Interagency Council

May 10, 2012

New Hire availability at Home Helpers for PCA, HCA and HCA’s Contact Home Helpers directly for additional information.

Events-  Community Connections on May 5 went very well.  Thank you for World Co. for their support.  A survey will go out soon.

            -SAIL is offering Waiver Info Sessions, CHANGES Sessions, Coasters for a Cause Tickets, several Volunteer Opportunities.

            -Home Front- Washington County Housing Rehab. 518-747-8250 has up to $50,000 for 10 households for home improvements.

Shelter Planning- Working with SAIL and NHTD for Emods.  Income eligibility specific, call 518-798-6627.

Vet Help- Leslie Carrol spoke about the availability of assistance to Veterans.  There are 2 homeless shelters in Saratoga County.  One female shelter that can house 11 females and one male shelter that can house 12 male veterans.  They have an transitional building in Wilton for families with a two year lease, or as long as needed.  Average stay has been about 10 months.  All issues need to be addressed, medical, physical and mental before one can be released, and they must have a source of income.  There is case management on site for their assistance.  Leslie tells us there is a duplex in Ballston Spa as well.  These shelters provide a great environment of understanding for Veterans.  The shelters provide family counseling, all health services with transportation.

Paul Stoke offers help to widows for a “benefit search”.  Contact him at 885-0673x208.

There is also a Womens Vet Retreat in Lake George every summer, generally in August.  Leslie has additional information on all noted above and can be reached at 885-0091 or 885-0673x208.

Erica Walker- Community Health Advocate form Adirondack Health Institute, formerly Upper Hudson Primary Consortium.  She works on a grant funded program for insurance advocacy named “Affordable Care Act”.  This Act provides information regarding several areas on insurance one may not be aware of.  Such as; covering a dependant until age 26 even if they are married, Cobra until 29, Senior Care- closing the donut hole, eliminating “pre-existing condition” for minors up to 19.  She offers help with insurance eligibility, enrollment services.  Medicaid, family health plus.

NYS Bridge Plan- $362 a month for those with pre-existing conditions.  Must be without insurance for months with pre existing.  This will last until 01/01/2014.  She advocates Patient assistance rates to decrease office visit fees, decrease or allow free meds!

January 01/01/2012 it will be MANDATORY everyone has medical insurance or there will be a $90.00 fine imposed.

Erica works for 6 counties, excluding Saratoga.  Her office is at 9 Carey Road in Queensbury and can be reached at 518-761-0300x31252.

Next Meeting- 06/14/2012