When I write longer treatment plans, I prefer to use Word, then copy and paste it into a progress note. The only problem is that AASC online converts it to a jumbled mess! Pangea says they are working to correct this and hope to have a remedy soon. Meanwhile, Pangea suggests using Notepad (in the Dell Start menu) because it makes a much cleaner progress note.
Update: Pangea did a great job adapting their program so now we can copy from Word, no problem!!
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Copy/Paste Treatment Plans from Word to AASC Progress Note
Medicaid Health Plan numbers
The attached large print phone numbers are found on the back of health plan & Bridge cards. The font size makes it difficult, if not impossible for some members to read. So, this larger print hand out could help members access SNAP & health insurance information and get Dr. appointment & pharmacy transportation. You are welcome to use it and make changes specific to your local health plans!
Medicare Durable Medical Equipment (DME) policy tips
Here are some pointers for qualifying for a lift chair, and for replacing old DMEs. As you probably know already, Medicare can pay 80% and Medicaid can pay the remaining 20% for qualifying members. But, for lift chairs, there is an added cost for the chair itself.
Service Animal Presentation
A “Puppy Trainer” will give the January presentation about the service dogs from Paws With A Cause. The best part – she’s bringing her foster puppy!! Members will get information like…did you know DHS can pay up to $20 monthly for service dog, “maintenance” expenses (Like dog food) for qualifying DHS recipients? The Puppy Trainer will also explain her role as the first trainer, and how she hands the puppy over to the Service Animal Trainers. She will show a DVD about Paws, and answer questions, such as, the following….
What types of dogs does PAWS use?
How does PAWS get the dogs they train to be Assistance Dogs?
Can PAWS train a client’s own dog to be their Assistance Dog?
Can a PAWS Dog alert me to oncoming seizures or provide support while I’m walking?
What tasks are PAWS Dogs trained to do?
What tasks are PAWS Dogs NOT trained to do?
Who is eligible to apply for a PAWS Dog?
What are the age requirements to apply?
How much does it cost?
How long is the application process?
How old are the dogs when the clients receive them?
What are the responsibilities of the client who receives a PAWS Assistance Dog?
Can Assistance Dogs live in apartments and go in public places?
View the Medicaid Expansion-Healthy Michigan Plan Webinar
This webinar answered a lot of my questions about the April 1 Medicaid expansion.
Anyone can view it at http://slidesha.re/1fh5m4q
Here is more info from the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA)……A PDF copy of the webinar slides are available for download at: http://bit.ly/1iWVUUe
Here is information from MPCA: You can send your contact information to enroll@mpca.net to be added to the distribution list for the webinar.
You can access more information and FAQs on the Healthy Michigan plan at: www.michigan.gov/healthymichiganplan
You can access helpful partner materials, including a flier which discusses the type of coverage most appropriate for individual consumers, at: www.enrollmichigan.com
And Finally, you can encourage clients and constituents to text “InfoMI” to 69866 to receive text message updates about health insurance options in Michigan.
Food Pantry & Commodity Food Distribution Educational Presentation
Our next educational presentation about ways to cope with low SNAP/Bridge card benefits should be fun! One presenter and I are cooking a few recipes to sample, from common foods provided to the impoverished community. Print outs of these and other recipes will be provided. The goal is to inform & help people who have not gone to a food pantry et c. to be more comfortable to try it out. With that first step, they may keep going and save money & eat well.
Small grants for kidney patients
UPDATE: My member was NOT qualified with her income of $710 mo. because they ran a budget and found she has over $100 mo. left after paying her bills! kb The Luann Scheppelmann-Eib Patient Emergency Fund can award up to $100 to renal patients for emergencies. Bob Meyer of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan administrates the fund. Here is the application (attached.) I have a kidney patient who is facing going on dialysis. She has no way to get to the food pantry and carry food home. She has a low Bridge card and a very low income on SSI. Bob was very creative suggesting my consumer could apply for a Meijer gift card for food. Bob can be contacted at bmeyer@nkfm.org or 800-482-1455.
Some In Home Care Vetting questions
I’ve attached Lindquist’s 10 questions to ask before hiring a caregiver that I took from an AASC newsletter. In addition to the trainings about vetting care givers, I thought these were great questions for SC’s, as well as, for members use.
Two Bridge card reductions, Utility assistance changes
Judy and I gave a presentation at DHS to let Adult Services know more about service coordination.
We learned that a recent small cut to Bridge card amounts was due to a change in a credit that determines Bridge card amounts. The credit is from a heat and utility standard.
Another Bridge card reduction will take place on November 1st. A stimulus is due to end, then. DHS could not say how much, but it will be a more significant cut.
Some good news: DHS will accept proof of a past due notice, now. Some not great news: Also, DHS will not make electric and heat utility payments under State Emergency Relief (SER) during a non-crisis period from June 1 through October 31. Bet they will be swamped at DHS on November 1st! They still need us to have members apply for SER, and get a Denial Notice, for members to take to other resources & to see if they are eligible for any other assistance. DHS is still able to get a two week hold on utility shut off dates.
We have Consumers Energy here. We can apply for authorization to get holds using an assigned ID. If you have Consumers, just email a request to whitney.skeans@cmsenergy.com – this comes from Alan Long at Consumers Energy.
I was concerned about members with health related needs for electricity, including air conditioning! However, DHS Adult Services may have funds for members past due bills.
Medicare and ACA Presentation by MMAP Regional Coordinator
The Medicare enrollment period is approaching and Lisa Fuller will come to Washington Square, next Tuesday, to answer member’s questions about Medicare. She will also address the Affordable Care Act. Members had an opportunity to list their questions and concerns, and the list has been provided to Ms. Fuller. Check out the attached Fall theme flyer!