WIXLIB

An Overview of Federal, State, andPrivate Services for Adults on theAutism Spectrum who Live inMassachusettsMichele CantaraCo-Director Adult ServicesNancy SchwartzCo-Director Adult ServicesAANE Jody Acford Benefits Conference, 23 February 2019February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 20191

Each Journeyis Different Who are you?o An adult on thespectrum?o A parent or familymember of anadult on thespectrum?o A professional? Where areWhat willhappen to mykid when I’mgone?I can dothis, withsome helpIdon’tneedhelp.!I just foundout that I’mon thespectrum!I’mstrugglingto live myown life.I’m afraidto keeptrying.you?February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 20192

The Journey Belongs to theIndividual with Autism Meet themwhere theyare. Help themreach theirgoals, notyours. AcknowledgeobstaclesFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Their Goal(s)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 20193

Prioritize Benefitsto Reach yourGoalsOver time: Goalschange BenefitsPrioritieschangeMy Goal(s)Recreation iving singFebruary 2019 (aane.org)BeyondtheBasicsCopyright Asperger/Autism Network 2019Transportation4

There’s a Gap Between your Needs andAvailable BenefitsExample: DDS Adult Autism Services under the MA Autism Omnibus Act of 2014Don’t knowthat benefitsare availableNot enoughfunding50%Didn’t know thatIQ was nolonger aneligibility criteria43%Were eligible,but are notreceivingservices.Advocate with state legislators for more fundingand more services!Source: AANE Survey DDS Adult Autism Services for the Newly Eligible, Fall 2019, N 260February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 20195

Click toFederaledit Mastertitle styleBenefitsIncome Subsidies Vocational ngFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 20196

Federal Benefit Programs Coversome of the BasicsFederal Benefit Programsand are typically administered locally, by each stateIndividual Towns & CitiesEmploymentIncomeSome housing programsare administered byspecific towns/cities.HousingHealthInsuranceFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 20197

The remainder ofthis presentationoutlines Federal,State, and privatebenefit programsas they areimplemented inMassachusetts.February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201988

Your Goal(s)IncomeRecreation onsBeyondtheBasicsIndependentLiving sicNeedsIncomeHousingFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 2019Transportation9

Social Security: Definitions Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Describes a level of work activity AND earnings Substantial work Doing a significant physical or mental activities (or both at thesame time) Can be full or part time Gainful work activity is (or could be) performed for pay or profit In layman’s terms SGA means you earn 1220 or more per monthgross on average.How does Social Security define a “disabled” adult? The adult is not able to engage in any SGA because of medicallydeterminable physical or mental impairments, that will result indeath or are expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12months.February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201910

Two Social Security IncomeSubsidy ProgramsProgram 1: SSI - Supplemental Social Security Income Funding Source: General tax revenues Eligibility: Disability Earn 1220/month gross (before taxes) 2000 in assets (excludes house, car, computer) Health Insurance Coverage: Medicaid Consideration for Other Related Benefit Programs SNAP (FoodStamps) Ticket-to-Work – Retain Medicaid/Medicare while working jobsupport servicesFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201911

Two Social Security IncomeSubsidy ProgramsProgram 2: SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance Funding Source: Federal Disability Trust Fund (FICA Contributions) Eligibility: You are considered disabled Earn 1220/month gross on average No limit on assets You’ve made sufficient FICA contributions and are insured OR if your deceased, disabled, or retired parents are insured AND you can also show that you were disabled before age 22Health Insurance Coverage: Eligible for Medicare after 24 monthsFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201912

Social Security ResourcesWhy Apply? Supplements your income Can get SSI/SSDI at the sametime. Doesn’t have to be forever Access to health insurance Access to other programs–Ticket-to-Work – RetainMedicaid/Medicare whileworking job support servicesFebruary 2019 (aane.org) Attend this WorkshopImportant Links 2018 Social Security Redbook Social Security – What’s New in 2019?Attend this session:Asperger Syndrome Employmentand Social Security Benefitsat Workshop 3K at 2:15 PM Workshop 4O at 3:30 PMCopyright Asperger/Autism Network 201913

Financial & Estate Planning ABLE (Achieving aBetter LifeExperience Act)Accounts Trusts:—Personal FinancialPlanning—Estate PlanningFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201914

ABLE AccountsUse ABLE accounts if you are applying for or are gettingbenefits that put a limit on the assets you can have. More on ABLE For moreABLE Resources Similar to a 529 accountsAccountsinformation: ABLE National Designed for individuals with disabilities Funds can be used for education, living andother expenses. One ABLE account for each disabledindividual; Invest up to 15K per year, 100K overall. Multiple states have ABLE administrators. You can set up an account in a state that isnot your home state.February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 2019Resource Center Fidelity Investmentsadministers ABLEaccounts in MA MEFA (Mass EducationFinancing Authority) –The Attainable SavingsPlan(sm)15

Financial & Estate Planning:Attend this SessionWorkshop 3I: Legal Planning andAlternatives to Guardianshipat2:15 PMFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201916

Your Goal(s)EmploymentRecreation &SpecialInterests FederalVocationalPrograms MassachusettsVocationalPrograms pendentLiving singFebruary 2019 (aane.org)BeyondtheBasicsCopyright Asperger/Autism Network 2019Transportation17

