Health Care Support Services

WELLNESS & HEALTH SUPPORT 1. Quality Assurance & Credentials Verification Washington State Department of Health: Medical Quality Assurance Commission [see also under "Hospitals"] "It is the purpose of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission to protect the public by assuring the competency and quality of professional health care providers under its jurisdiction through the establishment, monitoring, and enforcement of qualifications for licensure, and setting consistent standards of practice, discipline and continuing competency mechanisms. Rules, policies, and procedures developed by the Commission shall promote the delivery of quality health care to the residents of the state of Washington." (Mission Statement) Verify (the license of) a Health Care Provider (Individuals & Organizations) Complaint Form License and Disciplinary Actions [by State] Some state Web sites are now reporting disciplinary and investigative actions that have been taken against physicians and the status of their state licensing. This information varies dramatically by state. Some allow the user to search for a specific physician and then report any "actions" in that physician’s profile. Others list all "actions" by date range. Most provide the information free but some charge a per report fee. Hospital Quality Overview "The Hospital Compare website was created through the efforts of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA). The HQA is a public-private collaboration established to promote reporting on hospital quality of care...." What are the Hospital Process of Care Measures? "A process of care measure shows how often hospitals give recommended treatments known to get the best results for patients with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. Information about these treatments are taken from the patients’ records and converted into a percentage. This is one way to compare the quality of care that hospitals give." Healthcare Ratings Directory [Consumer Health Ratings] "ConsumerHealthRatings.com provides the most comprehensive listing of organizations that rate or report performance on specific hospitals, health plans, physicians, nursing homes, home health agencies and other health care providers in the United States. The ratings information is free. This site helps you research how often hospitals provide recommended care . . ." Consumer Health Ratings:Hospital Quality Ratings & "Best Hospital" Ratings, Report Cards and Credentials - Health Care Quality Comparisons Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) website This website provides a window into the state of infection control in Washington’s hospitals. The HAI Program of the Washington State Department of Health produces this website. It was last updated in December 2009. A healthcare associated infection, also known as an HAI, is an infection that develops during, or soon after, care in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or after a home-visit by a health professional. Many of these infections are preventable. Acute-care hospitals licensed by Washington are required to report certain HAIs to our program through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Washington State Hospital Association: Quality Indicators Search Page Choose Measure: Hospital Infection Summary Infections: Cardiac Surgery Infections: Ortho Surgery Infections: Hysterectomy Infections: Central Lines Infections: Ventilators Heart Attack Heart Failure Pneumonia Surgical Care Patient Satisfaction Children's Asthma Medical Imaging Hospital Infection Summary Transparency Home This page summarizes actions hospitals can take to prevent infections. Click on any of the column headings to learn more about that preventative measure. The data in the first two columns, ventilator and central line infections, represents data reported to the CDC for the time period of July 2009 - June 2010. It is displayed as a rate of infections per 1000 ventilator or central line days. The remaining columns show percentages calculated from Medicare discharges for the time period April 2009 - March 2010. HEALTH SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS & SERVICES | . "DSHS" & "ADSA" . . . * . . OMBUDS(WO)MEN . . . * . . CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS . . * . . HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATIONS . . HOSPITAL ALLIANCES . . * . . COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS . . * . . ELDER CARE MANAGEMENT . . * . . MEDICAL SUPPLIES . 2. Support Institutions and Services Jefferson County Hospital Commissioners [Jefferson County Public Hospital District #2 Board of Commissioners] Agendas & Minutes Minutes (of regular & special sessions) Minutes Nov. 3, 2010 Administrative Report items discussed included: Expansion services in Port Ludlow and/or surrounding communities Joint Board Meeting Jefferson Healthcare, Olympic Medical Center and Forks Community Hospital Board members will meet to discuss regionalization, review individual and collaborative goals and evaluate the Request for Information responses. The meeting is scheduled at OMC at 4:00pm on November 10. Special Session Minutes July 21, 2010 [Bayview Room, Port Ludlow Beach Club, 6:00pm-8:00pm] Health Institutions in Jefferson & Kitsap Counties (PLHealth.org) Some Puget Sound Area Alliances, Partnerships & Networks between Hospitals (PLHealth.org) The Health of Jefferson County [2003 Study] "The 2003 Health of Jefferson County is a compilation of data from a growing health database about the people of Jefferson County. Its focus and structure are the result of the dedicated work of the Jefferson County Data Steering Committee, a broadly representative group of elected officials, community leaders, and health professionals..." Washington Health Foundation Mission:To