GP\ G1 to30:l) 4- (Y\\ \ C\ ~\ .'K4- e ur ui e FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES I . AND THEIR FAMILIES IN GEORGIA This is a publication of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities for Georgia in collaboration with the Institute on Human Development and Disability at The UniversitY of Georgia. Produced ~nder grant #G-9901-GABSll from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration on Children & Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 3-210 Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 (404) 657-2126; Fax (404) 657-2132 Toll Free: 1-888-275-4233 http://www.ga-ddcouncil.org/ Sherry Lee, Editor Institute on Human Development and Disability a unit of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences The University of Georgia First printing December 1999 "Independence, productivity and inclusion are key ele,rlentsJor people with disabilities. Independence is thle extent to which we assert control and choice ove1 our lives. Productivity allows us to contribute to households and communities. Inclusion or inte$ation make community resources available to ALL \people allowingJor contact and interactions with others. " -. Tools For Life, Section 1, page 12 Acknowledgements I would like tp thank all agencies that provided updated information for this resource guide. I also wish to thank Iris McUvaine and Marcey DoIgoff who directed the rlpdate process and John Weber who provided technical and editorial assi~tance. . \ - Sherry Lee GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES February 10, 2003 , Attention Resource <:;uide Patron: . . The Governor's counhil on Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing the most current and accurate ~fonnation possible to all ofGeof!~ia's citizens. In an effort to prov~de such infonnation, the Council has produced this small supplement for Resource Guide users so that you may supplkt the infonnation on the service delivery system. The Council has plans to completely u~date the Resource Guide during 2003, however this infonnation is essential to navigating! the system as it stands today. . ~f There have been seve1 changes in,the state service delivery system since the publishing this Resource Guide irl1999. Legislation was passed in 2002 renaming the Division of I Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse to the Division of Mental Retardation, Develo~m~ntalDisabilities, and Addictive Disease (MHDDAD). In addition to the name change, the Regional structtire has shifted from 13 to 7 Regions, and the numbe~ of Communi~Service Board~ (CSB) has been r~duced. Please substitute the attached supplement for pages 13-21 In the Resource GUIde. Thank you and as always, please feel free to contact the Council should you have any questions. . Th1 Governor's Council on Jevelopmental Disabilities 2 Peachtree Street, N.W. Suite 8-210 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 657-2126 1-888-ASK-GCDD (Toll Free) (404) 657-2133 TDD www.gcdd.org Lynnette W. Bragg, Chairperson Eric E. Jacobson, Executive Director . Eighth Floor Suite 210 Two Peachtree Street, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 657-2126 Fax (404) 657-2132 TOD (404) 657-2133 Toll Free (888) 275-4233 CONTENTS Th~ Resource Guide for Peo{lIe with Disabilities and their Families m Georgia . A User's Guide ~ ..5 PART I - Jaws and Service Delivery Systems .. for pe11e with Disabilities . Developmental Disability Systems Important riws Affecting People with Disabilities Department 1of Human Resources Department 1of Community Healt~ Regional and Community Boards Developmen1tal Disabilities Network Georgia Te~porary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) . . ' l . Medicaid (IJdex, pages 31-33) ; ~; Medicare (Index, page 73) ; ~ 13 15 ~ 16 ~ 17 22 27 35 75 Social seculty Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) 87 Supplementall Security Income (551) ........................................92 Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Adults with Disabilities : 98 Social securitY Administrative Offices :; 101 Rehabi1itati~n Services Division. of RIbhabilitation Services .~ 107 DRS Office Locations 111 . Rehabl'Il'tatl.onI Fac'l1l"tles ;. 116 I 3 Children's Supports Children's Medical Services (CMS) District CMS Offices ; Early Intervention ; Resources for Adoptions 123 126 128 o 132 Part II - Support Networks Education .Educational Assistance 137 Educational Scholarships 141 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) 146 Employment Employment 151 Housing Housing Resources Independent Living ', ,'155 it 1 6 0 " 0, Resources Cultural Diversity and Disability Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network Information and Referral Services Libraries and Research Centers 165 166 167 o 171 Sources for free and Reduced-Cost care in Georgia (Index, page 175)........................................................................... 177 Support Services . Computer and Related Technology Financial Planning ~ ~ 203 205 Le,gal Assista.nce........................................................................208 Sports Aetivities ~ 210 13x Exemptions 212 Telecomm.unications..