts responsibility to counties, it will also need to shift enough money to fund the treatment needs of this population," Davis concludes. Los Angeles Times.

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Michael has shared a Huffington Post article with you

2011-08-21T10:03:00.001-07:00

Michael has shared a Huffington Post article with you: "Los Angeles Public Transit Access Top Among Major Metropolitan Areas, Besting Even New York"

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/18/los-angeles-metro-transit-access_n_930835.html

Sent by Michael

Social Security Disability Fund Predicted to Become Insolvent Before SSA Retirement Fund

2011-08-21T09:49:00.001-07:00

From the Huffington Post, August 21, 2011

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
WASHINGTON -- Laid-off workers and aging baby boomers are flooding Social Security's disability program with benefit claims, pushing the financially strapped system toward the brink of insolvency.

Applications are up nearly 50 percent over a decade ago as people with disabilities lose their jobs and can't find new ones in an economy that has shed nearly 7 million jobs.

The stampede for benefits is adding to a growing backlog of applicants – many wait two years or more before their cases are resolved – and worsening the financial problems of a program that's been running in the red for years.

New congressional estimates say the trust fund that supports Social Security disability will run out of money by 2017, leaving the program unable to pay full benefits, unless Congress acts. About two decades later, Social Security's much larger retirement fund is projected to run dry as well.

Much of the focus in Washington has been on fixing Social Security's retirement system. Proposals range from raising the retirement age to means-testing benefits for wealthy retirees. But the disability system is in much worse shape and its problems defy easy solutions.

The trustees who oversee Social Security are urging Congress to shore up the disability system by reallocating money from the retirement program, just as lawmakers did in 1994. That would provide only short-term relief at the expense of weakening the retirement program.

Claims for disability benefits typically increase in a bad economy because many disabled people get laid off and can't find a new job. This year, about 3.3 million people are expected to apply for federal disability benefits. That's 700,000 more than in 2008 and 1 million more than a decade ago.

"It's primarily economic desperation," Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue said in an interview. "People on the margins who get bad news in terms of a layoff and have no other place to go and they take a shot at disability,"

The disability program is also being hit by an aging population – disability rates rise as people get older – as well as a system that encourages people to apply for more generous disability benefits rather than waiting until they qualify for retirement.

Retirees can get full Social Security benefits at age 66, a threshold gradually rising to 67. Early retirees can get reduced benefits at 62. However, if you qualify for disability, you can get full benefits, based on your work history, even before 62.

Also, people who qualify for Social Security disability automatically get Medicare after two years, even if they are younger than 65, the age when other retirees qualify for the government-run health insurance program.

Congress tried to rein in the disability program in the late 1970s by making it tougher to qualify. The number of people receiving benefits declined for a few years, even during a recession in the early 1980s. Congress, however, reversed course and loosened the criteria, and the rolls were growing again by 1984.

The disability program "got into trouble first because of liberalization of eligibility standards in the 1980s," said Charles Blahous, one of the public trustees who oversee Social Security. "Then it got another shove into bigger trouble during the recent recession."

Today, about 13.6 million people receive disability benefits through Social Security or Supplemental Security Income. Social Security is for people with substantial work histories, and monthly disability payments average $927. Supplemental Security Income does not require a work history but it has strict limits on income and assets. Monthly SSI payments average $500.

As policymakers work to improve the disability system, they are faced with two major issues: Legitimate applicants often have to wait years to get benefits while many others get payments they don't deserve.

Last year, Social Security detected $1.4 billion in overpayments to disability beneficiaries, mostly to people who got jobs and no longer qualified, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress.

Congress is targeting overpayments.

The deficit reduction package enacted this month would allow Congress to boost Social Security's budget by about $4 billion over the next decade to invest in programs that identify people who no longer qualify for disability benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that increased enforcement would save nearly $12 billion over the next decade.

At the same time, the application process can be a nightmare for legitimate applicants. About two-thirds of initial applications are rejected. Most of these people drop their claims, but for those willing go through an appeals process that can take two years or more, chances are good they eventually will get benefits.

Astrue has pledged to reduce processing times for applicants' appeals, and he has had some success, even as the number of claims skyrockets. The number of people waiting for decisions has increased, but their wait times are going down.

"It's ludicrous to say that the backlog problem is getting worse," Astrue said. "The backlog problem has gotten dramatically better."

