Author: Dorey Roland Savio

Why is my advocacy needed now?

The Legislature and Executive will be agreeing on a State Budget this week.  Both the Senate and the Assembly have budget proposals related to the transition that recognize that the population is not ready to be transitioned and much more work needs to be done.  The fate of the transition will be determined today or tomorrow. 

We need YOUR help!  Contact Assembly leaders and ask them to protect TBI/NHTD Waiver population and delay the transition until 2020!

ACTION ALERT: Call today!   

• Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie – 518-455-3791
• Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle – 518-455-5373
• Assemblyman Richard Gottfried – 518-455-4941
  

What’s the message

• I am a person with a brain injury or I am a family member of someone with a brain injury or I am a professional in the brain injury field.
  
• Talk about your experience with the TBI/NHTD Waiver program, and your concerns about the lack of an adequate transition plan.  Be specific. The transition plan is outdated, the issues have not been resolved, the UAS is not an appropriate tool, Community First Choice Option may not even be an option.
• Ask the Assemblymember to support the legislative budget proposal to protect these populations and to support delaying the transition for April 2020, which will provide additional time to ensure development of a thorough transition plan. This will also provide the time needed to understand how changes at the Federal level will impact one of New York’s most vulnerable population’s when they are transitioned into a new delivery system.

Congress is on the fast track to repeal major portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and to make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program. The level of cuts over time would decimate the Medicaid program.When will this happen? IT IS HAPPENING NOW. The House of Representatives will vote on this TOMORROW! People’s health, services and lives are at stake!

Call your Congress Member Now!

Please use this toll free call-in number

866-426-2631

When you call you will hear a brief overview of the issues and will be asked to enter your zip code before being transferred to your members of Congress. Please ask to speak to the health staffer.

Talking points to use during your call

No repeal of the ACA without simultaneous replacement
If Congress votes to repeal the ACA, a replacement package that provides equivalent or improved access to affordable, quality health coverage must be included in the same legislation.

No cuts to Medicaid or restructuring of the Medicaid program
Seniors and people with disabilities rely on the Medicaid program.  It is the primary public source of funding for long-term services and supports. Program cuts, along with block grant or per capita cap proposals would hurt people who have no alternative means of paying for essential services.

Preserve Medicare for current and future seniors and people with disabilities
Medicare is a huge success story, with strong support from all Americans. Premium support and other restructuring proposals to shift more costs onto beneficiaries would make health care far less affordable and accessible to seniors and people with disabilities.

Congress is on the fast track to repeal major portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and to make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program. The level of cuts over time would decimate the Medicaid program.

When will this happen? IT IS HAPPENING NOW. The House of Representatives is moving quickly to push the bill through Committee and vote by the end of March.  The Senate is planning to vote on the House bill before the mid-April recess.

People’s health, services and lives are at stake! BIANYS needs advocates to reach out to their Senators and Representatives and tell them to stop the repeal of the ACA and the cuts to Medicaid.  Advocates need to explain why the ACA and Medicaid are essential to people with disabilities and their families.

Message 1: Do NOT cut and cap Medicaid!
Medicaid is a jointly funded program with matching state and federal funds. Under a Medicaid per capita cap, the federal government would set a limit on how much to reimburse states based on enrollment in the Medicaid program. Unlike current law, funding would not be based on the actual cost of providing services. Much like the proposed block grants, the intent of the per capita caps is to restructure the program and save the federal government money. Inevitably there will be cuts in funding in the states.  The negative impacts to Medicaid recipients could include:

• Losing home and community-based services and supports. Waiting lists would quickly grow.
• Losing other critical services such as personal care, mental health, prescription drugs, and rehabilitative services. If funds become scarcer, states may decide to stop providing these services altogether.
• Being forced into unnecessary institutionalization. States could return to the days of “warehousing” people with disabilities in institutions.
• Shifting the costs to individuals or family members to make up for the federal cuts. The costs of providing health care and long term services and supports will not go away, but will be shifted to individuals, parents, states, and providers.

For additional information, see CCD’s fact sheet about Medicaid.

