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Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network Newsletter For Your Benefits

Vol. 8, Issue 38, June, 2010

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For Your Benefit – Introduction

The Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network (WDBN) is a statewide system that provides direct assistance to benefits counseling practitioners and seeks ways to reach out to and better serve people with disabilities, their supporters, and professional service providers in Wisconsin. This newsletter provides current program news, important notices and updates, and upcoming training and educational opportunities. Check out past editions of this newsletter!

2010 WDBN Calendar

elearning symbolMake sure to mark your calendars. 2010 will be all about getting Back to the Basics! Look for the elearning symbol for events that will be offered online.


2010 – Back to Basics in 2010: Health Insurance Tutorial Track (DBS & WIBS Only)

Various Health Insurance related topics are being offered in asynchronous, on-demand training tutorials. This means there is no specific time to login or download the module. You will be able to enjoy the flexibility of working on short, easy to navigate, tutorials when it is convenient for you!

Topics include MAPP, Long-Term Care, Cat and Med Needy, COBRA, HIPAA and others. Activities included are specifically designed for WIBS role and development of skills.

If you have not yet signed up, please email Mochnick@eri-wi.org to receive registration information.

Coming in July 2010 – Back to Basics in 2010: Social Security Tutorial Track tentative rollout

Various Social Security related topics will be offered in asynchronous training tutorials. Topics will include Trial Work Period, SGA, SSI 1619 (a&b), Termination vs. Cessation and others.

July through December – Back to Basics in 2010 Webcasts

Topics and dates, and times to be announced.
Stay tuned for more information...

Work Incentive Benefits Specialist Initial Training

August 23, 2010 – Start of 3 weeks of web based training sessions.
September 14th and 15th – Face to face training held in Madison, WI.
Between September 15th and October 12th – Web based training & weekly conference calls.
October 12th and 13th – Face to face training held in Madison, WI.

The purpose of this training is to provide knowledge and support in the topics of disability benefits and employment to those individuals who are interested in becoming a professional Work Incentives Benefits Specialist (WIBS).

In this training, the participant will learn about:

  1. The basic policies & rules of publicly funded benefit programs.
  2. The impact of working on public benefits.
  3. Work Incentive programs.
  4. How to write a benefits analysis.
  5. Other functions of a WIBS.

This training takes a blended learning approach and includes face-to-face classroom time, asynchronous & synchronous web-based sessions, and one-on-one assistance with designated Technical Assistant (TA). Does this training sound right for you? Are you seriously interested in becoming a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist? For more information please contact Stephanie Drum at 608-246-3444, ext. 229 or drum@eri-wi.org.

Introduction to Disability Benefits – Online Course

Back by Popular Demand!
Registration will begin soon...
Cost to Attend: $259
Course Date: September 22, 2010 through November 25, 2010
Credits and Course Length: This course will take approximately 25 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all assignments, 25 CRCs or 2.5 CEUs will be earned.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) and Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI), are partnering to offer the first in a series of online courses, Introduction to Disability Benefits. Our online training series is designed to provide convenient, cost-effective learning opportunities that will accommodate your busy lifestyle as well as your individual learning style. This course was developed specifically for working professionals and is asynchronous which means there are no specific times to login. You can enjoy the flexibility of working on the course when it is convenient for you!

About the course: This course will provide an easy to understand overview of the most common federal benefit systems for people with disabilities such as Title II (SSDI & retirement), Title XVI (SSI), Medicare, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, COBRA, etc. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the major benefits systems and Social Security work incentives individuals with disabilities can utilize in transitioning to work. The complexities of the various systems will be explored, as well as, the importance in providing accurate information to individuals in order for them to make informed decisions. Successful completion of this course will not qualify participants as a work incentive benefits specialist.

Find more training information and updates on the Training webpage.

What's New


WDBN Technical Assistance (TA) Guidelines

With the development of the Work Incentives Benefit Specialist Association (WIBSA), the WDBN would like to clarify its' roles and responsibilities for providing technical assistance and quality assurance to WIBSA members. 

First, we need to clarify the distinction between Quality Assurance and Technical Assistance.