Patricia L. Foster said she was working as a nurse in a hospital in Columbia, S.C., in 2005 when she was attacked by a patient who was suffering from a mental illness. Foster, 64, said she injured her neck so bad she had a plate inserted. She said she also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Foster was turned down twice for Social Security disability benefits before finally getting them in 2009, after hiring an Illinois-based company, Allsup, to represent her. She said she was awarded retroactive benefits, though the process was demeaning.

"I have to tell you, when you're told you cannot return to nursing because of your disability, you don't know how long I cried about that," Foster said. "And then Social Security says, `Oh no, you don't qualify.' You don't know what that does to you emotionally. You have no idea."

Social Security Field Offices to Close Earlier

2011-08-16T09:04:00.001-07:00

Beginning August 15, 2011, Social Security field offices nationwide will close to the public 30 minutes early each day. That means a field office that is usually open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will close at 3:30 p.m. each day.

"While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow us to complete face-to-face service with the visiting public without incurring the cost of overtime for our employees," said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. "Congress provided our agency with nearly $1 billion less than the President requested for our budget this fiscal year, which makes it impossible for us to provide the amount of overtime needed to handle service to the public as we have in the past."

Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office. For example, anyone may visit www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits. Also on our website, beneficiaries may sign up for direct deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter, or inform us of a change of address or telephone number.

Mandatory MediCal HMO Enrollment in 16 California Counties

2011-05-23T10:28:00.001-07:00

On June 1, 2011, the following California counties will begin a 12-month process of welcoming newly enrolled beneficiaries into their managed care plans: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, and Tulare.

This reassignment is part of a “bridge” from Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal to the complete implementation of the Affordable Care Act by year 2014.

As of now, Fee-for-Service MediCal recipients are receiving letters directing them to enroll in a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan by the end of their birthday month. The letter also states that if a plan is not chosen by the deadline, one will be randomly assigned.

Mandatory enrollment does not apply to Medi-Cal/Medicare (Medi-Medi or “dual eligibles”) recipients or to:

• Those who are Foster Children
• Those identified as Long Term Care (LTC)
• Those who have Other Health Insurance
• Those who have Share of Cost (SOC) Medi-Cal
• Those who are California Children's Services (CCS) recipients (Although currently excluded, this group may become mandatory in the future)

This change does apply to those with Medi-Cal only and no Share-of-Cost. MediCal Aid Codes affected by the change are: 20, 24, 26, 2E, 2H, 36, 60 (SSI-linked Medi-Cal), 64, 66, 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 6H, 6J, 6N, 6P, 6V, 10,14, 16, 1E, 1H.

For those with special needs Medical Exemption Request can be submitted. This may allow those requiring continued standard Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal to remain in effect The form can be found at:
http://www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov/HCOCSP/Enrollment/content/en/forms/MU_0003383.pdf

The plans available in Los Angeles County are:
Positive Healthcare (800) 263-0067
AltaMed (PACE) (323) 728-0411
Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. (800) 675-6110
L. A. Care Health Plan (888) 839-9909
SCAN Health Plan (877) 452-5898

For information about the plans and to find comparison charts go to http://www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov for more information or call Michael Van Essen, Director of Benefits Establishment, 626-254-5043.

Mandatory Enrollment of Seniors and Persons with Disabilities in Medi-Cal Managed Care

2011-03-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

The following was pubished in a Newsletter by Disability Rights California -- www.disabilityrightsca.org and from the World Institute on Disability www.wid.org

It gives a great overview of the mandated enrollment of some of California's Medi-Cal recipients into a managed care program.

Q: I receive Medi-Cal. Will I have to enroll in managed care?
A: Many seniors and persons with disabilities, approximately 380,000 people, will have to join a Medi-Cal managed care plan if they live in one of the 14 counties on the list below:

Alameda
San Bernardino
Contra Costa
San Diego
Fresno
San Francisco
Kern
San Joaquin
Los Angeles
Santa Clara
Riverside
Stanislaus
Sacramento
Tulare

But not everyone in these counties will be affected. You do not have to enroll in a managed care plan if:

1. You have Medicare as well as Medi-Cal
2. You receive services from the California Children’s Services (CCS) program, or
3. You receive foster care or adoption assistance benefits

Q: When will these changes take effect?
A: Mandatory enrollment will depend on your birth month. Mandatory enrollment will begin in June 2011 for people with birthdays in June; it will begin in July for people with birthdays in July, and so forth. This process will continue for one year, through May 2012.