Message 2: Do not repeal the Affordable Care Act’s protections for people with disabilities!
The ACA is the most significant law for people with disabilities since the Americans with Disabilities Act:

• Because of the ACA, health insurers can’t deny health insurance or charge higher premiums if you have a disability or chronic condition.
• Because of the ACA, there aren’t arbitrary financial limits to how much health care you can get in a year or in your lifetime.
• Because of the ACA, more people with disabilities and chronic health conditions were able to access health care due to the Medicaid expansion.

For additional information, see CCD’s fact sheet about the ACA.

Take Action:
Contact your Federal Legislators Tell them changes to the Affordable Care Act and threats to Medicaid will hurt people with disabilities. Click here for tools to use when contacting your Federal legislators.

Contact our Governor today, remind him what cuts to the Medicaid would mean for the state budget and why they matter to you. Click here to send a message to the Governor.

What to Say:

• I am your constituent.
• I am a person with a disability or I am a family member of someone with a disability or I am a professional in the disability field.
• Do NOT repeal the ACA without a replacement that maintains or improves coverage and protections.
• Do NOT allow restructuring and cuts to Medicaid to be part of an ACA replacement.
• The ACA and Medicaid helps me/my family member to have health care and community based services.

ALBANY, NY: March 7, 2017 – More than 200 advocates from around New York State gathered in Albany yesterday for the Annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day, organized by the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS).

Every year, serious falls, assaults, car accidents and other incidents such as stroke result in brain injury for thousands of New Yorkers. Brain injury profoundly effects individuals’ physical and cognitive abilities and makes it extremely difficult or impossible for individuals to live full productive lives. Brain injury can impact family dynamics, community activities, employment and social life. Behavioral changes that may occur as a result of brain injury can also have a significant impact on the ability to interact with others and conform to the rules and structure of society.

Proposed changes to health care and threats of cuts to Medicaid and Medicare on the Federal level and the restructuring of Medicaid programs on the State level will negatively impact thousands of brain injury survivors in New York State especially the vulnerable populations currently on the TBI and NHTD Medicaid Waivers. Survivors, family members and caregivers gathered together and worked to help legislators understand how changes to health care programs will significantly reduce the level and quality of care if current services are not protected.

“March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the Brain Injury Association was honored to once again organize a day of advocacy where hundreds joined us in Albany to be the voice for thousands of New Yorkers who are in need of these vital services,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director for BIANYS. “We are facing a critical period of time during which thousands will be transitioned into a managed care program in April 2018 and it is more important than ever to let our legislators know that they need to work hard to protect services for one of the most vulnerable populations in the state.”

Advocates spent the day sharing their personal stories about brain injury and asking NYS Legislators to support the BIANYS Continuum of Care Program which would successfully impact individuals affected by brain injury for decades to come.

As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the organization is also continuing their Blue Jeans for Brain Injury Campaign.  For the past two years, BIANYS has partnered with dozens of organizations across the state to generate funding to provide programs and services for individuals and their families affected by brain injuries. Organizations are once again invited to host their individual fundraising efforts which will help BIANYS to continue to provide advocacy; resources; information and supportive services.  Hundreds of people attending Advocacy Day also wore blue jeans in solidarity.

To learn more about BIANYS or register as a site to host a Blue Jeans for Brain Injury event, please call (518) 459-7911 or visit www.bianys.org.

Hundreds of individuals, caregivers and family members affected by brain injury are scheduled to participate in BIANYS Annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day

ALBANY, NY: March 1, 2017 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) will kick off Brain Injury Awareness Month on Monday, March 6 in Albany as hundreds of individuals from around New York State gather for their Annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day.

Every year, serious falls, assaults, car accidents and other incidents such as stroke result in brain injury for thousands of New Yorkers. Brain injury profoundly effects individuals’ physical and cognitive abilities and makes it extremely difficult or impossible for individuals to live full productive lives. Brain injury can impact family dynamics, community activities, employment and social life. Behavioral changes that may occur as a result of brain injury can also have a significant impact on the ability to interact with others and conform to the rules and structure of society.

