November 2005 Publication
Update on Medicare’s New Prescription Drug Program
Scott Anderson, Benefits Specialist
Beginning January 1st, 2006, the Medicare program will expand to include prescription drug coverage. This new benefit will be known as Medicare “Part D”. Medicare Part D will provide coverage for prescription drugs that has never been covered by Medicare before. Any individual who receives their health care coverage through Medicare is eligible for the Part D prescription drug benefit. Enrollment starts November 15th, and you can enroll up to May 15th, 2006. The actual prescription drug coverage will start on January 1st, 2006.
Those persons who have both Medicare and Medicaid are also eligible, but there is a difference. Persons on both Medicare and Medicaid, known as “dual eligible”, will no longer get their prescriptions covered under Medicaid, and have to enroll in Part D. If they don’t enroll, they will automatically be placed into a plan on December 31st that may or may not meet their needs. Persons who are dual eligible should have received a letter in November explaining this. If you received one of these letters and aren’t sure what to do, contact North Country or one of the other resources at the end of this article for assistance. It is important if you are dual eligible to check the plan that Medicare is enrolling you in, and if it doesn’t meet your prescription needs to choose a different plan. This coverage is different than what you used to have under Medicaid, and some of your prescriptions may no longer be covered.
We have received many calls at North Country regarding how to go about choosing a plan. If you have internet access, you can review the various plans at www.medicare.gov. There are internet tools on the Medicare website to help you narrow down the choices based on your current prescriptions and costs. If the internet isn’t for you contact Scott Anderson, North Country’s Benefits Specialist for assistance, or one of the other statewide resources listed below.
North Country 715-392-9118, or 1-800-924-1220
Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy 1-800-926-4862
The Prescription Drug Hotline 1-866-456-8211
WISLOAN |
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WisLoan is a statewide, low interest loan program that allows a Wisconsin |
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There is Still Time to Apply for Energy Assistance
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program is available to low and moderate income people who need help paying their fuel bills. This program is a one-time benefit during the heating season. Individuals can apply now through May 15 or until funds are exhausted. However county human services and benefit specialists are still taking applications. The amount of the benefit depends on household size, income and heating costs.
You may be eligible for heating assistance if your gross (before taxes) income for the last three months is less than $3,588.75 for a family of one. For each additional person, add $1,222.50. If your household income is more than these guidelines, you may still qualify for assistance if all household members receive eitherW2/TANF, food stamps, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the last three months.
The following items are needed to apply for heating assistance:
- Social security card or documents showing a social security card number
- Verification of heating costs for your home for the last 12 months.
- Proof of income for the last three months from all sources such as pay stubs, Social Security checks and bank statements.
Benefits Specialists in each county can assist people 60 and over apply for heating assistance. Those younger than 60 can apply through their county human service department. Check with your county to see if they are holding an outreach effort to assist with applications (Ashland Daily Press).
2006
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Stop by and pick one |
Food Shelves Can Stretch Those Dollars
Here is a list of food shelves and Salvation Army contacts in our area:
| Superior | 392-5127 |
| Food Shelf & Salvation Army | 8-4:30 M-F |
| Washburn | 393-0305 |
| Food Shelf & Salvation Army | 11:30-3:30 M-TH |
| Ashland | 682-5757 |
| Food Shelf & Salvation Army | 1-3 M-TH |
| Park Falls | 762-4468 |
| Food Shelf Only | 8-4:30 M-F |
| Hurley | 561-4700 |
| Food Shelf Only | 9-1 M Only |
| Mercer | 476-9135 or 476-2744 |
| Food Shelf Only | 9:30-5:30 Last Wed |
Become Involved
John Nousaine, Director
People with disabilities in northwest Wisconsin have two opportunities to change state government this winter. Even if you don’t know how or are a little shy, don’t worry, we’ll show you the ropes. You don’t have to do it alone.
