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Cents & Sensibility: A Common Cents Approach to AT Funding

Cents & Sensibility: A Common Cents Approach to AT Funding. Robin Wheeler, Esquire March 29, 2007. Objectives. Expectations Introduction to alternatives to the BIG 5 AT Funding Sources Realization that these alternatives are ever changing and need constant updates

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Cents & Sensibility: A Common Cents Approach to AT Funding

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  1. Cents & Sensibility: A Common Cents Approach to AT Funding Robin Wheeler, Esquire March 29, 2007

  2. Objectives • Expectations • Introduction to alternatives to the BIG 5 AT Funding Sources • Realization that these alternatives are ever changing and need constant updates • Starting points and updates

  3. Think Low Tech • Not every AT device has to be a technological wonder. • Low Tech may mean lower price.

  4. Rubber handle knob Rubber handle faucet grips Rocker knife Drinking straw holder Foam Rubber on handles of utensils Dishes with raised edges for better scooping Weighted utensils Automatic Eye Drop Dispenser Flashing kitchen timer Talking pill box organizer Magnifier nail clippers Check writing guides Vibration Timer LARGE numbers on Thermostat Magnifying glass Electric seat lift Wheel chair umbrella Car Caddie Raised toilet seat Wireless motion alert sensor THINK LOW TECH!

  5. BIG 5 Review • Medicaid • Medicare • State Agencies such Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the Blind, and Dept. of Disabilities and Special Needs • Private Insurance • Schools

  6. Medicaid • For individuals of low income to reimburse providers of approved medical services. • Includes diagnosis and treatment of illnesses AND the limiting or correcting of disabilities. • Provides only certain services related to technology - "durable medical supplies” (including power wheelchairs).

  7. Children’s Medicaid • http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us/dhhsnew/index.asp • Early Periodic and Screening Diagnostics Testing (EPSDT). Provides free medical check-ups for all Medicaid eligible children (under the age of 21) and treatment for medical problems. • Partners for Healthy Children - SCHIP enables states to insure children at little or no cost to working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private coverage. 1-877-543-7669 www.insurekidsnow.gov

  8. Medicaid for Adults • Medicaid funding may also be available to persons over 21 who qualify for Medicaid assistance. • Need a physician's prescription to establish the need and supportive documentation to justify the need.

  9. Medicare • http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11045.pdf • Pays for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). • Must be prescribed by a doctor for use in the home. • Must be durable and primarily for medical purposes, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds. • The equipment must be deemed MEDICALLY NECESSARY. • If in a Medicare + Choice Plan and need durable medical equipment, may have to pay part of the cost.

  10. Vocational Rehabilitation • Options to consider after high school. • Vocational Rehabilitation assists eligible clients who want to work. • http://www.scvrd.net/ • South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15West Columbia, SC 29171-0015 Voice: (803) 896-6500TTY: (803) 896-6553 Toll free: 1-800-832-7526 E-mail: info@scvrd.state.sc.us

  11. South Carolina Commission for the Blind • http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/VocRehab.htm • Assistive Technology Training (computers) - Job site evaluations, equipment modification and the application of new technology in the workplace

  12. South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs • http://www.state.sc.us/ddsn/pubs/services_supports/SaS_English.pdf • Services based on needs identified by the provider. • Plan routinely evaluated with input from the person receiving the service. • Evaluations are based on satisfaction with the supports provided.

  13. Private Insurance • Coverage for prosthetic care and DME varies widely • May differ by policy • Things to ask about: • eligibility requirements • preexisting condition clauses • devices that are covered (get it in writing) • coverage limits • limits on the number of items per year or per lifetime • rate of payment (comparable to Medicare) • Preferred Provider Network

  14. Comparison websites re: insurance coverage • Insure.comwww.insure.com/health • INSWEB www.insweb.com • netQuote www.netquote.com

  15. School (age 3 - 21) • If there is an educational need and the student is part of the special education program, then federal law requires that the school system meet that educational need. • The school must make the particular technology available to the student whenever and wherever the educational need arises.

  16. School – §504 of the Rehab Act • Federal law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. • Applies to ALL programs that receive federal funds, including public schools. • Assistive technology may be considered an accommodation. • Must be written into the 504 Plan for the school to be responsible for funding.

