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MGH Community News |
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MGH Community News |
| March 2012 | Volume 16 • Issue 3 |
Highlights
Sections Social Service staff may direct resource questions to the Community Resource Center, Samantha Gallant, x6-8182. Questions, comments about the newsletter? Contact Ellen Forman, x6-5807. |
Federal and Massachusetts income tax returns are due April 17 this year. Free tax preparation assistance: If your income is less than $50,000, or if you are age 60 or older, you can get free one-on-one tax preparation assistance for federal and state returns at a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or AARP Tax-Aide site. Volunteer tax preparers at these sites are certified by the IRS. To find a free tax preparation site near you:
Free File Brand-Name Tax Preparation Software: If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $57,000 or less, you can use online brand-name Free File software to prepare and e-file your federal tax return at no charge. Free File programs use a simple step-by-step interview format to fill in your forms, then do all of the math for you. Some Free File companies also prepare your state return for free. To get started, see Free File on the IRS web site. Free File Fillable Forms: If you do not qualify for Free File brand-name tax preparation software, or if you prefer to fill out your tax forms line by line, you can use online Free File Fillable Forms for your federal tax return. Free File Fillable Forms are like IRS paper tax forms, but they do the basic math calculations for you and allow you to e-file your return easily. Free File Fillable Forms are for federal tax returns only. See Access Free File Fillable Forms on the IRS web site. Massachusetts WebFile for Income: WebFile is a free online tax preparation program for Massachusetts state tax returns. Almost all full-year residents of Massachusetts are eligible to use it. WebFile collects your information using an interview format, does the calculations for you, and makes it easy for you to e-file your state tax return. To register, see WebFile for Income on the MA Department of Revenue web site. Extensions: If you need extra time to file your federal or state tax return, you can file for an automatic six month extension. An extension gives you more time to file your return, but does not give you more time to pay your taxes if you owe money to the government. For federal automatic extensions, see Application for Automatic Extension. For Massachusetts, see File Personal Income Tax Extension. - From March News from MassResources.org, March 07, 2012 |
MBTA Revised Fare and Service Plan- Major Fare Increase for The RIDE After widespread and vocal public comment, the MBTA announced a revised fare and service plan this week. The new plan would rely more on fare increases and less on service cuts, though there are some of both. The new plan, which could be approved by the T board next week, would take effect July 1. But it is just a one-year fix, made possible in large part by raiding a state reserve fund not intended for transit. Even that rescue is not a sure thing: Legislators must approve taking money from the account. State officials cautioned that riders should expect more pain next year, barring a new tax to alleviate the MBTA debt. Proposed Changes to The RIDE A dramatic fare increase would be born by those who rely on The RIDE, the federally mandated door-to-door service for the disabled. They would see fares double from $2 to $4 for most trips. Some trips, however, would be at a so-called “premium fare” of $5. The premium fare would be charged for:
According to a recent Boston Globe article (3/6/12), the T is also mulling penalties for the 8 percent of users who cancel Ride reservations with less than an hour’s notice or do not show up for pickups. Additionally, a pilot program next year will offer vouchers for short trips that might be handled more cheaply by cabs. Other Proposed Fare Changes Seniors will see their discounted fares increase. A local bus ride would increase from $.40 to $.75, and a subway ride would increase from $.60 to $1.00.Standard subway riders with CharlieCards would pay $2, an 18 percent increase, while bus riders using the prepaid card would pay $1.50, a 20 percent hike. Most one-way tickets and monthly passes on the suburban commuter rail would rise 20 to 30 percent, with single tickets ranging from $2 to $10.50 and monthly passes from $70 to $329. Proposed Service Changes Bus
Rapid Transit
Commuter Rail: Eliminate the following service:
Ferry: Eliminate weekend service on Quincy Ferry (Route F2) Private Bus: Eliminate Private Carrier Bus Program in Medford (Route 710) and reduce subsidies by 50 percent to Suburban Bus Program in all locations (Bedford, Beverly, Boston [Mission Hill], Burlington, Dedham, and Lexington) -See the full Boston Globe article (3/28/12)… -See the full MBTA report and plan… Winter Moratorium Extended to April 15 As reported last month (MGH Community News, February 2012), the winter moratorium on heat shut-offs for those with financial hardship ends yearly on March 15. This year, as most years, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has requested that utilities extend the moratorium voluntarily to April 15. The extension is not legally required. The Boston-based National Consumers Law Center (NCLC) reports that the investor-owned utilities (such as National GRID, NSTAR) typically comply with the request. Municipal-owned utilities may not. (There are some 35 Massachusetts cities and towns in which the municipality operates an electric or combined electric/gas company). However, some of the investor owned utilities may not quickly enough train their staff, so that some of the front-line staff may not know that