On the Federal level, the President and members of Congress are moving quickly to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.  Major cuts and restructuring Medicaid and Medicare may not be far behind.  Cuts and restructuring of these programs will negatively impact thousands of brain injury survivors in New York State.  Simultaneously, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) also intends to transition the same vulnerable population currently on the TBI and NHTD Medicaid Waivers into managed care in April 2018. Individuals, family members and caregivers affected by brain injury will work to help legislators understand how changes to health care programs will significantly reduce the level and quality of care for individuals with brain injury if current services are not protected.

“The Brain Injury Association is honored to once again organize a day of advocacy where hundreds will join us in Albany to be the voice for thousands of New Yorkers who are in need of these vital services,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director for BIANYS. “We are facing a critical period with drastic changes at both the Federal and State levels that will impact services for brain injury survivors.  It is more important than ever to let our legislators know that they need to work hard to protect services for one of the most vulnerable populations in the state.”

As part of the agency’s ongoing advocacy efforts, they have been working for the past two years to successfully implement their Continuum of Care model which would successfully impact individuals affected by brain injury for decades to come.

As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the organization is also continuing their Blue Jeans for Brain Injury Campaign.  For the past two years, BIANYS has partnered with dozens of organizations across the state to generate funding to provide programs and services for individuals and their families affected by brain injuries. Organizations are once again invited to host their individual fundraising efforts which will help BIANYS to continue to provide advocacy; resources; information and supportive services.  Hundreds of people attending Advocacy Day on March 6 will also wear blue jeans in solidarity.

To register for in BIANYS Advocacy Day or to register as a site to host a Blue Jeans for Brain Injury event, please call (518) 459-7911 or visit www.bianys.org.

Act Now to Prevent Gutting of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid

The House of Representatives is expected to introduce a bill to cut Medicaid and the ACA Feb. 27 and to begin committee work immediately. The result would be two major blows to individuals with disabilities. Reach out to your Federal and state legislators and the Governor’s Office and tell them that repealing the ACA and replacing it with a plan that CUTS Medicaid is unacceptable. People’s health, services, and lives are at stake!  We need advocates to reach out to their Senators and Representatives to let them know why the ACA and Medicaid are essential to people with disabilities and their families.

Message #1: Do NOT per capita cap Medicaid!

Medicaid is a jointly funded program with matching state and federal funds. Under a Medicaid per capita cap, the federal government would set a limit on how much to reimburse states based on enrollment. Unlike current law, funding would not be based on the actual cost of providing services. Much like the proposed block grants, the intent of the per capita caps is to restructure the program, cut federal spending and drastically reduce money going to the states. Inevitably there will be cuts in funding and other negative impacts to Medicaid recipients could include:

• Losing home and community-based services and supports. Waiting lists would quickly grow.
• Losing other critical services such as personal care, mental health, prescription drugs, and rehabilitative services. If funds become scarcer, states may decide to stop providing these services altogether.
• Being forced into unnecessary institutionalization. States could return to the days of “warehousing” people with disabilities in institutions.
• Shifting the costs to individuals or family members to make up for the federal cuts. The costs of providing health care and long term services and supports will not go away, but will be shifted to individuals, parents, states, and providers.

For additional information, see the Arc’s fact sheet about Medicaid.

Message #2: Do not repeal the ACA’s protections for people with disabilities!
The ACA is the most significant law for people with disabilities since the Americans with Disabilities Act:

• Because of the ACA, health insurers can’t deny health insurance if you have a disability or chronic condition.
• Because of the ACA, there aren’t arbitrary financial limits to how much health care you can get in a year or in your lifetime.
• Because of the ACA, more people with disabilities receive supports and live in the community, not institutions.

For additional information, see CCD’s fact sheet about the ACA.

Take Action!

Join us in Albany on Advocacy Day on March 6. Together we can show New York that brain injury is a significant health and social issue that deserves attention. Register Now.

Contact your Federal Legislators Tell them changes to the Affordable Care Act and threats to Medicaid will hurt people with disabilities. Click here for tools to use when contacting your Federal legislators.

Hello my name is Sarah Shadi and I am a Ph.D. student in the APA-accredited clinical psychology program from Alliant International University’s, San Francisco campus. I am currently conducting research in an attempt to understand feelings of social isolation in people with brain injuries. As a brain injury survivor myself, and a member of the Brain Injury Association, I am interested in your feelings and experiences as a brain injury survivor.