  17. The Federal Adoption Assistance Program • Available to parents who adopt a child with special needs. • Child must meet SSI eligibility criteria • Assistance may not be higher than foster care. • The adoption assistance may continue until age 21. • Requirements: • child is unable to return to natural parents; • child cannot be adopted without adoption assistance; and • a reasonable but unsuccessful effort has been made to place child without providing adoption assistance or Medicaid. • Generally, child with a disability is automatically eligible for Medicaid.

  18. SC Children’s Rehabilitative Services • For complex problems beyond services offered by the average health care plan, HMO, or well-trained pediatrician. • http://www.scdhec.gov/health/mch/cshcn/index.htm • Telephone: 803-898-0784 FAX: 803-898-0613 • SCDHEC Division of Children with Special Health Care NeedsPO Box 101106Mills-Jarrett ComplexColumbia, South Carolina 29011 • Care Line: 1-800-868-0404

  19. HIKE Now • Children: • under the age of twenty (20) • who are U.S. Citizens and • have not received a previous HIKE Award within the last four (4) years and • who have been identified with 1) a need for a hearing aid(s) or an assistive listening device and 2) a financial need. • Requires a letter from the applicant's family. Considerations include family income, size of household, medical expenses for the applicant, and the cost of the hearing technology requested. The HIKE Fund, Inc. c/o A. L. Howe, M.D. #2 Kentucky Blue Ridge Court St. Charles, MO 63303-4485 Phone: (636) 928-2101 Fax: (636) 928-3361 E-mail: alhowemd@accessus.net

  20. Miracle-Ear® Children's Foundationhttp://www.miracle-ear.com/resources/children_request.asp Miracle-Ear® Children's Foundation PO Box 59261 Minneapolis, MN 55459 1-800-234-5422 • Child 16 years old or younger with a hearing loss that requires amplification; • A resident of the United States; • In possession of an audiogram and medical clearance (signed by a physician) dated within the last 6 months; • Family income level which does not allow the family to receive public support. $20,000-$50,000 gross.

  21. Variety—The Children’s Charity of the United States http://www.usvariety.org/mobility.html • Works to assist children. • Variety of the United States 5757 Wilshire BLVD, STE 445Los Angeles, CA 90036 323/954-0820 info@usvariety.org

  22. Shriners Hospital for Children • Free orthopedic and burn care to children under 18. • Open to all children without regard to race, religion, or relationship to a Shriner. • Eligibility: • the child is under the age of 18. • reasonable possibility the child's condition can be helped. • Get application: • www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/_Hospitals_for_Children/Admission/patient_applications.aspx. • from any Shrine Temple or Shrine Club. • toll-free 800/237-5055.

  23. St. Jude Children’s Hospital • Children receive prosthetic care at St. Jude’s in conjunction with treatment of illness. • Based solely on eligibility for an ongoing clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. • Child’s physician must: • complete referral at www.stjude.org/Forms/physicianReferralRequest. • fax relevant information to 901/495-4011. • call 1-866-278-5833.

  24. Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) Some BCBS established Caring for Children Foundations. • Provides free or low cost coverage to children who are not insurable through Medicaid or private insurance. • Services and eligibility vary. • www.bcbs.com

  25. Children’s Resources • Children’s Miracle Network - http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/ • For Transition - http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/transition.html • NexusKids Computer Buddies - http://www.sc.edu/ccfs/nexuskids/buddies.html

  26. Veterans Health Administration • prostheses, mobility devices, adaptive driving equipment, medical equipment, and supplies for a service-connected disability • Requirements: • honorable condition of discharge. • minimum of two years military service if discharged after September 7, 1980 • served as a National Guard member or reservist for the entire period for which you were called to active duty, other than for training purposes only. • Some limitations of who may prescribe benefit. • www1.va.gov/health/ • toll-free 877/222-8387 (877/222-VETS).

  27. TRICARE – Dept. of Defense • Tricare Prime – similar to a health maintenance organization (HMO) • Tricare Extra – similar to PPO. • Tricare Standard – fee for service option. • Both Tricare Extra & Tricare Standard have annual deductibles and cost-shares. Maximum out of pocket expense is $3,000 per enrollment or fiscal year. • Tricare for Life – for beneficiaries who have become eligible for Medicare. Required to enroll in Medicare Part B and pay the monthly fee. • Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) – temporarily provides the same benefits as Tricare Standard for military personnel who are discharged or released from active duty (under other than adverse conditions). See www.humana-military.com/chcbp/main.htm

  28. IMPAIRMENT-RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE) • For allowable business expenses for attendant care at your workplace and other expenses that allow you to work. • IRWEs are not subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limit that applies to most other employee business expenses. • To claim this deduction, complete IRS Forms 2106 or 2106-EZ.