~ 213 navel Opportunities....................................................................214 Advocacy a n d S , uppor t Group s.......,..................................221 o 4 A User's Guide, ' .' Who should use this book? Promoting indepenaence, productivity and community integratio~ for people with disabilities is a major aim of the <;Jovernor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. This book provides people with disabi1itie~ and their families, friends and advocates with information to discover and access the funding, sJpports, counselor assistance, and services they need to experience independence, productivity and indusion. ntis book can also be used by providers, service coordinators, cbmmunity developers, social workers, supe~isors, physicians, and direct-care service wo~kers as a resource in planning with people *ith disabilities and coordinating services ~mong providers to meet. the needs and support the dreams of consumers and families. Developing a Resource Plan Resources are limited in Georgia; therefore, it may take a while to lorlate the appropriate resources for which a petson is eligible, assemble the necessary informaqon and documentation required, apply for assistance and wait for assistance to begin. It will h1elp to think about what kind of resource a persf>n is .looking for (residential, social, medical, inqependent living, supported employment, vocational, educational or general financial, etc.) and make some notes. Once I having decided on the kinds of support a person . is looking for, it's time tIo get started. , Getting Started I If a person needs help with reading, I writing, planning or using the telephone, ask someone to help. Get a pencil or pen and a pad of paper, a calendar, and develop, a!list of questions to get the most out of each request for information. Begin by making a li~t of the kinds of supports and services a person n~eds. Then, using the list , I . as a guide, look througJi the table of contents to i I I I see if there are any programs or information sources that may meet these needs and either list them or check them in the table of contents. Read through these topics one at a time to see if the program can provide what the person needs and to see if he/she meets their basic eligibility requirements. Use a separate sheet of paper to record contact information for programs for which the person meets basic eligibility requirements. If nothing seems appropriate when looking through the table of contents the first time, look back through and begin reading through different topics until something that seems relevant to the person's needs is found. Check to see if the person meets the criteria. Then add these programs to the contact list. Getting information about the right'program can be frustrating. Some program information lines are so busy that it can take a long time to get through to reach a menu and especially to get to talk to someone who can answer questions, give needed information or send the forms that are needed. It is sometimes difficult to find a resource for which a person is eligible. Be persistent in following through with a plan to obtain information. Don't become discouraged if nothing seems to be the right thing right away. Always make notes of calls and include the name of individual people contacted. Jot down the dates of calls; it will be helpful if the agency must be contacted again. Sometimes a call to one agency can lead to many other resources so keep a pad and pendl handy to record any new referrals that are given. Ask for the telephone number and the name of a person to contact when given a referral. This saves lots of time. Almost all programs and funding sources require a person to provide certain basic information and documentation in order to process an application and determine eligibility for program benefits. It will save time and aggravation to gather ,some basic information before beginning to make direct contacts with agencies. Some 5 agencies may allow application by telephone and then request that the person mail proof of his/her statements later. Following is a list of basic information that may be requested when a person calls to ask for information or to make an application. What is Needed for an Application? when applying for financial help from state/ federal government programs, a person will need specific information. This includes records that will verify the information given. Some government agencies allow a person to apply by phone and mail proof of his/her statements later. Gather and have as much information as possible you when you call. However, a person should applY even ifhe/she doesn't have all the things listed. Social Security can help obtain whatever documentation is needed. Birth certificate or other proof of age (a census record, insurance policy. a school record. a baptismal record) Payroll slips, bank bookS, insurance policies, car registration, burial fund records Social Security card or record of the number Letters or forms that shows the person's income from SoCial Security, 551, Veterans