Employment SupportsPublicPrivate Massachusetts RehabilitationCommission (MRC) CareerOneStop (USDepartment of Labor) Ticket to Work (US SocialSecurity Administration) Massachusetts Departmentof Developmental Services(DDS) Private Non-ProfitOrganizations (e.g. EasterSeals; Work Inc.; AANELifeMAP; MGH Aspire;Jewish Vocational Service ) For Profit Companies (e.g.Work OpportunitiesUnlimited) Independent Career CoachesFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201918

Types of Private EmploymentSupports & Some ExamplesCareer and Skill Assessments: Easter Seals Vocational Assessments AANE LifeMAP Practice Interview Program Aspire WorksAutism Hiring Initiatives Microsoft Autism Hiring Program DELL/EMC/HMEA Autism Advantage @ WorkNeurodiverse Workforce Companies Iterators (Boston) Ultra Testing (New York)February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201919

Employment: For MoreInformation Attend these conference sessions: Public Vocational Options -2E at 11:45 AM or 4N at3:30 PM Private Vocational Supports - 3J at 2:15 PM Register for the AANE Employment BulletinBoard An online read only Google group Contact Stephanie Birkdale to join(stephanie.Birkdale@aane.org)February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201920

Your Goal(s)Recreation onBeyondtheBasicsIndependentLiving singFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 2019Transportation21

Transportation Mission - increase mobility for:people with disabilities, seniors,low-income commuters, veterans,and others who lack access totransportation www.mass.gov/orgs/massmobilityOther TransportationResources The RIDE MA Ride Match Regional Elder Services: MBTA Travel Training Program Regional Transit Authorities Drivers with DisabilitiesFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201922

Your Goal(s)HealthInsurancePublic InsuranceRecreation icsIndependentLiving SkillsPrivate gFebruary 2019 (aane.org)HealthInsuranceCopyright Asperger/Autism Network 2019Transportation23

MedicareWhoqualifies? People whoare 65 orolder Certainyoungerpeople withdisabilities After 24months,people whoget SSDI getParts A&BFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Part A: Hospital Insurance No premium. Inpatient hospital stays. Skilled nursing at home or at a nursing home. Hospice. Get after 24 months of SSDIOriginalMedicarePart B: Medical Insurance (Supplemental) May pay sliding scale premium.Doctor visits, outpatient care, medical suppliesPreventative ServicesGet after 24 months of SSDIPart C: Medicare Advantage Alternative to “Original Medicare” Bundles parts of A, B, DPart D: Prescription Coverage Optional Coverage you buy.Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201924

MassHealth/(Medicaid) Can Cover Long Term Support Services(LTSS) Healthcare visits Drugs/Prescriptions Transportation Dental Care HospitalizationsFebruary 2019 (aane.org) Adult Foster Care (AFC) Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Day Habilitation Adult Day Health Continuous Nursing & HomeHealth AidsCopyright Asperger/Autism Network 201925

“Traditional” MassHealthProgramsEligibility For disabled adults 19-64 years old Disability determined by: the Social Security Administration (SSA) Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) MassHealthTraditional MassHealth Programs MassHealth Standard Household income 138% of federal poverty level (FPL) No premiumCommonHealth Household income 138% FPL Sliding scale premium Different requirements or working and non working individualsFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201926

Are you required to shift from a TraditionalMassHealth Plan to an ACO/MCO Plan?Recommendations ACO/MCO plans require you touse providers in their network. Check that your PCP andpreferred providers are “inplan” or are accessible as“Community Partners.” Community Partners: Are experts that extend the plan’snetwork Can help you get behavioral andlong-term support servicesFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201927

MassHealth PremiumAssistance For people with certain employer-sponsoredhealth insurance plans some MassHealthplans May reimburse eligible members foremployer-sponsored health insurancepremiums Disabled adult must live with policy holder ofemployer sponsored health insurance plan. Important Link: Other health insurance andMassHealth Premium AssistanceFebruary 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201928

An Act Relative to InsuranceCoverage for Autism A Massachusetts law enacted in 2010. Requires private insurers to cover medicallynecessary treatment for autism, such as: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Pharmacy Psychiatric Psychological Therapeutic Care. No Age Limits, Visit Limitations, or Dollar Caps.Source: Autism Insurance Resource Center, UMass Medical School/E.K. Shriver Center massairc.org”February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201929

Are you turning 26? Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) children can remainunder a parent’s policy until age 26. Disabled dependents can often remain on a parent’spolicy after age 26. Parents need to apply to their employer to extendcoverage beyond age 26. Contact your HR/Benefits Department Apply long before dependent turns 26! Once a dependent turns 26, they cannot be added back to aparent’s policy.Source: Autism Insurance Resource Center, UMass Medical School/E.K. Shriver Center massairc.org”February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201930

Health Insurance ResourcesImportant Links OneCare – for people who qualify forMassHealth & Medicare Health Insurance Counselors – SHINECounselors Autism Insurance Resource Center ARICA FAQs MassHealth Enrollment Guide 2019 Different Types of Medicare Plans Video: Understanding your MedicareChoices Attend one of theHealthcare Workshop Sessions Workshop 1C at10:00 AM Workshop 2G at10:45 AM MassHealth Premium Assistance –800 862 4840February 2019 (aane.org)Copyright Asperger/Autism Network 201931