| November 2008 |
Volume 1 Issue 5 |
DELA VOTES
Dela* proudly casts her ballot in every election. She is passionate about politics and is an outspoken advocate for everyone to be involved in the process and exercise their right to vote. In order to convey the importance of voting to her three year old daughter she brings her to the polling place every election day.
Dela’s message to people with disabilities: “It is important that people with disabilities, and their friends and family, vote in this and every other election. If we don’t vote, we don’t have a voice. Each one of our votes increases the influence we collectively have in local, state and federal decision-making. Voting is the only way to convince our elected officials to provide the community-based services that would allow so many people with disabilities to live independent lives. There are propositions on the state and local ballot that have an impact on basic needs including housing and transportation. If we don’t vote, we don’t have a voice – it is that simple.”
* Dela is the name of a character drawn by artist Brian Kolm, for ILRCSF promoting full accessibility and inclusion for all.
CONTENTS
DisabilityChatSF
We are inviting people with disabilities who live and/or work in San Francisco to join DisabilityChatSF. This group is being set up to provide a safe and respectful place for people to share their experiences, ask questions about all areas of their day-to-day lives, etc. This is not an avenue for advocacy and legislative efforts – there are other groups set up for that purpose. We welcome people to join. We request that interactions be friendly and respectful of others’ opinions, etc. We understand that people will disagree, but those disagreements must not rise to the level of personal attacks or inappropriate behavior. If members choose to make comments that do not adhere to these basic rules, ILRCSF reserves the right to remove them from the group.
ILRCSF Workshops, Resource Room, Online Purchases
ILRCSF Regular Office hours:
Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Friday's 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
ILRCSF is wheelchair accessible and provides reasonable accommodations on request, including ASL interpreters and print information in alternative formats. ILRCSF is a scent-free office in order to be fully accessible to all people with disabilities. Please do not wear any scented products including perfumes, aftershave, hairspray, etc. to any meetings, groups, or workshops held at or by ILRCSF. If you are wearing scents, you will not be able to remain in the office.
BENEFITS WORKSHOPS
Every Thursday at 9:30, we will hold a “drop-in” Basic Benefits/Work Incentives Workshop. Information about applying for Social Security, Medi-Cal or other benefits, as well as work incentive issues including the PASS program, and how Social Security benefits and healthcare are affected by returning to work are covered.
No workshop on Thursday, November 27.
HOUSING WORKSHOPS - Low Income Housing
Registration is required. Call 543-6222 ext. 100. Monday’s in November 1:30-3:30.
No workshop on Monday, November 24.
ILRCSF RESOURCE ROOM
ILRCSF has a FREE, accessible Resource Room, with information in Chinese, English and Spanish. We also have a bulletin board with information for Deaf Consumers and information is available in alternative formats upon request.
The resource room provides info on a variety of subjects, such as benefits, ADA, assistive technology (helpful gadgets), returning to work, free food-shelter-medical care resources, health care access, legal resources, housing (including a place for those who want to post ads for apartments for rent or shared housing rentals; an updated rental list from Craig’s Lists; etc.) etc. If we don’t have the resource, we’ll do our best to find referrals for you. Service providers are welcome to send us flyers and handouts to distribute.
YOUR ONLINE PURCHASES CAN BENEFIT
Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco!
Who hasn't uttered the words, "I wish there was something I could do to help"? Now you can. Start shopping! At iGive.com®, you can buy the items you've always wanted - like that DVD box set, designer bag,or big-screen TV you've had your eyes on - only without the guilt. iGive.com is FREE for you and free for our organization. Find everything you need at 650+ participating online stores, including; Staples.com, Barnes & Noble, drugstore.com, and Lands'End.
Up to 26% of each purchase is donated to Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco. GET A $5 BONUS DONATION with your 1st purchase at any iGive.com store!
* Join for free at: www.iGive.com/ILRCSF
* 1st purchase must be made through iGive.com, within 45 days of joining. eBay bids are not considered for this purpose. Causes listed at iGive.com have been listed by iGive members for their own and other members' use. Information listed here is subject to change. Visit www.iGive.com for the most current information.