Administration (VA), retirement or other sources of income Insurance policies. bank statements (checking and savings) Information about property the person owns or is buying or having transferred Information about the home where the person lives, such as the person's mortgage or lease and landlord's name Health insurance information Medical and nonmedical records describing the physical and mental condition of the person .with the disability Names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics that have treated the person with the disability Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status l,)npaid medical bills If married, a marriage certificate What to say when contacting a resource or agency. . When contacting an agency, explain the needs of the person with the disability as clearly as possible. Make sure to speak with the appropriate o person so everything does not have to be repeated if the call must be transferred to another person. Once. the service provider suggests a program that might fit the person's needs, ask questions. Here is a list of questions that will help obtain the essential information about the program. Who is eligible? What are the limitations of the program or agency? (What doesn't the agency cover?) 'TYpes of services covered? What is the application process? Is there an application deadline? What information will the agency want? What records are needed; should they be originals or copies? Is an agency referral required for a person to take part in this program? . ~hat information can you send about this program? Is there an appeal process if a person's application gets turned down? Do you know of other programs or agencies that might help? Remember to keep notes about what a person needs handy to helpyou answer questions about what kind Q/funding/resources are being sought. o Making COntact and Gathering Information The next step is to begin contacting the programs or funding sources identified in the preliminary search. Go to the contact list and begin to contact the programs/agencies identified that may be able to offer funding, support or services. Which Program Should be COntacted First? One way to begin is by contacting major public programs such as Medicaid. Medicare, Social Security, Rehab or Children's Services that were listed. Or, begin by looking through the section on Advocacy/Resources. A local advocacy group or a group dealing with a specific disability or. type of service can be a potential source of assistance in the search for services and supports. o For people with disabilities, an important part of the process of searching for resources can be to learn how to advocate for and speak up for oneself. Being assertive can help people with 6 disabilities and others who are helping them to obtain necessary inforrhation. Many advocacy groups can help peoplelwith disabilities and others who want to assist them learn and practice advocacy skills. They ritay be able to provide someone who has had ~ome experience in searching for supports or se~ices to help you with a person's search for resources. They may have information on grants 6r other funding sources. Remember to keep t~ack of contacts with agencies/resources afte1r the application and necessary paperwork haI s been filed. Resource Guide Users, Please Note... This guide is an attempt to compile. in one place. a wide variety lof information about resources available to people with disabilities in Georgia. It is by nb means a complete listing of resources availablb. It would be impossible. given budget and siz~ constraints. to compile a complete listing of re~ources. Also. new re- sources are constantly being developed and existing resources are constantly changing so that by the time ths rbsoufce guide is printed I and disseminated. it is likely that some of the information containetJ herein will have become obsolete. If you come across an error. find out about a change or know of a resource that you think should be listed in th~ next revision of this I book. please share this information with .I Marcey Dolgoff at (404) 657-2130 or by e-mail: mldolgoff@dhr.state.ga.us By definition. then. this resource guide is incomplete. The choice of which programs to list and which to leave out was largely a function of the information that was readily available to the compiler and reflects neither a recommendation of those programs that are listed. nor any slight to those whose names do not appear in this guide. It is the hope of those who have worked on this project that the information contained in this guide will be helpful to people with disabilities and their families as they search for services and supports that can assist with community integration and improve the quality of their lives. 