First is Independent Living Legislative Days which starts Monday afternoon, February 6 with a training on disability and civil rights and an orientation. We will also have the opportunity to visit with lawmakers on February 8 on a variety of topics important to people with disabilities. This will be our third year with IL Legislative Days and you can be sure that we will be back every year. If you are interested in participating, contact John at our Superior office.
Next is Superior Days. This year Superior Days will be held from February 28 through March 2, 2006. The Superior Days website www.superiordays.com defines this event as an annual grassroots approach to community development in Northwest Wisconsin that has been a success since 1985. Superior Days helps (continued on Page 3)
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bridge the distance that local residents feel geographically and politically from the southern half of the state. Superior Days embodies action and change, and the messages are delivered directly and personally across party lines. Embracing diversity and commitment, Superior Days enhances local knowledge of issues in need of resolution, local leadership, and regional cooperation between citizens and government leaders to solve common problems.
For advocates like us at North Country, it’s a chance to unite with our community as allies and a chance to show our neighbors how effective grassroots advocacy can be.
Where else can you see a longtime disability advocate socializing with the county board chair after they spent the day convincing legislators of the importance of funding community based services so that consumers can leave the nursing home?
What better place for a consumer to advocate to change the prior authorization policy for purchasing batteries for an artificial arm? This advocacy effort was successful at a recent Superior Days.
Where else can we present a common agenda that works for all citizens of northwest Wisconsin and at the same time develop allies to support your individual concerns? Last year, I lead a legislative team consisting of a resort owner, a college student, and a retired school teacher. All of us had an interest in Superior Days. From that experience, I have a greater appreciation of their concerns and they have a deeper understanding of disability-related issues.
Superior Days and IL Legislative days are golden opportunities for all of us to become involved. For more on these events, visit the Superior Days website or contact me at our North Country office in Superior.
Calendar of Events
All phone numbers are in area code 715 unless otherwise noted
January 9, 2-8 p.m. Barker’s Island Inn, Superior, Board of Directors, North Country Independent Living Strategic Planning Session. For more information, call John Nousaine in our Superior office.
February 6-8, Independent Living Legislative Days. Meet with lawmakers on February 8th on a variety of topics important to people with disabilities.
February 9-10, Wisconsin Statewide Transition Conference, Chula Vista Theme Resort, Wisconsin Dells. Funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. More information will be available in December.
February 28-March 6, Superior Days. An annual grassroots approach to community development in Northwest Wisconsin since 1985. For event details visit
www.superiordays.com.
March 22, Transportation Summit, Hayward Inn & Suites, Hayward. This is a day-long summit featuring national presenters on transportation issues important to people with disabilities, family members and service providers. Find out how by working together we can provide more rides for more people who need them. Contact Bob Olsgard, North Country Transportation Coordinator at 392-9118 v/tty or 1-800-924-1220 v/tty or e-mail bob at: ncilbob@superior-nfp.org.
April 26, Assistive Technology & Resource Fair at Red Cliff and April 27 at Bad River. These are day-long events that bring together people with disabilities and venders throughout our area to share information on technology that can help consumers live more independently. Contact Jeri at our Superior office for more information or e-mail her at:
nciljeri@superior-nfp.org. Watch for more details on these Technology Fairs in the February issue of North Country News.
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It’s Tax Season Again
Many of us may qualify for the Homestead Property Tax Credit and not even know it. This credit can be a big help, especially during a time when we are facing high gas and fuel costs and must make tough financial choices.
While this article can’t answer every question you might have about the Homestead Property Tax Credit, we hope this information will get you started. You can qualify for this tax credit if:
- You are a legal resident of Wisconsin for all of 2005
- You are at least age 18 by December 31, 2005
- You are not a dependent on someone else’s federal tax return for 2005 (This does not apply if you are 62 or older as of December 31, 2005).
- Your household income will be less than $24,500 for 2005.
- You must be an owner or renter of a homestead during 2005. Renters who live in mobile homes or nursing homes, (but not be receiving Medicaid) can file.