Quality Assurance is the process of review that determines whether a product or service meets accepted standards of quality. For work incentive benefit specialists, this typically means a review of a written Benefits Analysis. Quality Assurance will begin to become more of a function of WIBSA rather than WDBN.

Technical Assistance is the provision of guidance, advice, or information to address a specific issue or problem. Technical Assistance is not simply providing an “answer,” but a process that develops expertise, and enhances one’s ability to independently problem solve. Technical Assistance will continue to be provided by the WBDN. If you are not sure who your assigned WDBN Technical Assistance person is, contact Stephanie Drum (drum@eri-wi.org).

In an effort to have our WDBN Technical Assistance be more focused on professional growth and skill development, the following guidelines will be implemented for the provision of WDBN TA services:

  1. Technical Assistance requests are to be initiated with an email to your assigned WDBN person. The email should contain:
    • The specific issue or problem to be addressed,
    • The extent to which you have already explored the issue (electronic handbooks, policy manuals, resource people).
  2. Your TA will respond by email to offer Technical Assistance or, if needed, schedule a phone appointment.
  3. Be prepared for a response in the form of advice on where to find the information or other problem solving suggestions.

Recently Trained Ben Specs
There will continue to be close Technical Assistance for individuals who have been trained in the last year. This will be in accordance with the Technical Assistance Plan agreed upon by the Ben Spec and his/her TA.

Work Incentive Benefits Specialist Association (WIBSA)

Ready, Set, Go!Join us July 15th, 2010 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. The Implementation Team will introduce everyone to the newly elected board members, review what work has been done to date, and what the work plan and goals are for the upcoming year of the Work Incentive Benefits Specialist Association (WIBSA). Both the peer review committee and the professional development committee will also present requirements for training and peer review as part of the WIBSA membership.  

Get a jump-start on the training hour requirements for WIBSA at this event as well. We will have Linda Hedenblad, SIU, provide some training on Ethics. Bob Monahan, SSA, will give more information on BOND, WISP, and work within the first 12 months of benefits entitlement. Sean Gartley and Melissa Sherry, DHS, will also be on hand to provide some training/updating on State Only SSI.

We look forward to seeing all the WIBSA members there!

Benefits News Roundup


Benefits News Roundup

Social Security Updates


Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) along with Abt Associates, Inc. will begin implementing the Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND) in the upcoming year. BOND will be testing program policies regarding the treatment of earnings for SSDI beneficiaries in 10 sites around the country. The demonstration will provide a gradual reduction of benefits, eliminating the current “cash cliff” for SSDI beneficiaries.  Beneficiaries will be randomly assigned to three groups, treatment group, volunteer group or control group.

Two types of benefits counseling that BOND will be focusing on are Work Incentives Counseling (WIC) and Enhanced Work Incentives Counseling (EWIC). WIC will be structured similar to the existing WIPA structures. EWIC will be WIC with more extensive focus on employment aspects.

SSA and the Abt team are conducting start activities and fieldwork now and will be prepared for full implementation by April of 2011. Stay tuned for future trainings and newsletter articles.

Work Incentives Simplification Proposal (WISP)

You may already have heard of the Work Incentives Simplification Proposal or WISP. This proposal could lead to many changes to work incentives as we know them. Things like the Trial Work Period, the Extended Period of Eligibility, and Expedited Reinstatement would be eliminated.  Also, Substantial Gainful Activity would no longer be the reason someone loses SSDI. This proposal has been in the works for many years, and it may take a few more years to see it happen. See an informational PowerPoint describing the proposal.

This coupled with BOND indicates that there are changes on the horizon.

Medicaid Eligibility Handbook Updates

Have you been keeping up with the Medicaid Eligibility Handbook (MEH) updates? In the most recent release, some of the highlights include:

More information about these updates, and the many others included in this release.

Don’t forget to sign up for e-mails about future releases.

Medicare Part D Rebate Checks Coming Soon!