the moratorium has been extended. While the extension is voluntary, if you encounter either problem, contact either the CRC (Ellen Forman) or Charlie Harak (NCLC) at charak@nclc.org. - From “REMINDER: DPU HAS ASKED ALL COMPANIES TO EXTEND WINTER MORATORIUM”, Utility Network listserv, on behalf of Charlie Harak, March 12, 2012. SSI Recipients Will Start Getting Two Checks As reported last month (MA to Administer SSI State Supplement, MGH Community News, February 2012), starting April 1 st, Massachusetts’ SSI recipients will start getting separate checks (or direct deposit payments) for the federal and state portions of their benefits. Massachusetts supplements the federal payment and, up until now, the amounts have been combined into a single payment. As a cost savings measure, the state is assuming responsibility for these payments and is no longer forwarding them to the federal government. Recipient’s total benefit amounts should not change; they will just receive the same amount divided into two separate payments. See the sample letter from the Commissioners to SSP Recipients that was mailed in early March. Here is the Q & A mentioned in the letter.
The Boston-based Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) was established in 2003 as the first nonprofit law center in the nation solely dedicated to serving the legal needs of rape and sexual assault victims. The only such organization in Massachusetts, the VRLC provides free direct legal representation to sexual assault victims throughout the Commonwealth on sexual assault-related legal needs involving employment, housing, education, privacy, immigration, and safety. T heir staff and pro bono attorneys help to rebuild victims’ lives after an attack, ensuring that they may stay in school; protecting their privileged and confidential mental health, medical and education records; preserving their employment; maintaining safe housing; securing or maintaining their immigration status; and swiftly accessing victim compensation and other benefits (that might include worker’s compensation, or unemployment insurance). In 2011 VRLC provided free legal advice and representation to over 400 sexual assault victims. Helping Victims Rebuild Their Lives “Lisa” was a victim of repeated sexual and physical violence throughout her preteens, leaving her with brain damage and severe post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, she left home and spent the better part of her teenage years sleeping on the streets. Finally, Lisa was referred to the VRLC as a homeless 23-year-old, marginally educated, minimally trained to hold a job, and in fear for her safety. VRLC attorneys secured a protective order for Lisa against the person who had continually raped and abused her. When Lisa was denied a housing subsidy due to her financial situation and poor credit, it was a VRLC attorney who appealed, arguing that the circumstances that deemed her ineligible were a direct result of the damage incurred through years of abuse. Thanks to the VRLC’s services, Lisa is no longer in fear for her safety and she was granted a housing subsidy. Recently, she moved into her own apartment. Lisa finally feels safe, and for the first time in years, she will have a roof over her head . More information at www.victimrights.org or call 617-399-6720. Or see their brochure. Camp Kesem- Free 1 Week Overnight Camp for Children of Cancer Patients/Survivors Camp Kesem MIT offers a free, week-long, overnight summer camp for kids (6-18) whose parents have, or have had, cancer. Located in Center Tuftonboro, NH Camp Kesem is completely free of charge to families. The 2012 camp dates are August 19th through August 24th. The camp counselors are MIT students. Camp Kesem is not designed to provide emotional therapy; the purpose is to provide children with a chance to be kids again. Camp Kesem National provides similar camps affiliated with other colleges throughout the U.S. For more information on Camp Kesem MIT see http://www.campkesem.org/mit or Camp Kesem National at http://www.campkesem.org. Camp Kesem has been added to our Special Needs Summer Camps Guide. Text4baby- Information for Pregnant Women and New Mothers Health Care For All’s (HCFA) HelpLine is increasing its efforts to help pregnant women and mothers by sharing an innovative new tool called text4baby. Women enrolled in the program receive free text messages three times a week throughout pregnancy and until her baby turns one. These moms and moms-to-be will be able to get free text messages that will help them to remember doctor’s appointments for them or their child, keep track of immunizations due dates, and learn about new topics that they can talk to their doctors about. And text4baby now sends messages that inform people about the availability of health care coverage. The messages have information on how to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and include tips on topics including breastfeeding, car seat safety, developmental milestones, emotional well being, exercise and fitness, immunizations, labor and delivery, nutrition, prenatal care, safe sleep, and stop smoking. The text messages also share phone numbers that help moms to connect to different resources. To sign-up: text the word BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to the number 511411. Read more: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/building-blocks-for-healthy-babies/ - From Health Care For All March News, Amy Whitcomb Slemmer, March 07, 2012. Aftertheinjury.org, a website from the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, is dedicated to “helping parents help their children recover” from injury and trauma. The site has lots of helpful tip sheets for parents about helping children and teens cope, for parental self-care, and when (and how) to get professional help.