improve health for the people of Washington. Vision: To make Washington the Healthiest State in the Nation. CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS (CAH) In January 2003, Jefferson General Hospital (later renamed "Jefferson Healthcare") was designated as a critical access hospital. [Source] Rural Hospital Program & Critical Access Hospitals [Washington State Department of Health] The Critical Access Hospital Program was created by the 1997 federal Balanced Budget Act as a safety net device, to assure Medicare beneficiaries access to health care services in rural areas. It was designed to allow more flexible staffing options relative to community need, simplify billing methods and create incentives to develop local integrated health delivery systems, including acute, primary, emergency and long-term care. In Washington State, the Critical Access Hospital program is administered by the Department of Health through the Office of Community and Rural Health and the Office of Facility and Services Licensing in close collaboration with the Washington State Hospital Association. Washington State Necessary Provider Definition (not applicable for new applicants after December 31, 2005) Necessary Provider of Health Care Services is the designation given by the State to rural hospitals that meet certain State criteria. Necessary Providers are considered essential to the welfare of their communities. Closure of a Necessary Provider would pose a threat to the health of the residents of an area. Chapter 388-550 WAC: Hospital services WAC 388-550-2598 Agency filings affecting this section - Critical access hospitals (CAHs). AGING & DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Senior Information & Assistance Senior Resources for Jefferson County [DSHS Site] Senior Information & Assistance Home & Community Services Family Caregiver Support Program Area Agency on Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Adult Protective Services At the Local Level: Resource Center [Welcome to O3A's New Online Resource Center!] Olympic Area Agency on Aging ("O3A") [Administrative Office in Port Hadlock] "One (office) in Port Townsend (Jefferson County) serve(s) as satellite office for Senior Information and Assistance (I&A) and Care Management Program staff. An administrative office, located in Port Hadlock, houses executive, financial, human resource, planning and contract management staff." Administrative Office for Multi-County Area 11700 Rhody Drive Port Hadlock WA 98339 360-379-5064 or 1-800-801-0050 Website: http://www.o3a.org Jefferson Cty only 915 Sheridan Street, Suite 202 Port Townsend 98368 Toll-free: 800-801-0050 Local: 360-385-2552 Incl.also Email address Diseases/Disabilities Emergency Medical Care General Medical Care Outpatient Health Facilities Substance Abuse Services The Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging (W4A) works with local AAAs to create communities that support people as they age. The organization seeks to enhance the effectiveness of each AAA through a strong agenda of information, debate, advocacy and education. At the national level: n4a: National Advocacy Action Answers on Aging Umbrella organization advocating to ensure that needed resources and support services are available to older Americans. n4a’s primary mission is to build the capacity of its members to help older persons and persons with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Project 2020 n4a's top legislative priority is to expand home and community-based services while generating savings for Medicare and Medicaid ElderCare Locator | Also: eldercare.gov n4a administers the Eldercare Locator – a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Find helpful resources for older adults, caregivers and professionals. ElderCare Locator Resource Center National Association of Community Health Centers OlyCap: Olympic Community Action Programs: 803 W. Park Ave, Port Townsend; Member of United Good Neighbors; 360-385-2571 www.olycap.org "Community Action is a way of approaching poverty by helping people to help themselves. We serve thousands of people every year. We are proud of the number of people we serve and the different programs we operate, but those are just numbers. - Helping People: Info re. Emergency Services/Shelter, Thrift Shoppe, Working Image Store - Senior Nutrition: 1-800-360-0666 Providing Meals on Wheels: no income requirements for residents 60+ ($3-5/meal contribution) & Senior Dining Program: 3-course dinner @ Chimacum Community Center, 10 W. Valley Rd: Mon.-Fri. at 4:30. Reservations required. - Help for Hard Times: Mental Health/unemployment/Food Bank Info, credit/foreclosure counseling; workshops/free classes; Working Image for Women (clothes for jobs) OlyCAP lost more than $1 million in 2011 "compared with 2010, much of it now-dried-up federal stimulus money or gutted state funding, including $500,000 for a dental program in Port Angeles, $250,000 for a community jobs program, $200,000 for home care and $100,000 for emergency food programs. ... organization's employees, whose numbers had dwindled from 268 in January to 201 as of Friday (PenDailyNews, Dec11, 2011). Links to Services inService Area Health Services in Service Area Tri-Area Community Center (Chimacum) The Tri-Area Community Center offers a computer lab and classes, Senior Nutrition, kitchen & room rental space. Meeting room space is provided for programs and activities of an informational, educational, cultural or civic nature primarily, and for other organizations as space and time is available. All community meetings must be open to the public at no charge. Use of meeting rooms for fund raising or profit making activities are subject to prior approval of the Center Manager. Meals are served every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:15 PM at the Center for $5 charge; also that "Meals on Wheels" delivery is every Tuesday (donation depending on # of meals delivered) For more information contact: James Jenkins Tri Area Community Center 10 W Valley Rd Chimacum, WA 983256 360-732-4822 What is a Long-Term Care OMBUDS(WO)MAN in Washington State? Ombudsmen protect and promote the rights and quality of life of long-term care residents by providing a presence in long-term care facilities, and by working with state agencies and stakeholders to make improvements in long-term care laws, regulations and practices. The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes quality of life for people living in licensed, long-term adult care facilities (e.g. adult family home, boarding home, nursing home).