Heartland Rural Health Network Inc Heartland Rural Health Network
Transcription
Heartland Rural Health Network Inc Heartland Rural Health Network
Heartland Rural Health Network, Network Inc. Inc SNAP Outreach Program Presented by: Kelly J. Johnson, Health Planning Director Angela Hendry, Outreach & Eligibility Specialist Outreach Coalition Meeting 17 February b 1 th, 2011 This institution is an equal opportunity provider Project funded at least in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this presentation do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the USDA, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government. Organization g Background g y Heartland Rural Health Network is nony y y y profit organization Established in 1993 with primary purpose of determining best possible ways to organize health services to rural residents Cover a five county rural area in Florida—most Florida most focus on 3 most rural counties in area (Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto) Association of over 20 health and social service providers Access to SNAP benefits can impact health status Need For Outreach Program y Focused on senior population (60+) y Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto Counties, Florida g (rural) y Highlands has 2nd highest senior population in United States (65 +, U.S. Census) y 16% seniors (60+) living at or below 125% FPL (13.5% Florida) y Lower utilization rates of SNAP benefits (67% eligible but not participating; Florida 54%) y Florida emphasizes use of online application system which is a significant barrier for seniors to apply Framework of Outreach Program y Hired one Outreach & Eligibility Specialist y Partner with organizations that specifically serve low y y y y y y y income seniors (e.g. NuHope, Parish Nurses, Meals on Wheels, etc) Work closely with two FL Department & Children District Offices to address application issues, issues areas of concern, questions, etc. Combination of information sessions in small group settings, senior health fairs, free press releases Provide application assistance and education on the process (individual, caregivers, family, partners) All ppotential clients are screened using g DCF standards Utilize excel spreadsheet to track client cases Follow up with clients via phone on a scheduled basis to determine outcome of case/amount receivingg Costs minimal– most office items donated, budget to cover local travel and OES salary Program Difficulties y Remote areas—difficulty with homebound y y y y y y y y seniors Lack of access to computers p Lack of knowledge of computers Paper applications allowed, but difficult to track and ensure they are received by DCF Communication from DCF on case status can be confusing for seniors Difficulty getting a DCF representative on phone for interview or follow-up questions Difficulty faxing/copying documents for DCF Expenses related to medical conditions (e.g. (e g electric for oxygen machines) that are not counted towards medical expense deduction Difficulty with changes in Share of Cost for Medicaid Tips on Addressing Difficulties y Screens can be done on phone y Home visit to homebound seniors (avg. y y y y y y 3/month) Constant communication with DCF district office on cases where problems arise H i excell tracking Having t ki sheet h t to t follow-up f ll with ith clients Educating representatives at senior organi ations on application process organizations Relying on community partners to fax/copy documents DCF needs W k with Work i h DCF case by b case basis b i for f electric l i deductions for medically required equipment Being polite with clients and keeping communication i ti lines li open with ith both b th clients li t andd DCF Program Outcomes y Average 34 screens per month y Average 21 applications/reapplications submitted y y y y y y y per month 51% SNAP approval rate; 10% receive SNAP & add’l assistance 20% applications denied based on over asset, asset over income, or other reasons (often times add’l income, assets not disclosed during screen/application) 3% SNAP denied but approved for other benefits (Medicaid, premium assistance) 7% applications withdrawn per client request 15% case closed l d ddue tto no contact t t made d bby OES after ft application submitted (5 attempts) 4% application outcomes pending 14% increase in SNAP participation rates for eligible seniors in tri-county area (2008 thru 2010) Program Outcomes, cont. y OES also spends at least 15% of her time y y y y y y y y faxing/copying documents for clients, answering questions, ti etc. t Average senior benefit amount per month $100.59 Largest senior benefit amount per month $ 367.00 Minimum senior benefit amount per month$ 17.00 SNAP opens doors for other community services & benefits (Meals on Wheels, NuHope, Medicare Premium, etc) Caregivers educated on financial assistance through NuHope program Agencies commit to helping program continue Teaching clients & support systems how to go through the process Additi l ddollars Additional ll tto hhelp l with ith daily d il living li i expenses For more information F i f ti or questions please contact: Angela Hendry Outreach & Eligibility Specialist ((863)) 452-0638 [email protected]