Category: Let's talk
I am writing regarding something that I have been experiencing lately in my job just to see if anyone had any advice or could relate on one level or another.
I work with people with disabilities of all ages, a majority are between the age of 40 and 60. In order for them to be put on my case load they have to have a documented disability so they receive some sort of state help whether it be social security disability or SSI. My problem relates to the programs regulated by the state such as medicaid and food stamps.
I live in the southwest portion of Missouri. Many are aware that Missouri has a program called blind pension. I could be wrong, but I believe Missouri is the only state that has this sort of thing. It is a program that gives those who qualify a pension for 711 dollars every month as well as state insurance at no cost to them. Qualification guidelines fall along the lines of visual field, i think you have to have less than fifteen percent.
Anyway, the problem I am having has to do with communication. Everyone gets reevaluated anually which consists of five to six pages of general questions. I believe you have 14 business days from the date it is mailed to complete and return to your local office. The problem I am having is that the only way they contact you is via the mail in printed documentation. Every single person who receives this does not have half of the visual field to read the stuff they send. Yes technology is awesome and can read it most of the time, but that still does not offer a way to complete the papers.
The best part is if you fail to complete the eval by their time they send you a letter telling you that you will be kicked off of both your insurance and pension with in thirty days.
The people I work with rely heavily on such programs. A good majority are elderly, totally blind, and have no one around to read their mail and aren't up to technollogical date.
Does anyone have any idea of where to start? I am not trying to get political, but something needs to be done. I am sure I am not the only one who has this problem but it is really unfortunate. I have contact many offices and call centers and asked for a solution and they just tell me they do not have a system in place and they are very very sorry.
Maybe another state has some form of communication that I don't know of that could be offered up for grabs?
Any advice is appreciated!
Ah, and this is why you earn your pay. You are the advocate right?
First, you need to write letters to this program stating the fact they don’t have other means of getting this done, like email forms.
Second, I’d contact locate churches, community centers, Veterans affairs, Colleges, and high schools for students willing to volunteer some hours to this helping people fill out these forms.
Your office could be used as the meeting place, so the people feel comfortable.
Have you invest aged ladies clubs, or clubs in general in your area that might provide some assistants?
Sure, I know the setup could be better, but while you fight to fix it, and you’ll also have to make sure the people can use the means setup, you’ll have to come up with creative ideas to get it done.
Just a few ideas.
To add to the thread, I would also contact agencies in Missouri that offer caregivers; medicare or Medicaid could pay the caregiver bill for the person to get assistance.
I'll add some more.
Have you tried the AARP? There might be retired persons willing to help out as well.
Boy and girl Scouts, or if you have, your local military base?
those are all good ideas. perhaps asking the legslitation to extend the amount of time required to fill out and submitt these forms?
These are great organizational ideas for getting the job done.
Contacting state politicians, making them aware of the problem might bring about a change. Don't forget to mention the a d a.
Bob