Medicare Reminder: Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help pay for Medicare costs for those with limited income and assets. There are three main programs, and each has different income eligibility limits. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program (called MassHealth Senior Buy-In in Massachusetts) pays for Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurances or co-payments. Both the Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and the Qualifying Individual (QI) programs(called MassHealth Buy-In in MA) pay monthly Medicare Part B premiums. Those enrolled in an MSP, will also automatically get Extra Help, the federal program that helps cover Medicare prescription drug costs, including at least a portion of monthly Part D premiums and medication co-payments. For more eligibility information see Greater Boston Legal Services’ Medicare Advocacy Project’s Fact Sheet. Note that 2012 Federal Poverty Levels are now available on the Mass Legal Services website. - From “ Anticipating the End of the GEP” e-mail, Medicare Watch, The Medicare Rights Center, March 15, 2012. Medicare Reminder- Repairs and Maintenance of DME How Original Medicare covers repairs and maintenance of durable medical equipment (DME) depends on who owns the equipment. When the supplier owns the DME, the supplier is responsible for maintenance, repairs and replacement parts. While Medicare is paying the supplier a rental fee, the supplier cannot charge a separate fee for repairs and maintenance. When you own the equipment, you are responsible for getting maintenance, repairs and replacement parts. Medicare will not pay anything for “routine” maintenance and servicing of DME, such as cleaning and checking the equipment. Medicare will pay 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for “non-routine” maintenance and repairs once you have met your deductible, as long as you go to a supplier who takes assignment (agrees to bill the Medicare-approved amount). You will pay the balance if the repairs are not covered by a warranty. For oxygen equipment, after your 36-month rental period ends, you will no longer have to pay a rental fee, but the supplier will continue to own the equipment. You can keep the DME for two additional years as long as it is still medically necessary. During this time, your supplier must keep your equipment in good working condition and provide supplies, parts and maintenance free of charge in most cases. You may be charged a fee under certain circumstances. Learn more about Medicare coverage of DME repairs and maintenance at www.medicareinteractive.org. - From “ Making Medicare Information More Accessible” e-mail, Medicare Watch, The Medicare Rights Center, March 08, 2012. Medicare Reminder- Dental Coverage If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, Medicare will not cover dental care that you need primarily for the health of your teeth. For example, Medicare will not cover routine checkups, cleanings or dentures, and it will not pay for you to get fillings. Some Medicare private health plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, cover routine dental services. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, call your plan to see what dental services might be covered. Original Medicare will cover some dental services if they are required to protect your general health or if you need dental care so that another health service that Medicare covers will be successful. For instance, Medicare may pay for dental services if you need surgery to treat fractures of the jaw or face. While Medicare may pay for these initial dental services, it will not pay for any more follow-up dental care after the underlying health condition has been treated. Learn more about Medicare coverage of dental services and other resources that can help you pay for dental care at www.medicareinteractive.org. -From “ Showing Support for Medicare” e-mail, Medicare Watch, The Medicare Rights Center, March 01, 2012. Medicare Reworks Billing Statements to Help Fight Fraud In the latest effort to enlist seniors in the fight against Medicare fraud, federal officials have overhauled Medicare billing statements to make it easier to find bogus charges without a magnifying glass. The new, more consumer-friendly format, which goes online Saturday on Medicare’s secure website, www.mymedicare.gov, includes larger type and explanations of medical services in plain English. The revised paper version, mailed to seniors every three months, will be phased in early next year. The new statement also provides clearer guidance on how to file an appeal if Medicare has denied coverage of a claim. For example, it now includes a page that can be filled out and mailed to Medicare if a beneficiary disagrees with a coverage decision that Medicare has made. The new statements promise a reward of up to $1,000 for a tip that leads to uncovering fraud. Read the CMS press release on the redesigned Medicare Summary Notice. -Adapted from “ Making Medicare Information More Accessible”, Medicare Watch, Medicare Rights Center, March 08, 2012 and this Boston Globe article…