Q: What is managed care?
A: Managed care means that you receive your health care from a managed care plan. A managed care plan is an organized network of health care providers, which emphasizes primary and preventive care. Hospitals, physicians and other health care providers are members of the network. The managed care plan can be public or private.

Q: Are there any benefits to managed care?
A: Yes. Managed care plans can provide you with the following:

• Help coordinating your care
• Help finding primary care doctors and specialists
• Help finding a pharmacy
• Ongoing referrals to specialists
• Telephone advice nurses
• Customer service centers
• Support groups
• Health education programs to:
• Quit smoking
• Prevent and deal with drug and alcohol problems
• Manage chronic pain
• Eat well and exercise safely
• Help getting to and from medical appointments (non-medical transportation)

Q: If I’m in managed care, can I keep the same doctors I have now?

A: Ordinarily, your doctor must be part of the managed care network. However, if you now have a doctor who is not part of the managed care network, you can keep that doctor; but only if the doctor is both willing to keep seeing you and willing to accept the managed care network’s payment rate or the Medi-Cal fee-for-service rate, whichever is higher. The doctor becomes a part of the managed care network just for purposes of caring for you. The doctor will have access to network providers for purposes of referrals, etc.

Q: If I don't already have doctors I like, will the health plan provide ones who know about my disability?

A: The Medi-Cal managed care plan can help you find a doctor's office that will meet your special needs. Your doctor and the health plan will be responsible for helping to coordinate your care. This includes helping you find the specialists you need. In addition, the managed care plan has telephone advice nurses to answer your health questions and customer service call centers to answer questions about your benefits.

Q: What if I don't like managed care – can I get out?

A: No. However, if you have a “complex medical condition” the managed care plan must provide continuous care with your current provider for up to one year after you enroll in the managed care plan. This is true whether or not the provider is willing to accept the managed care network’s payment rate. The state is finalizing requirements for this “exceptions process.”

Q: I live in a rural county without any Medi-Cal managed care plans. Will I have to enroll in a managed care plan?

A: No.

Q: How will I know what to do to enroll?

A: You should be getting letters and phone calls beginning about 90 days before you are required to enroll. The letters and phone calls will explain the steps you need to take and the options for managed care providers in your area.

Q: I don’t have to enroll in managed care but I want to. Is it possible for me to enroll voluntarily?

Yes, as long as your county has at least one managed care network that accepts Medi-Cal.

Q: How can I find out more about the managed care plans in my area and pick the best one for me?

A: You can find information about Medi-Cal managed care on the Health Care Options (California Department of Health Care Services) website: http://www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov/HCOCSP/Home/. You can also call Health Care Options at: 1-800-430-4263. There are also contact numbers for languages other than English. Here is the list:

Health Options
(California Department of Health Care Services)
Contact Numbers

Employment Matters Editor
Josephine Schallehn
World Institute on Disability
josephine@wid.org

2011-03-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Mandatory Enrollment of Seniors and Persons with Disabilities in Medi-Cal Managed Care

Q: I receive Medi-Cal. Will I have to enroll in managed care?
A: Many seniors and persons with disabilities, approximately 380,000 people, will have to join a Medi-Cal managed care plan if they live in one of the 14 counties on the list below:

Alameda
San Bernardino
Contra Costa
San Diego
Fresno
San Francisco
Kern
San Joaquin
Los Angeles
Santa Clara
Riverside
Stanislaus
Sacramento
Tulare

But not everyone in these counties will be affected. You do not have to enroll in a managed care plan if:

1. You have Medicare as well as Medi-Cal
2. You receive services from the California Children’s Services (CCS) program, or
3. You receive foster care or adoption assistance benefits

Q: When will these changes take effect?
A: Mandatory enrollment will depend on your birth month. Mandatory enrollment will begin in June 2011 for people with birthdays in June; it will begin in July for people with birthdays in July, and so forth. This process will continue for one year, through May 2012.

Q: What is managed care?
A: Managed care means that you receive your health care from a managed care plan. A managed care plan is an organized network of health care providers, which emphasizes primary and preventive care. Hospitals, physicians and other health care providers are members of the network. The managed care plan can be public or private.