7 II . Laws and Service , Delivery Systems for People . With Disabilities . II Developmental Disabilities Systems Important Lr'ws Aff~,cting People with Disabilities Rehabili~ation Section 504 of'thl Act of 1973 This law ~as the first federal civil rights law to protect people with disabilities. Its language is very similar to other civil rights legislation applying to discrimination on the basis of race and ~ex. The Law "establishes a mandate to end discrimination and to bring handicapped persdns into the mainstream of American life." It provides that: I I No otherwise qualified handicappedperson shall on the basis ofhandicap, be excludedfrom pafticipation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be 'Subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives or benefits from Federal fimanClQ. I assi.stancIe. The final r~gulations for Section 504 were published in the May.4, 1977 issue of the Federal Regist~r, Vol. 42, No. 86. A copy can be obtained through yoUr Representative in Congress or by contacting: I Regional Director United States Department of Education I Office for Civil Rights, Region IV G+ 61 Forsyth!Street SW, Suite 19T70 Atlanta, 3030~ (404) 562-6350 I The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA +as signed into law in 1990 (pL 101-336). The ADA is much like Section 504 of the ~ehabilitation Act of 1973 and extends civil rights protection to persons with disabilities in private sector employment, public services, public accommodation, trlmsportation, and telecommunications. Under ADA a person with a disability is one w40 1) has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits that person in a major life activity; 2) has a record of such an impairment; or 3) who is regarded as having!such an impairment. Though the law was enacted in 1990, not all parts went into effect at the same time; specific requirements are still being clarified. Copies and inform~tion regarding The Americans with Disabilities Act are available from: I, ADA Techriical Assistance Program Southeast ~iI sability and Business Technical Assistance Center 490 Tenth Street Atlanta, G~ 30309 I' (800) 949-4Q32 (V/TIY) (404) 385-0M1 (Fax) I' Individuals with qisabilities Education Act (IDEA) IDEA is an important federal law, because it requires that a free and appropriate I public education, which includes special education and related services, be available to children and youth With disabilities in mandated age ranges. It also includes a section titled Part H; whichl provides for services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Signed into law on October 8, 1986, the Amendments to the Education of the 13 Handicapped Act (EHA), this legislation is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legislation has been subsequently updated through amendments. Copies of IDEA are available from your representative in Congress or from the ADA Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center whose address is listed in the section above on the Americans With Disabilities Act. These three laws, defined above, and their accompanying amendments and regulations contain important provisions to protect the rights ofpeople withdisabilities to education, to work and to live in the community. Litigation to enforce the rights ofpiwple with disabilities is often based on the provisions ofthese three laws. Work In~entives Improvement Act of 1999 . An important piece of legislation passed Congr~ss in 1999. The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 was designed to r~move legislative barriers and provide legislative incentives for people with disabilities to work. This bill, called The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (S.331), is "to amend the Social Security Act to expand the availability of health care coverage for working individuals with disabilities, to establish a Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program in the Social Security Administration to provide such individuals with meaningful opportunities to work, and for other purposes." S.331 will: ~ Expand State options under Medicaid for workers with disabilities ~ Continue Medicaid coverage for working individuals with disabilities ~ Establish grants to develop and implement state infrastructures to support working individuals with disabilities I . . ~ Demonstrate coverage of workers with potentially severe disabilities ~ EstablishTicket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program ~ Prohibit the use of work activity as a basis for review of an individual's disabled status ~ Expedite eligibility determinations for ~pplications of former long-term beneficiaries that completed an extended period of eligibility ~ Establish state grants for work incentives assistance to disabled beneficiaries ~ Extend disability insurance program demonstration project authority ~ Establish demonstration project providing for reductions in disability insurance benefits based on earnings. Department of Human Resources www.dhr.state.ga.us Through the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), millions of Georgians receive health care, protection, fmancial assistance, treatment and rehabilitation for disabling conditions. DHR has many divisions: Aging Services, Public Health, Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) and Family and Children's Services. Also within DHR are the Office of Regulatory Services, Office of Human Resource Management, Office of Fraud and Abuse, Office of Adoptions, Office ofRural Health and the Office of Technology and Support, Information Technology Section. To get on the Department's mailing list for public 14 0 o o hearing announcements, call or email Joel Stanley at (404) 656-4742 or . wjs@dhr.state.ga.