At-Risk Patients Gain Attention of Health Insurers Studies have already shown that Medicare spending is concentrated on a small group of individuals who are seriously ill. But an analysis by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, the research arm of IMS Health, a health information company in Danbury, Conn., provides a rare glimpse into the medical problems of people with private health insurance who are under 65. About three-quarters of them suffer from at least one chronic condition that could spiral out of control without proper care. Health insurers are likely to have little choice other than to monitor these cases more closely, said Daniel Malloy, an executive at IMS Health. Under the federal health care law, which is expected to go into effect in 2014 if it is not struck down by the Supreme Court, insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage to anyone with a potentially expensive medical condition or put limits on how much they will pay in medical bills. And avoiding these patients altogether will no longer be an option. Insurance companies will be required to enroll millions of new customers without the ability to turn them away or charge them higher premiums if they are sick. They will prosper only if they are able to coordinate care and prevent patients from reaching that top 1 percent, Mr. Malloy said. “The insurance model is fundamentally changing,” he said. -See the full The New York Times article… -Cited in/linked from HEALTH CARE WEEKLY UPDATE, from Barbara Roop & John Goodson, Health Care for Massachusetts, March 02, 2012. Healthcare History: How the Patchwork Coverage Came To Be Workers swarmed through Henry J. Kaiser's Richmond, Calif., shipyard in World War II, building 747 ships for the Navy. The war "had siphoned off the most hardy specimens," a newspaper reported, so Kaiser was left with many workers too young, old or infirm to be drafted. -Cited in/Linked from HEALTH CARE WEEKLY UPDATE, Barbara Roop & John Goodson, Health Care for Massachusetts, March 02, 2012.
The Community Resource Center recently said a fond farewell to Samantha Gallant, our general community resource specialist. In her almost 5 years with us, she has helped to standardize, professionalize and modernize our procedures and resource sharing while maintaining very high standards for customer service, accuracy, comprehensiveness and efficiency. Hers will be very big shoes to fill. While we already miss her, we are delighted that she is still in the department. Big thanks to Samantha, Marie Elena Gioiella and Susan Morrissey for ensuring as seamless a transition as possible by making her available to continue to triage cases until her replacement is trained.
The Placebo Effect and DepressionDr. Irving Kirsch is associate director of the program in placebo studies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. His book, ‘‘The Emperor’s New Drugs,’’ about the placebo effect and depression, was recently released in paperback. In a recent interview in The Boston Globe he says:
-See the full Boston Globe interview… Immaturity Misdiagnosed as ADHD? The youngest children in a classroom may be more likely to receive a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than their older peers — a finding that raises concern "about the potential harms of overdiagnosis and overprescribing" in this vulnerable population, new research suggests. In a cohort study of more than 900,000 Canadian children, researchers found that boys born in the month of December (the cutoff birth date for entry to school in British Columbia) were 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys in their grade who were born the previous January. This number was even more dramatic in the girls, with those born in December 70% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls born in January. In addition, both boys and girls were at a significantly higher risk of being prescribed an ADHD treatment medication if they were born in the later month than in the earlier one. -See the full article summary on Medscape.com… Mentally Ill at Particularly High Risk for Victimization Although individuals with disabilities are at a significantly increased risk for violence victimization, the risk appears to be particularly pronounced among those with mental illness, new research suggests. A large systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by investigators at John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom, shows that 1 in 4 adults with mental illness have been victims of violence within the past year. For the review, the investigators analyzed data from 26 studies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Taiwan that included 21,557 individuals. "Lifetime exposure to violence, and the proportions of individuals with disability who are directly threatened with violence or otherwise live in fear of becoming a victim, are likely to be substantially higher than our estimate," the authors write. The study is published online February 28 in the Lancet. -See the full article summary on Medscape.com…
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