Q: Are there any benefits to managed care?
A: Yes. Managed care plans can provide you with the following:

• Help coordinating your care
• Help finding primary care doctors and specialists
• Help finding a pharmacy
• Ongoing referrals to specialists
• Telephone advice nurses
• Customer service centers
• Support groups
• Health education programs to:
• Quit smoking
• Prevent and deal with drug and alcohol problems
• Manage chronic pain
• Eat well and exercise safely
• Help getting to and from medical appointments (non-medical transportation)

Q: If I’m in managed care, can I keep the same doctors I have now?

A: Ordinarily, your doctor must be part of the managed care network. However, if you now have a doctor who is not part of the managed care network, you can keep that doctor; but only if the doctor is both willing to keep seeing you and willing to accept the managed care network’s payment rate or the Medi-Cal fee-for-service rate, whichever is higher. The doctor becomes a part of the managed care network just for purposes of caring for you. The doctor will have access to network providers for purposes of referrals, etc.

Q: If I don't already have doctors I like, will the health plan provide ones who know about my disability?

A: The Medi-Cal managed care plan can help you find a doctor's office that will meet your special needs. Your doctor and the health plan will be responsible for helping to coordinate your care. This includes helping you find the specialists you need. In addition, the managed care plan has telephone advice nurses to answer your health questions and customer service call centers to answer questions about your benefits.

Q: What if I don't like managed care – can I get out?

A: No. However, if you have a “complex medical condition” the managed care plan must provide continuous care with your current provider for up to one year after you enroll in the managed care plan. This is true whether or not the provider is willing to accept the managed care network’s payment rate. The state is finalizing requirements for this “exceptions process.”

Q: I live in a rural county without any Medi-Cal managed care plans. Will I have to enroll in a managed care plan?

A: No.

Q: How will I know what to do to enroll?

A: You should be getting letters and phone calls beginning about 90 days before you are required to enroll. The letters and phone calls will explain the steps you need to take and the options for managed care providers in your area.

Q: I don’t have to enroll in managed care but I want to. Is it possible for me to enroll voluntarily?

Yes, as long as your county has at least one managed care network that accepts Medi-Cal.

Q: How can I find out more about the managed care plans in my area and pick the best one for me?

A: You can find information about Medi-Cal managed care on the Health Care Options (California Department of Health Care Services) website: http://www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov/HCOCSP/Home/. You can also call Health Care Options at: 1-800-430-4263. There are also contact numbers for languages other than English. Here is the list:

Health Options
(California Department of Health Care Services)
Contact Numbers

Employment Matters Editor
Josephine Schallehn
World Institute on Disability
josephine@wid.org

Summary of HHS Budget Cuts for Fiscal 2011 & Beyond

2011-03-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW
Room 5019, State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
SENATOR MARK LENO, CHAIR
Budget Conference Committee Action
Quick Summary
Updated March

This is the portion of the proposed budget that directly involve the Disabled Population of the State of California

Health and Human Services

Achieved total expenditure cuts of over $6.0 billion in the Health and Human Services area. The Conference version of the budget retains many of the painful cuts proposed by the Governor, but in many instances found alternative solutions that mitigate or reduce impacts to children, the disabled, and the elderly. The major reductions include the following:
Medi-Cal: Achieved over $1.6 billion in GF expenditure cuts in the
Medi-Cal program. Reinstates the previously enacted 10-percent
provider payment reductions for savings of $547 million. Approved
many of the Governor’s “co-pays” and “hard caps” on services, but
rejected the hard-cap on physician and clinic visits, medical supplies,
equipment, and prescriptions. Found other savings not identified by
the Governor.
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC): Rejected the Governor’s proposal
to eliminate this activity permanently, but instead eliminated the
benefit and provided $85 million to provide a “bridge” to a new
optional benefit that will serve a higher acuity patient.
 Multipurpose Senior Service Program (MSSP): Rejected the full
elimination of this program and instead reduced funding by
$2.5 million or 13 percent.
 Proposition 10: Approved the 2011-12 shift of $1.0 billion of
Proposition 10 funds from State and local reserves to Medi-Cal.
 Proposition 63: Approved the shift of about $860 million in
Proposition 63 funds from counties on a one-time basis to backfill for
General Fund support for three mental health programs the Governor
proposes to realign to counties.
Developmental Services: Achieved over $500 million in expenditure
savings in Developmental Services. Approved implementation of
statewide purchase of service standards at a reduction level of
$174 million, in lieu of the Governor’s $424 million reduction.
SSI/SSP: Approved the Governor’s proposal to reduce Supplemental
Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) to the
minimum allowed by a federal maintenance of effort requirement for
savings of $192 million.
CalWORKS: Achieved about $1.1 billion in expenditure cuts in the
CalWORKs program. Approved an eight percent grant cut to save
$300 million. Approved the Governor’s proposal to reduce the timelimit
for adults to receive assistance from 60 months to 48 months, but
rejected the Governor’s proposal to apply a 48-month time limit to
safety net and child-only cases. Instead adopted additional grant cuts
for safety net and child-only cases that exceed 60 months to generate
savings of $100 million. Increased the Governor’s cut to the county
single allocation from $377 million to $427 million. Added savings
of $100 million from adjusting the earned-income disregard.
IHSS: Achieved the Governor’s saving number of $486 million in
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, but reduced the
proposed across-the-board service cut and the proposed domestic and
related cut.
Found other savings not proposed by the Governor, such
as the Community First Choice Option to obtain $121 million in
additional federal funds.