Medicare Part D beneficiaries who reach the coverage gap (sometimes called the donut hole) in 2010 will receive a $250 check directly from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. On June 15, the first batch of checks will be mailed out to beneficiaries. The rebates will go to anybody who enters the donut hole in 2010. This includes beneficiaries who already entered the donut hole, those currently in the donut hole, and those who will reach the donut hole this year. After the first batch is sent out, a new batch of checks will be sent out every 6 weeks.

The rebate checks will be sent out automatically. No action is required of beneficiaries. There is no form to fill out. No request needs to be made. Beneficiaries do not need to call Medicare or call their Part D plan. Beneficiaries who entered the donut hole in the first half of the year will receive a check in the first mailing. Those who enter the donut after the cutoff for the previous mailing will receive the rebate in the next mailing.

Beneficiaries who receive the low-income subsidy will not receive a $250 rebate. Further, beneficiaries enrolled in a qualified retiree drug plan are not eligible for the $250 rebate.

Beware of scams! Some unscrupulous individuals are attempting to obtain personal information about beneficiaries by telling beneficiaries that they need to apply for the rebate. They then offer to help the person apply and collect personal information. Medicare Part D beneficiaries should be on guard against this scam. Remember, no action is needed to get the rebate!

Questions? Contact contact your local DBS or call the Disability Drug Benefit Helpline at 1-800-926-4862. 

Caretaker Supplement

Child Support payments are no longer included when testing income for eligibility.  Child support back payments received as a lump sum payment are not subject to the lump sum policy.  Keep in mind, income unspent can be tested as an asset in the following month.  Also, eligibility is reviewed every 12 months now instead of 6 months.  For more information, visit the CTS handbook.

Select Men are Now Eligible for the Family Planning Waiver

Men with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level not enrolled in a Medicaid or BadgerCare+ plan and between the ages of 15-44 may be eligible for the Family Planning Waiver. Services can include testing and treatment for STDs, Condoms, and even voluntary sterilizations for men over the age of 21. For more details, visit the Family Planning Waiver Services for Males.

Disability Rights Wisconsin Disability Benefits Specialist (DBS) Updates

Here are the updates for May and June for the DBS program:

Ben Spec

Postcard from Ben Spec from Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Hi Everyone:

Hope you are enjoying your summer so far. I recently received a question about stock trading and SSDI which you can read about on my blog. I also receive lots of queries about benefits for vets so I am including the following update!

And as usual, feel free to send my your benefits questions: askben@eri-wi.org | Visit Ben's Blog)

Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Benefits

Qualified and enrolled veterans of the American military may be entitled to health benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.) The standard VA health care plans offer a full range of outpatient and inpatient services.

Eligibility and Enrollment
All veterans may potentially qualify for VA health care, including Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order. And eligibility is not just for those who served in combat or not just for service-connected injuries or medical conditions.
 
However, the number of veterans who can be enrolled in the health care program is limited by the amount of money allotted by Congress. The VA considers a variety of factors in determining a veteran’s eligibility for enrollment, but once a veteran is enrolled, he or she remains enrolled in the system.

Returning veterans who served in an area of combat operations can enroll for VA health care at for five (5) years following their military separation date. Care can start immediately, and once enrolled a veteran can receive VA health care for years to come.

Otherwise the VA’s enrollment system involves priority rankings made up of eight (8) groups. All veterans are potentially eligible, however, veterans with service-connected disabilities and those below the low-income threshold are much more likely to be eligible for enrollment.

To determine eligibility the VA reviews a veteran’s character of discharge from active military service (honorable, etc.) and the length of active military service. Then the VA determines if the veteran qualifies for one of the eight enrollment priority groups. The VA website has an automated decision tree that can be used to see if a veteran qualifies.

The highest priority group (Group 1) consists of veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more, or veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions.

The lowest priority group (Group 8) is veterans with non-service connected medical conditions and a net worth above the VA means test threshold. Effective January 17, 2003, VA suspended new enrollment of veterans assigned to Priority Group 8. However, new regulations went into effect on June 15, 2009 relaxing income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. This new provision does not remove consideration of income but does increase income thresholds.