  29. THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT UNDER FEDERAL TAX LAW • May include medical expenses for eyeglasses and hearing aids; and cost and maintenance of a wheelchair.

  30. PASS PLAN • Set aside income or resources to reach a work goal. • Must receive SSI benefits & have resources other than living expenses. • Resources to pay for things to reach the work goal. • Money under approved plan will not count against the resource limit of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. • A plan must: • be in writing & approved by SSA; • have a specific work goal the person can probably reach; • say how long it will take to reach goal; • say what resources will be set aside & how spent; • explain how the income or resources will be kept separate from other money; and • describe goods & services needed to reach goal & explain why needed. • www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-545.html

  31. SCTEDP • Distributes amplified telephones, voice carry over telephones, TTYs, large vision TTYs and telephones, alarm alerts, in-line amplifiers, 2-way pagers, weather alert radios, artificial larynx, hands free phones with amplification, and Dynamos. • Property of the State of South Carolina. • Eligibility Requirements:Must be a South Carolina resident;Must have a hearing or speech impairment;Must furnish an ID; and Must furnish proof of a phone line in residence. • SCTEDP 100 Executive Center Drive, Suite A-100, Senate Bldg Columbia, SC 29210Toll-free 1-877-225-8337 Voice/1-877-889-8337 TTYColumbia:   803-896-8337 Voice/803-896-8334 TTYhttp://www.scsdb.k12.sc.us/TEDP/TEDP%20Instructions.htm

  32. THE CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION FUND • From the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, to compensate and assist crime victims, and fund training and technical assistance. • State Office of Victim Assistance1205 Pendleton Street, Edgar A. Brown Bldg, Room 401Columbia, SC 29201sova@oepp.sc.govPhone: (803) 734-1900 Fax: (803) 734-1708 Victims Only: 1-800-220-5370 • Specific eligibility guidelines. • Compensation for expenses when attributable to a physical injury from a compensable crime including: • Medical expenses; eyeglasses and other corrective lenses, dental services, prosthetic or other devices. • Building modification and equipment • This program is the payor of last resort. • The maximum amount payable is a total of $15,000.

  33. South Carolina Assistive Technology Exchange • http://www.sc.edu/scatp/scatpexchange.htm • Helps citizens with disabilities and older people with functional limitations find affordable assistive technology devices and equipment. • Those with devices they no longer need or vendors with returned or overstocked equipment can list all available devices for use in education, employment, and community living environments, and connect with the consumers interested in finding these resources. • If you don't have email, call Janet Jendron at (803) 935-5273 at SCATP to have your account information entered for you.

  34. INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS • Assistance with home modifications and securing assistive technology devices. • Walton Options for Independent Living – Aiken http://www.waltonoptions.org/ • Disability Resource Center – North Charleston E-mail: info@drcilc.orgwww.drcilc.org • Disability Action Center, Inc. - Columbia www.dacsc.org • Disability Action Center, Inc. – Greenville www.dacsc.org • Disability Solutions - Hartsville E-mail: disabilitysol1@aol.com

  35. Muscular Dystrophy Association - Medical Equipment & Supplies • Medical equipment including gently-used wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, communication devices, etc. made available at no cost to individuals with neuromuscular disease. Muscular Dystrophy Association - USANational Headquarters3300 E. Sunrise DriveTucson, AZ 857181-800-FIGHT-MD (344-4863)mda@mdausa.orghttp://www.mdausa.org/help/products.cfm

  36. National Spinal Cord Injury Association 3475 W. Chester Pike Suite 230 Newtown Square, PA 19073 1-800-642-8399 • Provides funding to individuals with spinal cord injuries. • Website maintains database of funding options.

  37. Discounts On Telecommunications Devices And Services • www.UnitedTTY.comSpecial events where manufacturers offer discounts

  38. Bank of America • Bank of America has Access Loans for home or vehicle modifications. • 1-800-900-9000 Voice/1-800-833-2632 TTY • http://www.bankofamerica.com/vehicle_and_personal_loans/index.cfm?template=access_loans • Vehicle loans • Easy, single loan financing for purchase of new or used cars, vans or light-duty trucks and necessary adaptive equipment. • Home improvement loans • Ideal for financing certain home modification projects such as building access ramps, installing lifts, widening doors or lowering cabinets to increase accessibility.