Eligibility:
-You must be between the ages of 18-75.
-You must have a diagnosed brain injury that occurred two or more years ago.
-You must be able to read and write English.
-You must NOT have a current psychiatric diagnosis (e.g., depression, anxiety, or personality disorder).

If you meet eligibility criteria you will be asked to complete a brief survey that may take 30 minutes to an hour. In order to learn more about this study, or to participate in it, please click the link. The survey will remain open until the maximum of 250 responses are received.

If you have any questions about the current study, or if you would like to receive updates about the results of the study, please feel free to email me at SocialIsolationAlliant@gmail.com.

This research project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Participants in Research at Alliant University. For questions, the Institutional Review Board can be contacted at alliant-irb@alliant.edu or at 858-635-4741.”

CLOSING: Due to inclement weather on Thursday, February 9, the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s Albany office will be closed.

The office will resume normal business activities on Friday, February 10.

35^th Annual “One Voice for Brain Injury” Conference presented by Goldblatt and Associates will feature Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joel Goodman, founder of The HUMOR Project in Saratoga Springs

Registration is now open for the Annual Conference and Professional Symposium

ALBANY, NY: February 8, 2017 –  Professionals, brain injury service providers and consumers from across the state are invited to get a first look at industry trends and information to better support and serve individuals and their families affected by brain injury across New York State. The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) 35^th Annual “One Voice for Brain Injury” Conference and Professional Symposium presented by Goldblatt and Associates, P.C.; will return to the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs, New York in June.

“Goldblatt and Associates is a longtime partner of the Brain Injury Association of New York State and we are proud to once again support this year’s annual conference,” said Attorney Kenneth B. Goldblatt. “It’s our honor to work with an organization that for decades has provided advocacy, education and programming that impacts thousands of individuals affected by brain injury across the state.”

“We are excited to return to the beautiful city of Saratoga Springs,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director for BIANYS. “We will kick-off our events in the area with our Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) Training, our Professional Symposium and will wrap-up the week with the 35^th Annual “One Voice for Brain Injury” Conference. It is always wonderful to interact with professionals, providers and consumers from across the state for a couple of days. It reenergizes attendees and staff and reinforces the mission of the organization.” 

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) Training – June 13, 2017
This class is offered by the Brain Injury Association of New York State and is specifically designed to help review material for the certification examination and to strengthen the network of dedicated, competent brain injury specialists across NYS. Starting six weeks prior to the class, enrollees will have access to weekly webinars and receive study tips and detailed home study information that corresponds with the chapters in the Essential Brain Injury Study Guide.

Professional Symposium – June 14, 2017
The Professional Symposium brings together professionals and specialists in the fields of brain injury medicine and rehabilitation. The program will offer the chance to learn about advances in treatment, network with other professionals in the field and gain access to cutting-edge research and information. Certified Education Units (CEU’s) for Certified Brain Injury Specialists and other professionals as well as Contact Hours for Social Work will be provided to attendees.  Live stream is available for professionals who are unable to attend in-person.

The 35^th Annual “One Voice for Brain Injury” Conference – June 15-16, 2017
This two-day conference, which is open to professionals, brain injury service providers and consumers will contain a variety of workshops including: professional presentations; panel discussions; spiritual demonstrations and delivery of personal testimonials from brain injury survivors and their family members. The conference will feature a keynote presentation from Dr. Joel Goodman, founder of The Humor Project in Saratoga Springs.

BIANYS Call for Workshop proposals is now open for the Annual Conference. BIANYS is seeking interactive presentations that focus on strategies, skill building, and practical application, as well as presentations that provide insight into a new or innovative brain injury topic.  All conference workshops are 75 minutes long. Deadline for submission is February 17, 2017.  Contact Karen Thomas by phone at 518-459-7911 or via email at kthomas@biansy.org for more information.

Conference and Training Details
Registration is now open for CBIS Training, Professional Symposium and the 35^th Annual “One Voice for Brain Injury” Conference, which will place at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, June 13 through Friday, June 16, 2017.

Exhibitor booth and underwriter opportunities are available by contacting Erica Rossin by phone at 518-459-7911 or via email at erossin@bianys.org

For more information or to register, visit www.bianys.org.