SHIBA HelpLine News Flash
SHIBA HelpLine News Flash is published biweekly, or more frequently for time-sensitive health insurance news. Please pass this information on to others who may be interested. To contribute items, e-mail Donna Wells, editor at donnaw@oic.wa.gov.
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April 24 , 2008 (PDF 23Kb)
- Reminder about COBRA and Medicare.
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) releases 2008 benefits handbook.
- Free Hepatitis B information and screening for Vietnamese community.
- Reminder – be aware of local Medicare phone scam.
April 9 , 2008 (PDF 25Kb)
- Wrong billing and due dates appear on Medicare's Premium Billing Notices for April.
- Helping folks newly eligible for Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy or LIS).
- Governor signs individual health insurance bill into law.
- Online list shows people and businesses excluded from doing business with HHS.
- Upcoming statewide workshops help people apply for U.S. citizenship.
March 26, 2008 (PDF 25Kb)
- Reminder: Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans ends March 31.
- Medicaid "Tamper Proof" prescription requirement takes effect April 1, 2008.
- Names of legitimate organizations used as part of scams.
- New income guidelines for Department of Social and Health Services programs.
- Reminder: Medicare eligibility separate from Social Security retirement income eligibility.
- Fifth annual Voices of Children Contest.
March 6, 2008 (PDF 32Kb)
- Social Security Administration notifies small group of low-income Medicare Part D clients they will lose Extra Help.
- People with Social Security and veterans' benefits must file 2007 tax return to receive economic stimulus check.
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness Week occurs March 10-17, 2008.
- SHIBA HelpLine sponsor in Benton-Franklin counties offers volunteerism workshops.
Feb. 15, 2008 (PDF 19Kb)
- WSHIP notifies its clients about changes to the Standard Health Questionnaire.
- 2008 Federal Poverty Level chart now online.
- Grant and Resource Coordinator position opens with SHIBA HelpLine.
Jan. 31, 2008 (PDF 27Kb)
- Now available - Federal Poverty Level numbers.
- Medicare makes change to Medicare Summary Notices.
- CMS places marketing and enrollment freeze on several Health Net plans.
Jan. 17, 2008 (PDF 19Kb)
- Multi-state market conduct exam shows multiple problems with health carrier.
- Department of Social and Health Services issues a Request for Proposal for "Patient Navigator" program.
Jan. 8, 2008 (PDF 27Kb)
- Washington state's Mental Health Parity law take effect Jan. 1, 2008.
- Reminder about the Point-of-Sale Facilitated Enrollment Process for people with Medicare and Extra Help or Medicaid.
Jan. 4, 2008 (PDF 29Kb)
- Tips to assist clients with navigating Medicare Part D.
- Reminder about Part D Transition Policy.
- Steps clients may take if a Part D drug is not on the plan's drug list when coverage takes effect.
- Medicare vaccine changes in 2008.
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