- You have not received Wisconsin Works (W-2) payments of any amount or county relief payments of $400 or more for each month of 2005. This does not include social security or SSI payments.
You can obtain forms (Schedule H or Schedule H-EZ) online at: www.dor.state.wi.us. or by calling the Department of Revenue at 608-266-8641. Homestead Property Tax Credit forms are also available at libraries.
North Country can assist you in obtaining forms and getting answers to your questions. We can also assist with completing the forms. Call us at either our Superior or Ashland office. The important thing is for you to check out this credit to see if you qualify.
Resource Corner
Here’s a list of websites and other contact information that we have come across that might be helpful to you:
Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities, 1-800-778-4838 (Voice), 1-866-754-4368 (TTY) Learn about and get written information about your rights as an individual with a disability under the Air Carrier Access Act. You can also get help in resolving issues concerning service animals and seating accommodations and help planning your next trip.
ADA Wisconsin Partnership now has their first issue of the Partnership LINK newsletter available online: www.adawipartnership.org. This newsletter has information on a variety of topics important to consumers.
Disability Starter Kit: If you or a family member with a disability is considering applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other disability benefits, a disability starter kit is available online at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_
starter_kits_adult_eng.html. North Country can help you get started using this kit.
Wheelchair Recycling Program, www.wrp.org. This service offers a wide variety of assistive devices such as power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, canes and walkers that have been reconditioned and can be purchased at reduced cost. The list is updated frequently and can be viewed online. You can also contact Tom Kenney at 414-313-1303 or e-mail him at
tkenney@wrp.org.
The Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing and Universal Link has a new address and phone number: 10243 West National Ave., West Allis, WI 53227. Ph. 414-604-2200 (Voice)
1-888-742-7651 (TTY), e-mail: info@cdhh.org.
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Payday Loans…..Be Careful!
“Need cash?, you can get $50 to $500 within l5 minutes!” Sounds appealing, but be careful. Payday loans, check loans, post dated check loans, deferred deposit check loans, or payroll advance loans are different terms for the same type of loan. While they provide quick cash, they are very expensive.
When a person takes out one of these loans, they write a personal check to the lender for the amount they want to borrow, plus a fee. The lender then gives the person the money they want to borrow and keeps the fee. These lenders are often called “check advance” operations.
Rates for these payday loans can be as high as 500 % Annual Percentage Rate (APR). These loans can become very expensive very quickly. If you pay the loan in full prior to the due date, you are entitled to a partial refund of the finance charge. If you are married and your spouse doesn’t sign the loan agreement, the lender is required to give your spouse a written notice that you received a loan.
Alternatives to Payday Loans
* When you need credit, compare offers. Compare annual percentage rate, finance charges, and other costs.
* Ask your creditors for more time to pay your bills.
* Make a realistic budget that you can manage each month.
If you would like help developing a budget and learning more about making those hard earned dollars stretch to the end of the month, contact North Country. You can also call University of Wisconsin-Extension in the county where you live. Material from the extension office was used in this article.
Support Groups
Superior MS Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Superior Public Library. For more information, contact Pam at 394-6958.
Ashland MS Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month in the Stockton Island Room at Memorial Medical Center. Contact Peggy at 682-6506 for more information.
Ashland Area Brain Injury/Stroke Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month in the Gull Island Room of Memorial Medical Center, Ashland. For more information, contact Stewart at 682-5676 v/tty or 1-800-499-5676 v/tty.
Women’s Peer Support Group meets the third Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. at North Country Independent Living, Superior. Contact Gloria for more information, 392-9118 v/tty or 1-800-924-1220 v/tty.
Young Adult Women’s Group Meetings will be the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at North Country Independent Living, Superior.
Recruiting young women ages 18—27 to join our group. For more information, contact Gloria at 392-9118 v/tty or 1-800-924-1220 v/tty.