5 Million Uninsured Could be Covered by 2014

2011-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

From the LOS ANGELES TIMES: Millions of Unisured May Gain Access to Coverage by 2014
Nearly 5 million uninsured Californians could gain access to health coverage in 2014 when the nation's healthcare law expands eligibility for subsidized insurance programs for the poor, according to a new report. At that time, more than two-thirds of the state's 7 million uninsured residents will be eligible for California's Medi-Cal insurance program, which serves the state's poorest people, or for federal subsidies aimed at those who earn more but have no coverage through their jobs. Many of the newly insured would be low-income adults who have long been unable to don't qualify for Medi-Cal, which applies only to families. The rules will change in 2014 to include adults without children. "It is good news that there is help on the way for millions of people," said researcher Shana Alex Lavarreda, of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, which produced the study being released Tuesday. But the state faces significant challenges as it works to enroll millions of new people for insurance. The UCLA analysts noted that nearly 1 million uninsured children and adults who were eligible for low-income insurance programs last year were not enrolled because of the complexity of both the application process and eligibility requirements.

SF AIDS Foundation CEO Message at the 30th Year of HIV/AIDS

2011-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend Ken Helton for sending this my way...

2011 marks the 30th year of AIDS. The anniversary is a time to reflect, and to look forward as we chart a course to the end of this epidemic.
This month we launch a special year-long series for the anniversary, "The View from Here." Leading advocates, policy makers, medical professionals, researchers, philanthropists, educators, public health professionals, and celebrities will answer the same set of questions each month. We begin the series with the foundation’s new leader, Neil Giuliano.

Read More: http://www.sfaf.org/hiv-info/hot-topics/from-the-experts/2011-01-the-view-from-here-neil-giuliano.html?utm_source=status2011jan&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headerimage&utm_campaign=status

New Legislation Enacted Determining How Tax Refunds and Credits are Treated by Other Public Benefit Programs

2011-01-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

If anyone takes advantage of the SSI work incentives and earns income that will help qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) any IRS refund will not count against SSI assets limits.

New legislation passed in December 2010 has greatly simplified and standardized the rules for how EIC and CTC refunds, as well as any tax refund, are treated in determining eligibility for other public benefit programs.
This should be helpful in encouraging lower-income workers to participate in asset-building programs and to open savings accounts without fear of exceeding resource limits and jeopardizing their eligibility for important public benefits. It may also help alleviate the fears of those who are concerned that refunds from tax credits might count as additional income and cause them to lose eligibility for crucial public benefits they receive, such as Medicaid.

Income. Congress enacted legislation in December 2010 which excludes any federal tax refund from counting as income in determining eligibility, or the amount of benefit, for any federally-funded public benefit program. This includes state and local programs only partially funded by federal dollars. Tax refunds can include benefits from the EIC, CTC, other tax credits, or refund of a filer's over withheld income tax.

Resource test. The legislation also provides that refunds that are saved by the filer do not count against the resource limits of any federally-funded public benefit program for 12 months after the refund is received.

These new rules are effective for 2010 through 2012, the period covered by the legislation, which temporarily extended the 2009 ARRA expansions of the EIC, CTC and other tax credits. Note that local staff of the agencies administering public benefits will not yet have received guidance on the new rules from their headquarters. This should occur within the next several weeks.

In case questions arise, the new provision is found here: PL 111-312, Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, Sec. 728:
SEC. 728. REFUNDS DISREGARDED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS.

