BMC Advocacy Code Card - Columbia University



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Advocacy Code Card Jan 2004

Advocacy Resources for Common Problems*

What is Advocacy? Using information and skills to access benefits, services and entitlements, and/or to enforce individual or group rights. Advocates may intercede on behalf of individuals and/or educate community members to assert themselves. Advocacy includes assisting individuals directly and working towards systemic and/or legislative reforms.

GENERAL ADVOCACY TIPS TO HELP PATIENTS

▪ Telephone or write a letter to the landlord or agency caseworker. Move up the agency’s chain of command to access benefits and services on patient’s behalf.

▪ Help de-stigmatize the use of government benefits such as food stamps and other resources by encouraging patients to access such services.

▪ Document patient's need for services on charts.

▪ Encourage families to reapply or appeal if they were denied benefits or services. Appeals are time-sensitive: appeal first, then search for an attorney.

▪ Help families think about maximizing income by using alternative sources of income support (food stamps, fuel subsidies, childcare vouchers, etc.).

SAMPLE SCREENING QUESTIONS

• How are you making ends meet?

• Do you have enough food to eat?

• Do you have health insurance (NOT Free Care)?

• Are you worried about safety for you/your child?

• Where are you living? How is the environment at home?

• Every couple fights—what are fights like in your home? Do fights ever become physical?

• Do you have back bills or rent that you’re worried about?

Families are usually eligible for certain benefits if their gross income, before taxes and deductions, is less than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

2003 FPL GUIDELINES

|HH # |100% |125% |185% |200% |

|1 |$8, 980 |$11,225 |$16,613 |$17,960 |

|2 |$12,120 |$15,150 |$22,422 |$24,240 |

|3 |$15,260 |$19,075 |$28,231 |$30,520 |

|4 |$18,400 |$23,000 |$34,040 |$36,800 |

|5 |$21,540 |$26,925 |$39,849 |$43,080 |

|6 |$24,680 |$30,850 |$45,658 |$49,360 |

|7 |$27,820 |$34,775 |$51,467 |$55,640 |

|8 |$30,960 |$38,700 |$57,276 |$61,920 |

(add $3,140 for each additional person)

HEALTH INSURANCE ADVOCACY

Specific Health Plans

Affinity Health Plan: 1-866-AHP-5678/1-866-247-5678

Community Premier Plus: 1-800-867-5885

Fidelis Care NY: 1-888-343-3547

MetroPlus Health Plan:1-800-475-METRO/475-6387

New York-Presbyterian Community Health Plan:

1-800-261-4649

ABC Health Plan: (800) 298-2431/(800) 298-2420

Centercare Health Plan:1-800-545-0571

Health Plus Health Plan: 1-888-809-8009

Neighborhood Health Providers: 1-800-826-6240

Helpful Phone Numbers

NYS Insurance Dept. (General Info):1-800-342-3736

NYS DOH-complaint line re:HMOs:1-800-206-8125

NYC Human Resource Administration

(Medicaid and General Public Assistance):

1-877-472-8411 (within NYC)

1-718-557-1399 (outside NYC)

HOUSING

Subsidized Housing: Federally funded, privately owned developments; apply to each individual development

Public Housing: Government funded, government-run housing; must apply at a Local Housing Authority (LHA)

Section 8: Federally funded vouchers used to subsidize rent in private apartments, dispensed by LHAs and agencies appointed by the DHCD

Healthy Housing Screening Questions (HOMES):

• Has HOUSING ever been a problem for you?

• Do you spend OVER half your income on rent?

• Do you ever have MOLD, roaches, or MICE at home?

• EVER been tested for lead?

• Do you have SMOKE detectors and window guards?

FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY

Income and resources are used to determine food stamp eligibility. Income includes wages, unemployment benefits, public assistance, pension/social security, and child support, but DOES NOT include the value of a home, belongings, cars, or life insurance policies. Check eligibility at 800-342-3009.

TIPS FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

• Undocumented parents can safely access benefits for citizen children.

• Accessing food stamps, health insurance, WIC, and public housing will not affect immigration status

• All families with children ................
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