~. The Office ofCommuilications is the information center for DHR. The office producJs a wide range of community awareness and educational materials including fact sheclts and public service announcements. For more information about I DHR, call (404) 656-4937 or explore their Web site at www.dhr.state.ga.us I '. Division ofMental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases I The Divisi6n of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases serves pebple with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance , I abuse problems. The division serves all age groups ~d those with the most severe problems. These problems are likely to be long-term and those suffering from these long- terms problems have no other sources ofhelp. The State of Georgia is divided into seven regions for the administration of services. Individrn\.ls seeking services and resources for people with mental retardation and/or developmerital disabilities should contact the local Regional Board Office (see page 1) to vary from rfeingdI.oonuttoIUrteegeInotnr.y point for these services for their region. Services offered may What services doJ this Division fund? ~ ResidentiallSupports: I o Assistance in the family home to care for and train a family member with I MR{DD o Assistance in a home in which a Iconsumer may live without staff, but who I , . needs intermittent assistance in maintaining and developing independence. o Su~rvision and training in a staffed residence ~ Day SupporIts o Traihing in the areas of work, personal care and socialization o Supports to obtain and succeed ih community employment ~ Respl.te Se"lI,.ces I o Pro~ided in the family home o ProVrided in a respite employee's home or respite facility ~ Family Support o For ihdividuals and families with autism or other developmental disa~ilities . What fund Sources Le available' for these services? I ~ State tax dollars which are called grant-in-aid allocations 1 ~ Federal tax dollars which are allocated through the Social Services Block Grant ~~~ I . ~ Some counties provide local funds ~ Some non-ptofitassociations may provide charitable contributions ~ Families and consumers are sometimes requested to pay for all or part of some I services ~ Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers - a mix of federal and state tax I dollars What is a "Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver"? 15 Traditionally, Medicaid has restricted non-medical services to people with MR/DD to only those residents of long-term care facilities. Georgia has an agreement with Medicaid to waive that restriction and is allowed to fund non-medical services (such as the services listed abo\;'e) to people with MRlDD who live in our communities. Georgia has two waiver agreements with Medicaid for people with MRlDD o The Mental Retardation Waiver Program (MRWP - which started in 1989) This includes an option for 'Natural Support Enhancement' or Family or Natural Support o The Community Habilitation and Support Services Waiver Program (CHSSWP) - which started with the closure of Brook Run in 1997) What services are available for me or my family member? All ofthe services ljsted above may be funded by any fund source named above. The MRlDD intake staff ofthe regional board will let applicants know which services are available when a request for services is' made. ' Eligibility for Grant-in-Aid funded service or for Social Services Block Grant is met by anyone diagnosed with some type of mental retardation prior to adulthood. Over 80% ofthe people with MRlDD in government funded services are funded by either State Grant-in-Aid funds or federal Social Services Block Grant funds. Eligibility for both ofthe two waivers has three components: 1) must be diagnosed with some type of mental retardation prior to adulthood 2) must be Medicaid eligible (Medicaid eligibility is determined by the county Department of Family and Children Services. The MRlDD intake staff'can assist you with this contact or tum to page 65.) 3) must require the same level of care as that provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICFIMR). Less than 20% ofthe people with MR/DD in government funded services are funded, by Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers. . Only a limited number of people may be funded with waiver funds during each year. Grant-in-Aid and Social Services Block Grant funds may serve any number of people, but each region must not exceed their budgeted amount for services. Beginning in December of 1998, a statewide coalition called the Unlock the Waiting Lists! Campaign began supporting all people with disabilities including the developmentally disable~ to influence members of the Georgia General Assembly to augment the state's budget to provide more money for home and community-based services so that people will no longer have to wait years for services for which they are eligible. For the latest information on the campaign, call 877-WAITLIST. If you would like to become involved in advocating for increased funding for home and community based services, call Heidi Fernandez or Grace Fricks at 877-WAITLIST, fricks@alltel.net). Correspondence on this issue should be addressed to: Unlock the Waiting Lists! Campaign C/O GCDD 2 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 8-210 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Will the services I request be immediately available? 