ASK KEVIN ABOUT AT
Kevin:
I am 60 years old and my hearing is not as good as it used to be. I am fairly good at reading lips and have been able to use assistive devices when I go to public events. Is there something that will help me watch TV at home?
Mary
Hi Mary:
Assistive listening devices reduce background noise and deliver sound directly from your TV to your ears. These devices generally range from $100 - $200. Activeforever has a model available for $89 (http://www.activeforever.com/p-1972-tv-ears-23-mhz-system-wireless-headphones.aspx) as well as TV Listener Headphones for $29.95 (http://www.activeforever.com/p-2090-tv-listener-wireless-headphones.aspx). Before you purchase a device you might want to try a few out. The Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California is located in San Francisco, and has assistive listening devices you can try. You can also get a free consultation there. In addition, the center sells assistive listening devices. To learn more about the organization you can go to www.hearingspeech.org, call 415-921-7658 or email info@hearingspeech.org.
To ask Kevin a question or learn more call 415-543-6222 ext. 107 or email Kevin@ilrcsf.org.
ILRCSF EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Keeping up with the Polls
Do You Know Where to go on Election Day?
From “The Election Connection” A San Francisco Department of Elections Newsletter
“Your polling place may have been relocated since the last election.
Between the June and November 2008 elections, 40 polling places Citywide have changed. Polling places change for many reasons: locations that are inaccessible to people with disabilities are replaced with accessible ones; public facilities become unavailable; or polling place owners can no longer offer use of their property.
To ensure that you go to the correct location, always check the back cover of your Voter Information Pamphlet & Sample Ballot for the location of your polling place before going to vote. The location can be found on the top portion of the page along with accessibility information. You can also look up the location of your polling place on the Department’s website at .
If a polling place becomes unavailable after the Voter Information Pamphlet has been mailed, the Department sends a notification card to all registered voters within the affected precinct to inform them of the new location’s address, cross-streets and accessibility information.
The Department also posts “Change of Polling Place” signs at the old location, directing voters to their new polling place. Voters can tear off a sheet of paper from this sign, with the address, cross-streets, and accessibility information of their new polling place.
See you at the polls!”
2009 Medicare Information
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program that has four parts:
Part A: Medicare Hospital Insurance
Part B: Medicare Medical Insurance (outpatient visits)
Part C: Medicare Managed Care plans (Medicare Advantage)
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage (brand names and generics)
Medicare Part A covers a wide range of hospitalization and inpatient services. Most people get Part A automatically when they turn 65 or 24 months after they become disabled. If you (or your spouse) have worked 40 quarters (10 years total) or more there is no premium for Medicare Part A. If you (or your spouse) have worked less than 10 years total you will have to pay a Part A premium.
Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient services and other medically necessary services that are not covered under Part A. Some preventative services are covered but annual physicals are not. Almost everyone pays a Part B premium based on income:
Individual Joint Monthly
Tax Return: Tax Return: Premium:
$80,000 or below $160,000 or below $96.40
$80,000-$100,000 $160,000-$200,000 $134.90
$100,000-$150,000 $200,000-$300,000 $192.70
$150,000-$200,000 $300,000-$400,000 $250.50
Above $200,000 Above $400,000 $308.30
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is administered through private health plans, such as an HMO, PPO or other Private Fee for Service Plans.
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through the Medicare Prescription Drug plan or private drug plans. There are two ways to get Medicare Part D coverage:
- Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) that adds drug coverage to Parts A and B.
- Join a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO, etc.) that includes prescription drug coverage as part of the plan.