[Source] Jefferson Cty [Jane Meyer, 360-417-8556; 800-801-0070; Email: meyerja@dshs.wa.gov] Kitsap Cty || More Detail! [Dana Gargus, dgargus@co.kitsap.wa.us, 360.337.5714 (May 2012)] Long Term Care Ombudsman [Dept of Commerce, Wa State] "Please call the statewide hotline (1-800-562-6028) for questions or concerns about residents in long term care facilities. How We Help: The Department of Commerce contracts with the Multi-Service Center to manage the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, employ staff, and provide statewide assistance through regional offices. Legal services are also subcontracted to provide assistance to staff and residents. The Multi-Service Center provides policy direction and oversight of the regional offices, they train and certify volunteer Ombudsmen, and they work with statewide advocacy groups. The program is funded through the federal Older Americans Act, state funds, and local contributions. Regional Ombudsmen by County in the State of Washington Elder Care Managers, Advocacy, Guardianships, Coordination & Consulting Port Ludlow: See in "Classifieds" of Port Ludlow Voice (starting Feb 2011 issue) under "Village Nurse" and "Senior Case Management". Olympic Elder Services LLC Port Ludlow Today Site with names of professionals Contact Phone: 360.379.3716 Professional Geriatric Case Management & Guardianship Olympic Elder Care has been proudly serving the Port Angeles, WA area since 1999. We have built our customer base through hard work and determination, something which has allowed us to become the company we are today. We take great pride in providing you with top level service and promise complete satisfaction when choosing us for all of your social services needs. How to find a Geriatric Care Manager [AARP 2008] Find Elder Care Near.... [www.aplaceformom.com] "Find a Care Manager" [Geriatric Care Managers: National Association of...] Online Eldercare Resources (Univ. of Wash.) Your family health history ... can help your health care practitioner provide better care for you. It can help identify whether you have higher risk for some diseases. It can help your health care practitioner recommend actions for reducing your personal risk of disease. And it can help in looking for early warning signs of disease. KARE: Kitsap Alliance of Resources for Elders "... is a team of independent professionals who have come together to better serve the needs of older adults in our community. Members of KARE have been chosen for their expertise within their respective fields as well as for a demonstrated record of compassion and caring in dealing with seniors. We are dedicated to informing, supporting and empowering older adults through our business and volunteer activities." Leslie G. Bennett, Geriatric Social Worker (Therapy & Consultation) [360.643.0291] HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS: Organizations for Specific Conditions Arthritis Foundation Pacific Northwest Chapter National Federation of the Blind Resources Washington State: Resources and Organizations Products & Technologies Groups & Organizations American Cancer Society [Wikipedia] Association of Cancer Online Resources ACOR offers access to 159 mailing lists that provide support, information, and community to everyone affected by cancer and related disorders. National Cancer Institute The NCI Web site provides online access to information on cancer, clinical trials, and other Web sites and organizations that offer support and resources for cancer patients and their families. For a quick search, use the search box in the upper right corner of each Web page. The results for a wide range of search terms will include a list of "Best Bets," editorially chosen Web pages that are most closely related to the search term entered. Get More Information From the National Cancer Institute (NCI) ... "U.S. residents may call the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A trained Cancer Information Specialist is available to answer your questions." For more information from the NCI, please write to this address: NCI Public Inquiries Office Suite 3036A 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-8322 Chat online The NCI's LiveHelp® online chat service provides Internet users with the ability to chat online with an Information Specialist. The service is available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Information Specialists can help Internet users find information on NCI Web sites and answer questions about cancer. MEDICAL SUPPLIES & SUPPORT SERVICES Medical Supplies & Oxygen Lincare Lincare has been synonymous with state-of-the-art oxygen systems since 1965. Our reputation for 24-hour, seven-days-a-week responsiveness, expert service representatives, and professional staff testifies to our absolute commitment to provide the very best quality home respiratory service available. Oxygen, respiratory and home infusion products and services provided by Lincare include the following: Oxygen Therapy, Respiratory Services, Infusion Therapy, CPAP, Ventilators, NVS , Enteral Therapy, Pediatric Respiratory