16 o o o The number of people requesting services and the cost of services often I . exceed the fundingIand capacity of government funded services. The R~gional MHMRSA Boards have lists pfpeople who are not receiving the services they need. I When funds become available for services, people on the planning lists who are dethmined to be the most in need are given the opportunity to choose a provid~r and arrange for services to begin. . I Department Of Community Health Georgia'~o~unity (~H) On April 19, 1999l a new agency called the Health was created. Consolidating four agencies involved in purchasing, planning and regulating health care, GCH fuegan operation on July ,1, 1999. Gary Redding is now the appointed I Commissioner of6CH. ' Among its bany challenges, GCH will ensure that quality health care setvices are provided to a widel variety of individual state employees, their dependents and retirees; and the . agency IaSgreeds,polonwSl-t1iinleco.~lmore: , blind, and people with disabilities ~. . on Medicaid. This . new Insuring dearly 2 nnllion individuals - 30% ofGeorgia's population; Administ~,ring a budget of more than $5 billion; , Planning for coverage of uninsured Georgians, currently estimated at 1.3 million I people; ., ' Administering funds from the tobacco settlement; and .Coordinatfug all health planning for state agencies. The most lportant components ofthis new agency for people with disabilities , and their families J.re: The Divisidn of Medical Assistance, which provides Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids health benefitk and administers the Indigent Care Trust Fund. Division of!Health Planning, which performs the functions of the former State Health Planning Agency (SHPA) that administers the certificate-of-need program, approves the expansion of health care facilities, plans for new services, purchases major medical equipmen~ and constructs new facilities. Selected health care providers in Georgia (including :some providers of services to people with disabilities) must apply for a certificate-of-need to demonstrate that a proposed health care project is necessary to meet community ntkds; and, I Office of Wpmen's Health, which is responsible for developing a comprehensive state plan to address women's health issues. . State govelent is in the process ofreorganizing many health care functions. Many additional chbges are 8;I1ticipated. 1 Regional Boards Seven regional boards plan and coordinate mental health, developmental I disabilities, and addictive disease services across the state. Services are provided by 17 seven state hospitals and one mental retardation institution and through contracts with communitY service boards, boards of health and private providers; The seven regional boards appointed by county commissioners are required by law to have at least half their membership be consumers or family members. These boards are responsible for identifying needs, planning and coordinating both hospital and community services, contracting with public and private providers for services, monitoring serviceoutcomes and ensuring consumer satisfaction. Individuals who are interested in advocacy and public service may consider preparing to become a candidate for the next vacancy their county has on the regional board. I Community Service Boards Community Service Boards (CSBs) are public providers responsible for mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disease services. CSBs are also mandated to draw at leaSt half of their membership from consumers and family members. \ CSBs receive their funding from contracts offered by the Regional Boards. This power over funding gives Regional Boards greater control over the quality and types of services provided by the CSBs and private providers in their geographic area. Currently there are more than 20 CSB's, however the state has proposed to decrease the number in order to cut costs. Community service boards provide a broad range of services to people in their home communities, including outpatient services; residential services; day programs for treatm~nt of training; crisis intervention and case management. Outpatient services include diagnosis and evaluation, individual, group or family counseling, medication monitoring, and education. I Day programs provide people with disabilities a place to learn basic living, social and work skills. Community residential services provide living arrangements for people with mental illness or mental retardation who cannot ilive at home. They also provide detoxification and treatment programs for people with substance abuse problems. Specialized services for children and