Chronic Pain Support Group meets the first and third Wednesdays from 12– 1:30 p.m. at the Goslin Court main building on Summit Street, Spooner. Contact Katie at 468-2731 for more
information.
Recreation/Social Group Meetings will be the first and third Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at North Country Independent Living,
Superior. For more information, contact Gloria at 392-9118 v/tty or 1-800-924-1220 v/tty.
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DEC the Halls
John Nedden-Durst, Disability Navigator
DEC stands for the Disabled Expanded Certification Program and is a state of Wisconsin program for persons with disabilities to improve opportunities in obtaining employment.WHAT IS DISABLED EXPANDED CERTIFICATION?
Disabled Expanded Certification (DEC) is an affirmative action program to ensure that qualified applicants with disabilities are considered for state civil service jobs. Applicants who pass civil service examinations and qualify for DEC will not receive additional points but may receive increased opportunities for employment interviews.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR DEC?
To be eligible for the DEC program, a candidate must have a permanent physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the major life activity of working. Applicants certified under DEC must be able to perform the duties of the job(s) for which they apply, with or without accommodations.
HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR DEC?
To be eligible for DEC, a qualified professional must verify that your impairment substantially limits your ability to work. A “qualified professional” means a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, rehabilitation vocational counselor, high school
special education teacher, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, or other person approved by the Office of State Employment Relations.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DEC?
If you have general questions about the Disabled Expanded Certification program, call the Division of Affirmation Action at (608) 266-5709, TTY (608) 267-1004. If you have specific questions about verification for eligibility, call the Division of Merit Recruitment and Selection and ask to speak to the Certification Unit at (608) 266-1731, TTY (608) 266-1498. (Information for this article was taken from the Wisconsin Office of State Employment Relations(OSERS) website.)
TELEWORK |
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The Wisconsin Telework Program is a statewide, alternative loan program that allows Wisconsin residents with disabilities to purchase computers and other equipment needed to work from home or from other remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center. Contact North Country for more information. |
Getting Around
Bob Olsgard, Transportation Coordinator
MARCH 2006, TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT, TO FEATURE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION EXPERTS
If you need transportation, provide it or arrange for it for others, you will want to attend the upcoming Northwest Wisconsin Transportation Summit in Hayward on March 22nd 2006. We’ve lined up national experts Al Abeson Director of Easter Seals Project Action and Dennis
Stombaugh, rural transportation project manager for the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living alongside Wisconsin DOT Transit Bureau head Rod Clark and others to share in-depth information about coordinating transportation. Find out how by working together we can provide more rides for more people who need them. For more information contact Transportation Coordinator Bob Olsgard at: 800-924-1220 or by email:
ncilbob@superior-nfp.org.
SURVEY RESULTS POINT TO SOLUTIONS
Transportation stakeholders in Burnett and Washburn Counties had the opportunity to learn about the results of our transportation system reviews at meetings held in Siren and Shell Lake, October 26th. Consultants C. B. Ton and Associates reported a number of the findings common to both counties. Most rides
provided are for medical appointments. Four out of five rides are provided by county-operated volunteer driver programs. Evening and weekend rides—whether for medical or other purposes such as church or shopping—aren’t available. Providers are having trouble maintaining their equipment and meeting rider needs while keeping costs down. Communication that links providers, riders and stakeholders needs improvement.
Among the recommended solutions are; exploring collaboration among providers on training and administrative functions, coordination of seat capacity, increased hours of service and days of operation for specialized transportation, and improved communication about existing transportation resources.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS? CALL THE HOTLINE!
If you are a Medical Assistance recipient in need of non-emergency medical transportation or someone who arranges transportation for one and you have had difficulty finding transportation, please call the Medicaid Recipients’ Hotline (800) 362-3002 to report on your situation. If you experience further problems you are also welcome to contact Senator Bob Jauch’s office at: (800) 469-6562.
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End of North Country News
November '05 Publication