Services, Patient Education & Rehabilitation, 2427, West Sims Way, SUITE G PORT TOWNSEND, WA 98368-2278 Phone: 360-385-1015 Fax: 360-385-2385 Farrel's Home Health, Bremerton Tel.: (360) 377-0164 or (800) 233-6265 Farrell's...one of the largest suppliers of home medical equipment and supplies serving the Kitsap Peninsula, including Bainbridge Island, North Mason County, Port Townsend, Sequim, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, and Poulsbo. [Products include: Manual and power wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers and walking aids, Bath safety equipment, Braces and supports, Incontinent supplies, Diagnostic equipment, Oxygen and respiratory equipment, Nebulizers and inhalation equipment, Sleep therapy equipment, Lift chairs, Wound care supplies, Enteral food and supplies, Repairs and maintenance. Tim's Medical Supplies, Bremerton 199 Dora Ave, West Bremerton, Washington 98312, Phone: 360-782-1922 Tim's Home Medical Supplies has been serving the Olympic Peninsula with home medical equipment and supply needs since 2000. As one of the area's most caring retail suppliers of home health products and services, we provide superior customer service and top quality, state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies. Remote Monitoring/ Home Alert Systems (Devices & Services) [PLHealth.org/homecare.html] Application for "Dial A Ride" Service /Para-Transit of Jefferson Transit [Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)] [Paratransit] Home Care Support Products and Services Volunteer Organizations United Good Neighbors: Senior Services Meals on Wheels Catholic Community Services – Volunteer Chore Services Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization (ECHHO) UGN partners with the volunteers of the Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization (ECHHO) to provide free medical equipment, transportation, chores, and social support services to elderly, disabled, low or limited income neighbors in Jefferson County, in the hope that they may may continue to live independently. Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization (ECHHO) "... is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with volunteers and community organizations of Jefferson County to provide transportation, chores, social support and medical equipment services to persons who are elderly, disabled or of limited means so that they may continue to live independently." 1110 Jefferson Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 379-3246 echhopt@qwestoffice.net Inquire about contact in Port Ludlow! Services "The Port Ludlow Village Council (PLVC) Wellness Committee's Education Resource Center Group wishes to inform you that medical equipment may be borrowed free of charge from ECHHO (Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization). ECHHO is a non-profit organization formed in 1997 and is supported by donations from a myriad of sources. Small items such as wheeelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, toilet risers, commodes, etc. are maintained in Port Ludlow. Call Darlene at 360-437-7692 or E-mail her at gronhovddr@aol.com to borrow an item in time of need. Both large and small items such as hospital beds, electric scooters, lift chairs, exercise equipment, bath seats, etc. are based in Port Townsend. They may be obtained by calling Wilma at 360-379-3246 (9-4PM, M-F) or E-mailing her at echhopt@qwestoffice.net. If you care to donate medical items, they would be very much appreciated! ECHHO Members understand your urgent need and many of these items are delivered to your home by volunteers. Many Port Ludlow residents have utilized this free service through the years. Please retain this information in a handy place as YOU may want to borrow medical equipment in the future! You may find the ECHHO brochure in the Port Ludlow Wellness Resources Notebook now maintained in the lobby of both clubs." (Submitted by Peggy L. Schafran, Member, Resource Center Group, 30/7/2011) BlueBills representation at a PL Wellness Forum (October 2011) Bluebills: Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Boeing Retiree Volunteers Bluebills is a Boeing-supported Volunteer Program: Our Independent Living Program is designed to assist the elderly and disabled live more safely and comfortably in their homes. Clients are referred to us by agencies, hospitals, churches, friends and sometimes call us directly. Bluebills do not furnish material but offer free labor. Newsletter (Jack McKay, Editor>) [going back to 2006] Safety in Assisted Living Fall Prevention Tips & Falling Techniques Models/Examples for Volunteer Assistance & Health Information Organizations from Elsewhere: JubileeReach (Bellevue, WA) REACH- Provide Resources, Education, Assistance, Community and Hospitality to youth and families on the margins. Yakima Valley Community Health & Wellness Members of Yakima’s health and wellness organizations help improve the lives of community members, bring comfort to those in need of extra care, and improve the future of healthcare in the Valley. Somers Community Health and Wellness Somers Community Health and Wellness Association, Inc., a non-profit, community based organization, exists to ensure the delivery of home healthcare services, disease prevention, health education and wellness programs to all residents of Somers, CT. Community Health Visioning Welcome to Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) online. Located in ... Maine, FCHN is a locally controlled, nonprofit, integrated network of rural health-care providers,... "...sponsors a Community Health Visioning process. The purpose is to determine our community health priorities. This unique process engages residents and leaders alike in conversation about issues impacting health as well as the resources available to address concerns