adolescents are available in the state. Georgia has expanded community mental health services for emotionally disturbed children and youth to a range of community serVices that help prevent unnecessary hospitalization. All 28 community service areas now have expanded outpatient services, crisis teams that go into the home, day treatment programs and respite care. Twenty one service areas have a full network of services, including therapeutic foster care and therapeutic group homes. - Outdoor Therapeutic Programs in Warm Springs and Cleveland serve troubled young people in isolated camplike settings. -Four state hospitals offer short-term evaluation and treatment for emotionally disturbed children and teens. - Two state hospitals in Columbus and Rome offer long-term treatment for severely emotionally disturbed teenagers through the state Multi Agency Team for Children (MATCH) program. - State supported treatment services for youth with substance abuse problems are available in many of the community service areas. These include day treatment, 18 o o o , after school and on weekends, family counseling and education, and student assistance drograms in schools to help identify young people with problems early. Eight residcintial programs serve youngsters with the most severe alcohol and J drug-related problems. I More and more regional boards are contracting with providers in their regions to provide . support services fo~ people with severe, chronic mental illness and people in crisis within their local areas. Since 1987, Georgia has been developing a network of community serviyes to help pe<{ple with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses live in the community and avdid repeated hospitalizations. To ~te, 16 of28 community mental health programs ha~e been fully funded for the new services; 12 have been partially funded. When hospitalization is required, it is provided by state hospitals serving specific geographic regions bd through contracts with private hospitals. The hospitals have traditionally treatedlpeople with severe, chronic mental illness and people with alcohol or drug crises. UsuallY', patients in crisis are hospitalized for a short time until they are stable and can returh to community treatment programs. DHR closed the Georgia Mental Health Institute (GNrnI) in Atlanta in June of 1998. In December 1997, Brook Run, an institution serving Jnly people with mental retardation was closed. State hospiulls also provide forensic services: court-ordered evaluations ofpeople charged with a crimb before trial, and inpatient treatment for those who are found incompetent to stan~ trial or "not guilty by reas~n of insanity." Here is a listing of state hospitals and their I locations. Hospital/lnstitution I Georgia Regional Hospital-Atlanta J Georgia Regional Hospital-Augusta J Georgia Regional Hospital-Savannah Gracewood State Sbhool & Hospital (MR) Southwestern Stat~ Hospital Northwest Georgia\Regional Hospital West Central Georgia Regional Hospital Central State Hospital Location Atlanta Augusta Savannah Augusta Thomasville Rome Columbus Milledgeville How to contact your Regional Board ld separa~ed Use the following Map Charts to locate your Region and Community Service Board by County. 19 o o o Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases REGIONAL OFFICES, REGIONAL HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARDS Revised January 9, 2002 Re ion NORTH REGION . . . Counti~s bf,.r;f;'~'j:ri" SelVic~ Area Charles Fetner Regional Coordinator (effective 1/1/03) Sarah Grim Regional Services Administrator (effective 2/10/03) 420 South Erwin Street Suite A Cartersville, GA 30120 Phone 770-387-5411 FAX 770-387-5417 - Tom Muller, M.D. Regional Hospital Services Administrator Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital 1305 Redmond Circle Rome, Georgia 30161 Phone (706) 295-6246 Fax 706 802-5454 Catoosa Chattooga Dade Walker Bartow Cherokee Fannin Floyd Gilmer Gordon Haralson* Murray Paulding Pickens Polk Whitfield *Haralson County receives many MHDDAD services from Haralson Behavioral Health Services operated by the Board of Health. Lookout Mountain Community Services Highland Rivers Community Service Board Tom Ford, Ph.D. Klay Weaver P.O. Box 1027 laFayette, GA 30728-1027 Telephone: (706) 638-5584 FAX: (706) 638-5585 1710 White House Drive, Suite 204 Dalton, Georgia 30720 Telephone: (706) 270-5000 FAX (706) 270-5124 . Commerce Location: Banks Dawson Georgia Mountains Community Services Boyd McLocklin P.O. Box 1317 Gainesville, GA 30503-1317 236 Industrial Park Drive Forsyth Telephone: (770) 535-5403 Commerce, GA 30529 Franklin - - - - I - - - P h o n e - 7 0 6 - 3 3 6 - 6 8 2 2 - - -I- H a b ersha m-- - - - - - - -I- - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - _oL800:525:8151 1 800-347-5827 (Emergency and Night 1 FAX 706-335-5240 Hall Number) Hart Lumpkin Rabun Stephens Towns Union White FAX 770-535-5859 o Re ion NORTH REGION Continued Marietta Location: 2137-Kingston Court, S.E. Suite 108 Marietta, GA 30067 Phone 770-916-2100 FAX 770-916-2102 .. CoiJnties in .Servic.