  39. Private Companies • Prentke Romich Company • http://www.prentrom.com/funding • Assists people in obtaining the funding needed to purchase, rent or repair their speech generating devices.

  40. ABLEDATA • 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930Silver Spring, MD 20910(800) 227-0216 (301) 608-8998 (VOICE) (301) 608-8958 (Fax) (301) 608-8912 (TTY) ABLEDATA@orcmacro.com (E-mail)http://www.abledata.com http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/faq/default.htmlhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/assistivedevices.htmlhttp://www.amputee-coalition.org/fact_sheets/assist_orgs.html • Info on assistive devices and rehabilitation equipment. • Database includes detailed information on products for all aspects of independent living, including personal care, transportation, communication, and recreation. • Can be searched independently through the Internet. • Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday (Eastern time, except Federal holidays).

  41. The Mitarai/Canon Optacon Financing Program • A large consumer credit system to finance technological aids for individuals with disabilities • Telesensory Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 7455 Mountain, View, CA 94039-7455 (415) 960-0920

  42. FOUNDATIONS – Get Started • The Foundation Directory • Grants for the Physically & Mentally Disabled • Directory of Financial Aids for Minorities • National Directory of Corporate Giving • Taft Corporate Giving Directory • Hispanic Americans Information Directory

  43. Association of Blind Citizens AT Fund • http://www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm • Funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. Products must retail for a minimum of $200 and maximum of $6,000. • Eligibility: • Family income of less than $50,000 & cash assets of less than $20,000. • Applicants must be legally blind • Applicants must be a U.S. resident • Two grant periods per year - June 30th and December 31st • One grant request per calendar year. • All applications submitted via e-mail. • Email request form to: atf@blindcitizens.org.

  44. American Kidney Fund 1-800-638-8299 www.kidneyfund.org • Individual Grants Program - treatment-specific expenses; transportation, over-the-counter medicines, medication co-payments, kidney donor expenses and other necessities such as dentures. • Pharmacy Grant Program - qualified renal patients receive urgently needed medications, nutritional products, and durable medical supplies. • Disaster Relief Program - funds to assist patients replace medications, food and household items and pay for necessities lost because of natural disasters.

  45. CancerCare • 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) • http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/index.php Breast Cancer • Linking A.R.M.S.™: Limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication, lymphedema supplies and durable medical equipment. Children (ages 18 and under; all cancers) • Limited financial assistance for homecare, childcare, transportation, medication and copays.

  46. Barr Foundation • Barr Foundationc/o Storage USA 3090 NW 2nd AVE, STE 693 Boca Raton, FL 33431561/394-6514 barr@oandp.comwww.oandp.com/barr • This fund pays for materials and fitting of a new prosthesis after the prosthetist has established no other sources of funding available. • The Barr Foundation also accepts used prosthetic devices.

  47. Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation 100 Spanish Oak Road Weatherford, Texas 76087 (817)-597-1826 DanaBowman@aol.com http://www.danabowman.com/danabowman12007_032.htm • Collects and distributes prosthetic limbs to those in need. • Raises funds for transportation, lodging, and prosthetic limbs and services.

  48. Challenged Athletes Foundation • Eligibility: • disability within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classifications. http://www.paralympic.org/release/Main_Sections_Menu/index.html. • Must demonstrate a financial need. • Challenged Athletes Foundation 11199 Sorrento Valley RD, STE C San Diego, CA 92121 858/866-0959 caf@challengedathletes.orgwww.challengedathletes.org • Director of Programs, Jill Prichard 858.866.0959 Email:Jill@challengedathletes.org

  49. Hear Now Starkey Hearing Foundation • 6700 Washington Ave., South Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • 800-648-4327 (48 contiguous states)  • www.sotheworldmayhear.org • Provides hearing aids for individuals with limited financial resources and limited family support. • $100 processing fee for each application. • Fee is non-refundable income based, and must attempt other funding.

  50. Joni and Friends - Christian Fund for the Disabled - Up to $2500 • Online application at http://www.joniandfriends.org/CFD_Application.pdf • Grants of up to $2,500 nationally, as well as churches and other Christian organizations. • Contact: Karen Johnson, CFD Coordinator, email: kjohnson@joniandfriends.orgFax: (818) 707-2391

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