Cost Breakdown:
Year-To-Date Prescription Costs: $0-$295
Coverage: Deductible Period: Beneficiary pays 100% Medicare pays 0%
Year-To-Date Prescription Costs: $295- $2,700
Coverage: Co-Insurance Period: Beneficiary pays 25% Medicare pays 75% Year-To-Date Prescription Costs: $2,700-$6,153.75
Coverage: Coverage Gap Period: Beneficiary pays 100% Medicare pays 0%
Year-To-Date Prescription Costs: Over $6,153.75
Coverage: Catastrophic Period:
Beneficiary pays: $2.40 Generic $6.00 Brand Name
Medicare pays 80%
Plan pays 15%
Dual Eligible refers to an individual who qualifies for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Drug coverage is provided through private drug plans. Eligibility and co-payment amounts are based on income and resources:
Eligible for full benefits – income up to 100% of the federal poverty level and resources within the MediCal limits: Co-payments: Generic $1.10; Brand Name $3.20
Eligible for full benefits – income over 100% of the federal poverty level and resources within the MediCal limits: Co-payments: Generic $2.40; Brand Name $6.00
Subsidies for dual eligibles who are not eligible for full benefits:
- Resources under $6,290 for an individual and under $9,440 for a couple: Co-payments: Generic $2.40; Brand Name $6.00
- Resources between $6,290-$10,490 for an individual and between $9,440-$20,970 for a couple: Deductible of $60.00; 15% co-insurance up to a threshold of $4,350 in out-of-pocket expenses; Co-payments after reaching the threshold in out-of-pocket expenses: Generic $2.40; Brand Name $6.00
Important Dates:
Week of October 15, 2008
Medicare and You handbooks mailed out
October 31, 2008
Medicare beneficiaries should have received their 2008 Annual Notice of Coverage and Summary of Benefits
November 15 – December 31, 2008
Annual enrollment period for Part D
January 1, 2009
Changes to coverage take effect
EVENTS, GROUPS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Study – Does Computer Training Help the Symptoms of Early Schizophrenia?
UCSF & UCD needs volunteers for a research study. You are eligible to participate if:
- You have a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder or shizoaffective disorder
- Your first episode of schizophrenia symptoms began within the last 5 years
- You are in good general medical health
- You are doing well and have been on the same medication for at least four weeks
- You are between the ages of 16 and 30
- You are fluent and proficient in the English language
UCSF and UCD are conducting this study to aid our understanding of whether or not specialized computer training helps young people with schizophrenia lessen their symptoms and improve their thinking. The procedures consist of interviews and questionnaires, computer and paper pencil tests, brain imaging tests and blood tests. You will be paid approximately $5 for every hour of computer training and $20 for each lab appointment, up to $1,040 total. Participants should be available to spend 60 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 8 consecutive weeks either at a home computer with Internet access or at a computer at UCSF or UCD.
Interested? Know someone who might be? Call for more information: UCSF 415-476-7278 or UCD 916-734-0512. A confidential phone screen will be conducted to determine initial eligibility. If you are under 18 years of age, please have your parents call.
Survey: Responding to Crime Victims with Disabilities
The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) is collaborating with the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies (JCVVS) to raise competence in supporting and serving crime victims with disabilities. They are developing and conducting a national training conference focusing on the needs of crime victims with disabilities which is scheduled to be held in 2009. In order to design a conference based on the needs of people with disabilities, they have developed a 10 to 15 minute survey that is available at vovici.com. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or the survey itself contact Dan Petersen at the JCVVS, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621, phone (785) 670-2115, or email dan.petersen@washburn.edu.
NOTABLE DATES IN NOVEMBER
Monthly Observances:
Adoption Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Disease Month
Apple Month
Child Safety and Protection Month
Diabetes Month
Epilepsy Month
Hospice Month
Native American Heritage Month
Weekly Observances:
First Week: Diabetes Education Week
Second Week: World Kindness Week
Third Week: Bladder Health Week
Lung Cancer Awareness Week
Fourth Week: Adoption Week
Family Caregivers Week
Daily Observances:
November 1: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead – 10/31 – 11/2)
November 2 : Daylight Standard Time Resumes – Set Clocks Back 1 hour
November 4: Election Day
November 9: Berlin Wall comes down 1989
November 10: Sadie Hawkins Day
November 11: Veteran’s Day
November 13: World Kindness Day
November 15: America Recycles Day
November 17: First Session of Congress at the US Capital building in 1800
World Peace Day
November 20: Universal Children’s Day
November 22: National Adoption Day
November 27: Thanksgiving Day
November 30: Computer Security Day
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