and opportunities. The Foundation for Wellness Professionals (FWP) "... is an association of healthcare professionals who have volunteered their time to help prevent disease and improve the health of their communities." The Foundation for Wellness Professionals™ "...is a volunteer, non-profit association of healthcare professionals. Our members donate time in the community to raise awareness and educate the public on many health issues and new health research." Project REACH "...is a peer health education group made up of VCU students who are trained to teach others about important college health concerns. These peer health educators are committed individuals who feel strongly about teaching accurate health information, dispelling myths, enabling others to make healthy choices, and learning more about themselves. Health Information & Wellness Centre [Canada] Provide access to an up to date collection of consumer health information, in the form of books, newsletters, brochures and videos Provide assistance in accessing the Internet to retrieve information. Our staff recommend sites after ensuring that they meet rigorous criteria of trustworthiness, reliability, accuracy, timeliness and lack of bias or special interest Cleveland Clinic Health Information Kiosks The kiosks provide information about Cleveland Clinic programs and services, health information for patients and visitors, physician directories, and more. K A R E [Kitsap Alliance of Resources for Elders] "... is a team of independent professionals who have come together to better serve the needs of older adults in our community. Members of KARE have been chosen for their expertise within their respective fields as well as for a demonstrated record of compassion and caring in dealing with seniors. We are dedicated to informing, supporting and empowering older adults through our business and volunteer activities. KARE Radio Podcasts [e.g. July 2010 Podcast... Aging In Place: Aaron D. Murphy, AIA, CAPS (Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist)] 3. Blogs & Media (see also: Health News) Health & Wellness in the Media National and International Media Local and Regional Media Peninsula Daily News: Mark Harvey's Helpline Wall Street Journal Health Blogs Health Blog Health Blog on Aging Drugs and others www.patientslikeme.com About Us Our goal is to enable people to share information that can improve the lives of patients diagnosed with life-changing diseases. Supportive Services Blog of the "Army of Women" and the (Breast Cancer) "Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation" E-Patient Dave Extensively referred to by Andrew Schorr in The Web-Savvy Patient. Also see Dave's Wikipedia Page. "Richard Davies deBronkart Jr (born February 18, 1950), widely known as e-Patient Dave, is a cancer patient and blogger who, in 2009, became a noted activist for healthcare transformation through participatory medicine and personal health data rights." Alzheimer's Blog (Mayo Clinic) [With Mayo Clinic health education outreach coordinator Angela Lunde] 4. LEGAL HEALTH ISSUES / LEGISLATION Washington State: Chapter 41.05 RCW State health care authority (formerly state employees' insurance and health care) 41.05.031 Agencies to establish health care information systems. 41.05.033 Shared decision-making demonstration project -- Preference-sensitive care. 41.05.035 Exchange of health information -- Pilot -- Advisory board, discretionary -- Administrator's authority. 41.05.036 Health information -- Definitions. 41.05.037 Nurse hotline, when funded. 41.05.039 Health information -- Secure access -- Lead organization -- Administrator's duties. 41.05.042 Health information -- Processes, guidelines, and standards. 41.05.046 Health information -- Conflict with federal requirements. Washington State Department of Health: HIPAA Home Page (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) In fulfilling its mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) understands and respects the privacy of the healthcare information we receive, use and disclose. We know that your confidence in our care of your health information is critical to you and essential for us to do our work. There are already very strict state laws that protect your healthcare information. Now, federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), adds a few requirements for covered agencies, like DOH. National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys "The NAELA membership is comprised of attorneys in the private and public sectors who deal with legal issues affecting seniors and people with disabilities. Members also include judges, professors of law, and students.... Elder Law attorneys focus on the legal needs of the elderly, and work with a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of the older client." Patient Advocate: Patients' Rights & Responsibilities [Jefferson Health Care] POLST [Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment] How Do I Get A POLST Form? [Compassion & Choices of Washington] Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) [wsma.org/patients/polst.html] POLST patient brochure and form brought to you by the WSMA and the Washington State Department of Health. How to order. POLST Form [soundpathhealth.com] Wonderfile "... an invaluable organizer for advance directives and other documentation regarding end-of-life care, including all necessary documents, instructions, and a Compassion & Choices of Washington Advance Directive Packet." NW Justice Project Priorities In general, priority cases involve complex legal problems or issues that generally will not be handled by private attorneys such as: Access to medical care or benefits such as Medicaid, Basic Health, Medicare Part D, home health or other similar benefits. ... NJP also maintains a free legal resource web site – www.washingtonlawhelp.org – with up to date legal information, forms and instructions. Persons seeking legal help outside King County are asked to call NJP’s CLEAR intake line, or in King County dial 211, for case screening and appropriate referral to NJP local offices or other civil legal aid providers in their community. Aging / Elder Law / Longterm Care Washington Law Help: Health Rights of the Insured Guardianships & Powers of Attorney QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON POWERS OF ATTORNEY [Columbia Legal Services, pdf, Aug 2008] Columbia Legal Services Resources [Publications, Forms, Settlement agreements] Washington State Legislation: InformedMedicalDecisions.org In May 2007, Washington governor Christine Gregoire signed into law legislation that supported the use of shared decision-making. With passage of the bill, Washington became the first state to endorse the benefits of doctors and patients using shared decision-making tools and processes when confronting important treatment choices. Copy of legislation Washington Advance Directive: Planning for Important Health Care Decisions [pdf] [or here!] [or here!] "Decisions: A Guide to Advance Directives and Other Health Care Choices," 20pp. Franciscan Health System 2009. [incl. some forms] 5. HEALTH INSURANCE, HEALTH PLANS & GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS New Health Insurance Market Place Application Procedures (Videos) HealthCare.gov ["Take health care into your own hands"] Find Insurance Options Get Help Using Insurance The Health Care Law & You Comparing Care Providers Prevention & Wellness Washington State State Insurance Commissioner How to get Health Insurance The Affordable Care Act - What it means for you Washington Healthplanfinderare.gov/?errors=a&state=WA"> Washington State: "Find Insurance Options: See which public, private and community programs meet your needs." In many ways, in addition to giving people more protection from the worst insurance company abuses, the Affordable Care Act is about letting people actually see what is happening in the health insurance market. Until now, too many Americans have lacked reliable information about coverage and faced confusing fine print and hidden limits when trying to sign up for or simply use their health insurance. Health Care Authority (Washington State) Health Benefit Exchange As part of national health reform, Washington State will soon have an easily accessible, central marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses to buy health insurance. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has set the following objectives: •increase access to affordable health plans •organize a transparent and accountable insurance market – to facilitate consumer choice •provide an efficient, accurate and customer-friendly eligibility determination process •enhance health plan competition on value – price, access, quality, service and innovation Press Release [Oct 23, 2012] Washington Healthplanfinder As part of national health reform, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is currently working to create Washington Healthplanfinder – an easily accessible, online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses in Washington State to compare and enroll in qualified health insurance plans.... Washington Healthplanfinder will be a new online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing, and public programs such as Medicaid. Washington Healthplanfinder will begin enrolling consumers on October 1, 2013, for health insurance coverage beginning on January 1, 2014. Earth Matters: Affordable Care Act mandates new options for health care insurance PT Leader, By Jenifer Taylor, June 5, 2013. State Exchange Profiles: Washington [Kaiser Foundation] Washington Health Insurance Companies [Find Washington health plans from leading insurance companies, by Zip Code (ehealthinsurance.com)] This search engine DOES NOT provide health plans operating in this zip code area but requires personal information before getting "Quotes for Individual & Family Health Insurance Plans". Veterans Health Benefits Veterans Affairs - Health Benefits MEDICARE [CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES] Medicare & you 2013 | or here (mirror site) Medicare & the Affordable Care Act Medicare (Locator) My Medicare Getting Started:Welcome to Medicare's free, secure online service for accessing personalized information regarding your Medicare benefits and services. Registration Online Services and Web Confidentiality Agreement "> PART D Drug Coverage YouTube Video [a very articulate presentation] Hospital Value-Based Purchasing:The Official Website for the Medicare Hospital Value-based Purchasing Program This website will be CMS' official source of information about the Hospital Value-based Purchasing (HVBP) Program for hospitals, clinicians, and other stakeholders who share CMS' commitment to transforming the quality of hospital care by realigning hospitals' financial incentives to do so. Check back often for more resources to help your organization launch this ground-breaking new program. Publications (PDF) | [ View All Publications] Medicare & You [get a free copy this year and sign up for digital copy after 2012] Your Guide to Medicare`s Preventive Services Your Medicare Benefits 2012: Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare Medicare and Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First Medicare Hospice Benefits Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home Your Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Are You a Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient? If You Have Medicare – Ask! [pdf] CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES If You Have Medicare – Ask!Did you know that even if you stay in the hospital overnight, you might still