Veterans who served in combat areas and were discharged from active duty before January 28, 2003 but did not enroll in the VA health care system have three (3) years to enroll and receive care as combat veterans. This 3-year period of enhanced eligibility began on January 28, 2008, and expires on January 27, 2011. Veterans are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Treatment
Available treatment is normally comprehensive and includes preventive care (immunizations, screening tests, physical exams), outpatient services (emergency, mental health, chiropractic), inpatient diagnostic and treatment (surgical, substance abuse), and medications and supplies (prescription and non-prescription drugs.) More information on the type of care available.

Once enrolled in the system a veteran can be seen at any of the more than 1400 VA medical centers and clinics across the country.

Cost
There is no monthly premium required to use VA health care, however, there may be co-payments. If a veteran has other medical insurance, it may cover the cost of co-payments.

Many veterans qualify for cost-free health care services based on a compensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factors. However, most veterans are required to complete an annual financial assessment to determine if they qualify for cost-free services.

Veterans whose gross household income and net worth exceed the established threshold as well as those who choose not to complete the financial assessment must agree to pay the required co-payments to become eligible for VA health care services.

The means test and co-payment schedules can be found on the VA website.

Family Members
VA offers limited medical benefits for family members of eligible veterans which include the following programs:

Applying
A veteran can apply for health benefits by completing VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits, available on the VA website. A veteran can also visit, call, or write any VA Health Care Facility or Veterans Benefits Service Office, or call VA’s Health Benefits Service Center, toll free at 877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

VA  Health Care as Creditable Coverage
Continuous enrollment in the VA health care system provides creditable coverage needed for the Medicare prescription drug program ("Medicare Part D") and for purposes of “portability” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA.) However, VA health care is NOTcreditable coverage for Medicare Part B (only coverage provided through an employer is creditable.)

Cool Resources


Are You Looking for a Disability Benefits Specialist (DBS) in Your Area?

You can always visit the DHS website. Here is the most recent updated list of DBS. The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) is now offering tribal disability benefit specialist (DBS) services.  There contact information can be found in both of these resources.


Training and Educational Opportunities:


Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) Trainings

The Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) offers online training opportunities with preapproved CRC credits. Courses currently offered 2–3 times per year include the following:

Additional courses including vocational evaluation, cognitive disabilities, and job placement are in development. Please see the website at http://www.uwstout.edu/svri or contact April Pierson at piersona@uwstout.edu for dates, costs, and course descriptions.

Self-Directed Supports (SDS) Network Meeting

Date & Time: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Location: Kalahari Resort - Wisconsin Dells

Meeting Information.

Register Now.

National Summit on Disability Policy 2010 Website

National Council on Disability
Date: July 25–27, 2010
Location: Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC

This event is hosted by the National Council on Disability. The theme, ADA 1990–2010 Retrospective and Future Policy Directions, will include a comprehensive dialogue to shape the national disability agenda.

Anyone hoping to become a delegate to the summit in July of 2010 should review the Website and complete the application as quickly as possible. A delegate selection will be done later this fall, but people should assure that they do not miss any deadlines.

WisconsinAIRS Annual Conference

Dates: October 21 - 22, 2010
Location: Hotel Sierra, Green Bay, WI.
This year WisconsinAIRS will be awarding up to five conference scholarships.  Details about the conference, the scholarship form and the registration form are posted on our WisconsinAIRS website.

ADA Audio Conference Series

The National Network of DBTAC-Regional ADA Centers is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2009–2010 ADA Audio Conference Series.

Visit the website at www.ada-audio.org and click on the ADA Audio Conference Series, to view the complete schedule for 2009–2010 and register for sessions.

The 2009–2010 series will begin with a session on October 20th 2009 on the ADA Amendments Act Proposed Rules – Q&A with EEOC. If you have questions regarding the series, please contact us at gldbtac@uic.edu or call our toll free number at 877–ADA–1990 (V/TTY) or 877–232–1990 (V/TTY).

Health Care Reform Webcast

Did you miss the Health Care Reform Webcast? If so, no problem.  You can view it at your own pace and when it’s convenient for you.

Ongoing Training:

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