(a) In General- Subchapter A of chapter 65 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
`SEC. 6409. REFUNDS DISREGARDED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS.

`(a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any refund (or advance payment with respect to a refundable credit) made to any individual under this title shall not be taken into account as income, and shall not be taken into account as resources for a period of 12 months from receipt, for purposes of determining the eligibility of such individual (or any other individual) for benefits or assistance (or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance) under any Federal program or under any State or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.

`(b) Termination- Subsection (a) shall not apply to any amount received after December 31, 2012.'.

(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections for such subchapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
`Sec. 6409. Refunds disregarded in the administration of Federal programs and federally assisted programs.'.

(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to amounts received after December 31, 2009.

John Wancheck
EIC Campaign Coordinator
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
820 First St., NE, Ste. 510
Washington, DC 20002
202-408-1080

A Scary Scenario for Us Los Angelenos

2011-01-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt of Tim Rutten's Los Angeles Times Op-Ed Column Today
To read the whole thing, click onthe link below.

Op-Ed

A budget body blow
Tim Rutten

Editorial:

'I have not come here to embrace delay and denial,' new governor Jerry Brown warns, and that's good.
Expect drastic cuts to Medi-Cal and CalWORKS, the diversion of offenders from state prisons to local jails, and elimination of community redevelopment districts and enterprise zones.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rutten-localcuts-20110105,0,5148757.column

Free mammograms for low income women 40 years old and older!

2011-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 8:00am-3:00pm
Pomona Health Center
750 S Park Ave
Pomona CA 91766
Please call to schedule your appointment: (909) 868-0235
Limited walk-in appointments will be available

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:00am-2:45pm
Monrovia Health Center
330 W. Maple Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
Please call to schedule your appointment: (626) 256-1600
Limited walk-in appointments will be available

To find out about other agenices that provide the free or low cost mammogram and pap test program, please call Los Angeles County Public Health- Office of Women's Health at 800-793-8090

Marie Kreimann RN PHN
Community Liaison
Los Angeles County Public Health
SPA 3 - San Gabriel Valley
Pomona Health Center
750 S. Park Ave
Pomona CA 91766
Phone: (909) 868-0257
Cell Phone: (213) 344-9297
Fax: (909) 868-1304
Mkreimann@ph.lacounty.gov
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov

State has new guidelines for medical appointments

2011-01-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

My good friend and colleague Jacques Chambers of HelpWithBenefits.com passed this on to me. It affects anyone who is covered by an HMO in the State of California.

By Anita Creamer
acreamer@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 - 2:12 pm

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/31/3291328/state-has-new-guidelines-for-medical.html#ixzz19kNK52dF
California's Department of Managed Health Care, which oversees the state's health plans, has announced a new set of time frames that will govern how quickly appointments are scheduled for health plan members. The new standards, which go into effect Jan. 17, were mandated by legislation signed in early 2010.
A 2009 DMHC study found that new HMO patients wait an average of 59 days when they call to make an appointment with their general practice physician.
The new regulations specify a range of shortened waiting times, including 48 hours for an urgent care appointment that doesn't require prior authorization and 10 business days for a non-urgent primary care appointment.
To contact DMHC's Help Center, please go to www.healthhelp.ca.gov or call 1-888-466-2219.

Happy New Year and Watch Here for Further Updates

2011-01-04T09:48:00.001-08:00

This is the year when the blog is going to really matter. Whether it is budget changes resulting in modification to Medi-Cal or news concerning Social Security Disability law, changes to benefits (up or down) and the implementation (or repeal) of components to the Affordable Healthcare Act, it will all be reported here. And I will keep it as simple as possible with links to articles and posts that describe whatever the subject matter might be in much greater detail.

Hope your Holidays were good ones. Now, it's back to work!

California Opens New System for Health Plan Enrollment

2011-01-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

From California Healthline:
Last month, California opened public access to a new system that allows families to apply online for coverage in public health insurance programs. The online platform, called Health-e-App, offers preliminary eligibility screening for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, and lets families apply for coverage in Healthy Families, the state's Children's Health Insurance Program. Enrollment in the Access for Infants and Mothers program is expected to be added early next year. Health-e-App was developed by the California HealthCare Foundation in 2001 and licensed to California to help reduce the number of uninsured children in the state. CHCF publishes California Healthline.