beconsidered an “outpatient”? Your hospital status (whether the hospital considers you an “inpatient” or “outpatient”) affects how much you payfor hospitalservices (like X-rays, drugs, and lab tests) and may also affect whether Medicarewill cover care you get in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Value-Based Purchasing Value-Based Purchasing: Excellent Care Boosts the Bottom Line by Charles F. Bombard, RN, MHA, CPHQ, FACHE, in: Nurse.com ... The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 gave the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services the power to base a portion of hospital reimbursement payments on how well hospitals perform in 20 core measures.1 The law requires CMS to establish a VBP program that rewards hospitals for quality of care based on their “achievement” or “improvement” on measures of care quality. Starting October 2012, CMS will reward hospitals that provide high-quality care through the VBP program (called “pay for performance”).... Medicare To Tie Doctors' Pay To Quality, Cost Of Care By Jordan Rau, Kaiser Health News, Apr 15, 2012 Medicare Begins Latest Pay-For-Performance Effort; Hospital Readmissions Among Program Targets Kaiser Health News, Oct 1, 2012. Medicare Fines Over Hospitals' Readmitted Patients By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press WASHINGTON September 30, 2012 (AP) ... As of Monday (Oct 1), Medicare will start fining hospitals that have too many patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge due to complications. The penalties are part of a broader push under President Barack Obama's health care law to improve quality while also trying to save taxpayers money.... ....for now, hospitals are only being measured on three medical conditions: heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia. Under the health care law, the penalties gradually will rise until 3 percent of Medicare payments to hospitals are at risk. Medicare is considering holding hospitals accountable on four more measures: joint replacements, stenting, heart bypass and treatment of stroke... AARP: "Medicare: Inpatient or Outpatient?" ["Staying in the hospital without being formally admitted can cost you thousands of dollars"] by: Patricia Barry | August 24, 2012 Center for Medicare Advocacy: Medicare Issues Recently in the News: Settlement Reached To End Medicare’s “Improvement Standard” Center for Medicare Advocacy "Tens of thousands of people with chronic conditions and disabilities may find it easier to qualify for Medicare coverage of potentially costly home health care, skilled nursing home stays and outpatient therapy under policy changes planned by the Obama administration. " (c) 2012, The Washington Post. WASHINGTON — "The Obama administration has agreed to settle a class-action suit by revising rules that have barred tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries from getting coverage for skilled nursing-home care, home health care and various forms of outpatient therapy. For decades, the federal health program for the elderly and disabled has denied claims when such care was not expected to result in an improvement of a patient's condition." Observation Status (Inpatient vs Outpatient) [Lawsuit filed by the Center for Medicare Advocacy Nov. 2011 states that the use of "Observation Status" violates the Medicare Act....] Audio: •Listen now to a recorded news conference regarding Observation Status and the Bagnall case (you will simply need to input a user name and hit enter to listen). Video Press Release [Class Action Suit: Center for Medicare Advocacy Seeks End to Harmful Practice of Hospital "Observation Status"] Private Insurance Plans -- including Medicare-Supplemental Insurance Seattle Health Guide: Insurance (Finding health insurance in Washington state) Washington Health Insurance "We offer several full lines of Washington Health Insurance and related insurance coverage. We compare the policies for you, so you only need to look at 2 or 3 plans which meet your needs, instead of 20 to find the one that might. Information and applications (online, and print & mail-in) are available for individual, group, short term, travel, student, MSA, and Medicare Supplemental policies." Consumer Reports Consumer Reports, November 2011: "Health Insurance: Which Plan to Pick? New Rankings Show Big Quality Differences," pp.39-50. Consumer Reports: Health-Insurance Plan Rankings from the NCQA "These rankings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance can help you find a health-insurance plan that's right for you. Use the tool below to choose a plan category and state." Washington Health-Insurance Rankings from the NCQA Aetna Group Health Cooperative [not available for 98365 zip code in Jefferson County] KPS Health PLans [• Kitsap County • Mason County • Jefferson County • Clallam County If you are seeing providers in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson and Clallam counties, you must use the KPS Health Plans Network.] You Are Covered Wherever You Go: KPS members have access to participating providers through the KPS, First Choice, PHCS, and MultiPlan networks, so you are covered throughout Washington and beyond. