The Arc of Whatcom County


The Arc of Whatcom County

Parent Coalition E-alert: August 2011

In This Issue
NEW ADVOCACY PROGRAMS
EVENT UPDATES
MEDICAID CHANGES

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Know Your Legislators


FEDERAL

 

Sen. Maria Cantwell

cantwell.senate.gov

(202)224-3441

 

Sen. Patty Murray

murray.senate.gov

(202)224-2621

  
2nd District

Rep. Rick Larsen

www.house.gov/larsen/

(202)225-2605

  
  
STATE
  
42nd District

 

Sen. Doug Ericksen

ericksen.doug@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7682

 

Rep. Vincent Buys

buys.vincent@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7980

 

Rep. Jason Overstreet

overstreet.jason@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7980

 

40th District

 

Sen. Kevin Ranker

ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7678

 

Rep. Kristine Lytton

lytton.kristine@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7800

 

Rep. Jeff Morris

morris.jeff@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7970

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Greetings! 

 

Just a few more weeks of summer...we hope you are enjoying every moment of sunshine and relaxation. Many of you are busy with last minute getaways, back to school shopping and preparing your children for the new school year.

 

While this time of year can be exciting, it can also cause worry and confusion as our children return to school. How will my child handle the change? Will the new teacher understand my child's unique learning strategies? Who will be on my child's team?

 

Listed below are some workshops and activities to help with the transition. Please take advantage of these opportunities to receive support and education for yourself and your family.

 

If you need information or assistance, please contact Monica, Co-Coordinator of The Parent Coalition: (360)715-0170, ext 303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.   

 

"BACK TO SCHOOL" ADVOCACY WORKSHOP 

Are you, your child and the school team prepared?

On Tuesday, August 30th, The Arc will be he hosting a "Back to School" workshop to help expand your knowledge on school issues and get your questions answered by an experienced advocate.


The workshop will be held from 6:30-8:30pm at The Arc's Dan Godwin Center, 2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham. For more information, call Monica (360) 715-0170, ext. 303 or email monicab@arcwhatcom.org.  

 
For more discussion on the school topic, there also will be a "Coffee & Connections" on Friday, August 26 from 10am-1pm. This is a unique opportunity to have a relaxed visit with trained advocates and parents and receive support and information for your individual needs. Please stop in for as little or as long as you wish.

EVENT UPDATES

Parent to Parent (P2P) Family Swim Social

Saturday, August 27, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center

1114 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA

 

Join other families of children with developmental disabilities and ongoing health care needs for a fun time in the pool. If you need an extra set of hands in the water to help out or for more information, call 360-255-2056 ext. 1.

 

For more information on upcoming events, please visit The Arc of Whatcom County's event calendar.

MEDICAID CHANGES DUE TO BUDGET CUTS

 

Medicaid is notifying clients that it is changing coverage for some health care services as a consequence of budget reductions.

 

NEW: Limits on non-emergency use of hospital emergency rooms:

 

As of October 1, 2011, Medicaid will only pay for three non-emergency visits per client per year. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Medicaid supports emergency room care for emergencies, but non-emergencies and chronic conditions should be managed by your primary care provider.

 

NEW: Changes in Dental Benefits for adults:

 

Effective July 1, 2011, comprehensive dental services were restored for three groups of Medicaid adults:

  • Women who are pregnant
  • Clients living in nursing homes
  • Adults enrolled in 1915 (c) Home and Community Based waiver programs.

Effective October 1, 2011, the following clients will no longer be eligible for comprehensive dental services: 

  • Adult clients whose care is managed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities but who do not fit in the categories above.
  • 

 To keep current on Medicaid budget cuts,

 visit the DSHS website

(http://2fhrsa.dshs.wa.gov%2fNews%2fBudget.htm)

Parent Coalition

 

 

 

The Parent Coalition of The Arc of Whatcom County provides information and education to individuals with developmental disabilities, their caregivers, families and the community by responding to requests for assistance. We provide 1:1 support and serve as a resource to increase understanding of the developmental disability service system and special education system.

For information and assistance, contact Monica, Parent Coalition Co-Coordinator at (360)715-0170, x303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

  

This E-Alert is made possible by funding from the Whatcom County Health Department, Developmental Disabilities Program and the United Way of Whatcom County.

www.arcwhatcom.org

360-715-0170

2602 McLeod Road

Bellingham, WA 98225

 

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