■"State Launches Health Care Coverage Gap" (Robertson, Sacramento Business Journal, 12/22/10).

Read more: http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2011/1/4/california-opens-new-system-for-health-plan-enrollment.aspx#ixzz1A5bmMpx1

Recommended Changes to Social Security Disability Qualifications for Persons with HIV/AIDS

2010-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

THIS INVOLVES BOTH SSI AND SSDI

Thanks to my good friend and HIV/AIDS advocate Rod Rushing of Denver, here's a link to a great blog posting about proposed changes to HIV/AIDS disability qualifications. It is comprhensive and very thorough.

www.aidsmeds.com

Follow me on Twitter @mve53

2010-11-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be posting new informaiton about the Affordable Healthcare Act and other Benefits laws issues as they arise with links on Twitter. Tweet me @MVE53

Also, check out this link to an AP article published today re: raising the Social Security Retirement Age.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101118/ap_on_bi_ge/us_social_security_retirement_age

Very interesting.

SSA, SSI, SSDI... What's the difference?

2010-10-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

SSA, SSI, SSDI, SDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal. So many acronyms sound so much alike yet represent programs that differ greatly.
SSA = SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION This is the Federal agency that administers SSI and SSDI, Retirement Benefits, among others.
SSI = SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME This is a needs based program. To qualify you must have a medical/mental health condition that prevents you from any Substantial Gainful Activity (work) for a minimum of 12 months and have little or no income and fewer than the required work credits for SSDI eligibility. Personal assets may include 1 home (in which you live), 1 car and less than $2,000 in accumulated assets: Savings, Checking, 401k, 403b, IRAs, Cash Value Life Insurance, etc.
SSI-linked Medi-Cal comes with and SSI approval. It is No-Share-of-Cost Medi-Cal.
In California, in 2010, an individual who lives independently with cooking facilities and is eligible for SSI will receive $845.00 per month in total income.
The visually impaired will receive $908. Additional sums are available depending upon living situation and family dynamic. Check www.ssa.gov for further information.
SSDI = SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE
SSDI is available to those who have a disabling illness/condition and who have accrued at least 40 “work credits”. In 2010, one credit is accrued for each $1,120 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits per year.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) deductions from payroll checks pays for Social Security Retirement, however, if you become disabled prior to retirement age, SSDI becomes available to you.
Unlike SSI, SSDI has no assets or income limits.
There is a five month waiting period after approval before payments begin. Let’s say you apply in January and you are approved in February. Your waiting period would then extend through July, you are eligible for payment in August, the payment arrives in early September.
SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare after 24 months (or the equivalent in retroactive payment) of SSDI payments. See www.ssa.gov for more information.

WHAT IS “DISABILITY” ACCORDING TO SOCIAL SECURITY?

2010-10-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Social Security Administration’s website http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify4.htm defines disability this way The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability.
No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
• You cannot do work that you did before;
• We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.
WHAT IS WORK?
SSA’s definition of disability is strict but it doesn’t define “work.” Work is showing up on time and performing tasks well. It is also responding well to supervision and getting along with colleagues.
Work is an ability to do all of the above on a regular basis for an indefinite period of time.
Any interruption to the ability to sustain employment due to functional limitations resulting from an injury, illness or condition could result in a disability determination.
DIAGNOSIS & FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION(S)
A diagnosis is not a disability. A functional limitation(s) results from the diagnosis and its symptoms. Example: “I work worked on a loading dock. I used to easily lift 100 lb. boxes. My arm was crushed (diagnosis) in a motorcycle accident. Now I can’t lift more than ten 10 lbs” ( functional limitation)
” I have HIV/AIDS.” That’s a diagnosis.
“Many days I can’t get out of bed. A friend will come in and do some light housekeeping and make sure I have food that I can eat. I can’t do those things for myself.” These are Functional Limitations.

Independence Day Every Day: 2010 Review and Action Steps to Increase Employment and Economic Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities

2010-08-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

The National Council on Independent Living has published a Policy Recommendations Letter addressed to relevant Subcommittees of the House of Representatives. This letter contains NCIL's recommendations for changes to the work incentives found within the public disability programs that are intended to assist the disabiled transition into the workplace. Item 6 is California's contribution. Read it carefully and let NCIL know what you think. www.ncil.org

Click on the headline above the graphic for a full-screen version. Also, you can click on the Download Button at the top of the graphic to download a copy of the letter to your computer.