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company: Decision Guide to AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans [Availabilty in Washington State counties: see Medicare and You 2013, pp. 144j - 144k] Learn about Medicare Medicare Supplement and You Find a Plan SHIBA Training Program for Volunteer Advisors Washington SHIBA Training Program Initial Training: The Washington state SHIP, the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Helpline, has transformed its volunteer training program over the past three years. SHIBA has moved from knowledgefocused training to a model that that trains volunteers based on tasks they will perform in their SHIBA roles. The new training is based on adult learning theory and task analyses that identify competencies volunteers need to have when they finish training.... Volunteer Training: Shifting to a Task-Based Training Culture The Health Assistance Partnership (HAP), ....a project of Families USA, partnered with State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) on Medicare education, program development, and public education and policy initiatives until it ceased operations due to the loss of outside funding. HAP's policy capacity to identify and address the systemic issues affecting Medicare beneficiaries has been formally transferred to its parent organization, Families USA Washington Health Care Authority Basic Health Washington Health Program Medicare Part D (Drugs) SHIBA & its Mission Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors January 2013 Approved Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans [Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner • Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)] By federal law, the high-deductible plan F has a $2,110 deductible for the year 2013 Health insurance options for people with disabilities - Updates and new information - Contact a Shiba Volunteer Advisor in your area Jefferson County Senior Information and Assistance of Clallam and Jefferson Counties Olympic Area Agency on Aging 411 W. Washington, Sequim, WA 98382 Phone: 360-452-3221; Toll free: 1-800-801-0070 Fax: 360-457-2579 Email: stewame@dshs.wa.gov SHIBA in Chimacum! "Currently we have free open clinics (first come first served) at Tri Area Community Center, Chimacum on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 AM to Noon. We also have a clinic in uptown Port Townsend at the Community on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. ... These are covered by incredible volunteers who are trained and monthly updated by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Washington. We sell nothing and have no affiliation with any insurance company nor agent selling plans. The SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is sponsored in Jefferson and Clallam by Olympic Area Agency on Aging under Mark Harvey, Director, Information and Assistance. Demise of Obama long-term care plan leaves gap FOX News By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, Associated Press – Mon Oct 24, WASHINGTON – It's the one major health expense for which nearly all Americans are uninsured. The dilemma of paying for long-term care is likely to worsen now that the Obama administration pulled the plug on a program seen as a first step. Health Insurance Topics (Kiplinger's) 7 Sites to Help You Cut Health Costs [Explore your coverage options, get help with insurance claims and save money on medication with these online resources.] University of Michigan Center for Value-Based Insurance Design The University of Michigan Center for Value-Based Insurance Design (V-BID Center) leads in research, development, and advocacy for innovative health benefit plans. Since 2005, the center has been actively engaged in understanding the impact of value-based insurance design and collaborating with employers, health plans, policy leaders, and academics, to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the economic efficiency of the U.S. healthcare system. Veterans' Benefits Local & Regional VA Health Care Facilities (plhealth.org) VA Health Care (US Dept of Veterans Affairs) Dept of Veterans Affairs: Health Topics A-Z VA Health Benefits News About the Veteran Improved Pension and Additional Allowance for Aid & Attendance or Housebound ChoiceAdvisoryServices (Puget Sound) February, 2012 CLIPPINGS Affordable Care Act Is Topic of Forum, by Beverly Browne, in: PLVoice (pdf), Dec 2012, scroll to p.14. "Winding one’s way through the intricacies of the new Affordable Health Care Act is no easy task. Those who attended the Port Ludlow Village Council Wellness Committee’s recent forum will have an advantage over those who stayed home...." 6. HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS, PROGRAMS & GUIDES Health & Wellness Events & Activities in Port Ludlow [PLVC Wellness Committee & others] Jefferson Healthcare Wellness Programs To support you, we offer a number of education programs, along with supervised exercise programs and support groups. The programs we currently offer are cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes education, the Exercise for Health program, pulmonary rehabilitation, support groups, massage therapy, the Beginning with Balance program, exercise treadmill testing, the Freedom from Smoking program, and community forums–which also are replayed on PTTV. Harrison Medical Center's Heart Wise: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Living (pdf) Behavior Change Podcasts URAC promotes health care quality, and we know that consumers today desire to be active participants in their health care. Delivering on the promise of consumer empowerment and protection requires developing, analyzing and disseminating knowledge about living and breathing programs so consumers can make educated decisions. Helpful Tips for Fall Prevention [Snap for Seniors] Providing Seafood Safety Training and Education [SeaGrant University of Washington] First Aid at Sea Classes, Sea Grant Program Univ. of Wash [incl. Jefferson & Kitsap Counties] Professor Wellbody's Academy of Health & Wellness [Seattle Science Center] "Pacific Science Center is developing an innovative and highly immersive new exhibit, Professor Wellbody's Academy of Health & Wellness, which is scheduled to open in December, 2012. ..." Other Health Support Resource Guides Port Ludlow: "Health Resources" (Port Ludlow Today) "Health Resource Guide" (Port Ludlow Today) Support Resources A-Z (Seattle's Health Guide)