~ Arf!a Cobb Douglas o Cobb County Community Services Board . Ted atron Douglas County Community services Ted Otron Board o 361 N. Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060-1400 Telephone: (770) 429-5000 FAX 770-528-9824 361 N. Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060-1400 Telephone: (770) 429-5000 FAX 770-528-9824 Re ion ME-TRO REGION Counties in ; Servic;:e Area Eamestine Pittman Fulton Regional Coordinator (effective 1/16/03) Paul vander Straeten Regional Services Administrator - (effective 1/16/03) Citizens Trust Building 75 Piedmont Ave, 11th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone 404-463-6367 FAX 404-463-6369 Ron Hogan Regional Hospital Services - Administrator Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta 3073 Panthersville Road Decatur, Georgia 30037 Phone (404) 243-2110 Fax (404) 212-4621 Clayton Location: 211 Prime Point, Bldg 1, Ste. A Peachtree Oty, GA 30269-3334 Phone 770-254-7474 FAX (770) 254-7479 Oayton \ 'r~f;~(t'f";~1;::;H):~i;"::;:0::~\!i~;('::~~:' ,j'!;;;!,~ij\iP"~'Address and -Qh~ector'>'; ",:(l : Tele hOI1~:Nuinber .. Fulton County Community Service Board Steven R. Katkowsky, M.D. 1249 Bankhead Avenue, N.W. Suite 138 Atlanta, Georgia 30318 ~Qlli:: (404) 870-3635 - FAX 404-870-3626 Oayton Community MH, AD Developmental Services Board Jimmy Wiggins 112 Broad Street Jonesboro, GA 30236-1919 Telephone: (770) 478-2280 FAX: (770) 477-9772 o Re ion METRO REGION Continued DeKalb Location: 4329 Memorial Drive Suite K Decatur, GA 30032 Phone 404-298-4990 FAX 404-298-4994 DeKalb Snellville Location: 2311C Henry Clower Blvd. Snellville, GA 30078-3107 Phone 770-972-6305 1-800-371-5011 FAX 770-972-0324 Gwinnett Newton Rockdale o DeKaib Community service Board R. Derril Gay, Ph.D. GRN Community. Service Board Bobby Robbins o and :,(~'~,;;'\':';;i'Address;- -::'"":,:,:,:,,.":, I ';T~leI10ne:N"'mber _ 445 WinnWay Room 464 Decatur, GA 30030-1707 or P. O. Box 1648 Decatur, GA 30032 Telephone (404) 294-3836 (Switchboard) 294-3834 FAX 404-508-7795 P.O. Box 687 Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0687 Telephone: (770) 339-5019 FAX 770-339-5382 !! Region WEST CENTRAL REGION Gregory C Hoyt Regional Coordinator (effective 1/1/03) Michael Swingle Regional Services Administrator (effective 2/1/03) 3800 Schatulga Road Columbus, GA 31907-3118 Phone 706-568-5281 FAX 706-569-3140 ~ Counties in .. Address .and .'" "_,i,/' ..,.,. :'.:;"'i';:::"i'"rt:::T~'iT;:;;~j;l\1;t:j;~~2:~:!'~f,:;i;:'~i:!;#iW':i:~L';":j:\~~ji::i;':\'i~T)~:,j!::~~';'",;;",i "::*:;:'!:!~':"'~":'< ", ;.- "i' Service Area - C58 Name>: ".. 'csa Director TeleDhone Number Chattahoochee Clay . Harris Muscogee Quitman. Randolph Stewart Talbot New Horizons Community Services Board Peny Alexander P.O. Box 5328 Columbus, GA 31906-0328 Telephone: (706) 596-5583 FAX 706-596-5589 James Jackson Regional Hospital SerVices Administrator West Centr~1 Georgia Regional Hospital. 3000 Schatulga Road Columbus, Georgia 31907 Phone (706) 568-5203 Fax (706) 568-2257 1-----.-------------- ------------- -------------1------------------- Crisp Dooly Macon Marion Schley Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare Pam Davis P.O. Drawer 1348 Americus, GA 31709-1348 Telephone: (229) 931-2470 FAX 229-931-2474 Sumter Taylor Webster Peachtree City Location: Carroll Pathways Center for Behavioral and Joan Turner 120 Gordon Commerdal Drive, Suite Coweta Developmental Growth A LaGrange, GA 30240-5740 211 Prime Point, Bldg 1, Ste. A Peachtree City, GA 30269-3334 Phone 770-254-7474 Heard Meriwether Troup Telephone: (706) 845-4045' FAX (706) 845-4341 ----I----FAX-(nO)-254=-7479---!I------------I-------------1------------1------------1- Bulls Fayelle Henry Lamar Pike Spaulding Upson Mcintosh Trail Community Service Board Cathy Johnson 1501-A Kalamazoo Drive Griffin, GA 30224 Telephone: (770) 358-5252 FAX (770) 229-3223 o CENTRAL REGION Ralph McCuin Regional Coordinator (effective 2/16/03) Arthur Carder Regional Services Administrator (effective 2/16/03) 103 B Mercer Drive Dublin, GA 31021 Phone 478-274-7912 FAX 478-274-7915 _ Marvin Bailey Regional Hospital Services Administrator . Central State Hospital Powell Building Milledgeville, Georgia 31062 Phone (478) 445-4128 Fax (478) 445-6034 Bleckley Dodge Johnson Laurens Montgomery Pulaski Telfair Treutlen Wheeler Wilcox Bibb Jones Monroe Twiggs Crawford Houston Peach Baldwin Hancock Jasper Putnam Washington Wilkinson o o Community Service Board of Middle Georgia Patsy Thomas, Ed.D. River Edge Behavioral Health Center Frank Fields Phoenix Center Behavioral Health Services Don Blair Oconee Community Service Board John Prather 2121 A Bellevue Road Dublin, GA 31021-2998 Telephone: (478) 272-1190 FAX 478-275-6509 175 Emery Highway Macon, GA 31217-3692 Telephone: (478) 751-4515 FAX 478-752-1040 P.O. Box 2866 Warner Robins, GA 31099-2866 Telephone: (478) 322-4058 Director=s Phone: (478) 322-4059 FAX 478-322-4085 P.O. Box 1827 Milledgeville, GA 31059-1827 Telephone: (478) 445-4817 FAX 478-445-4963 Re ion EAST CENTRAL REGION Vacant Regional Coordinator M. Andrew McCollum Regional Services Administrator (effective 1/1/03) . 1056 Claussen Road Suite 212 Augusta. GA 30907 Phone 706-667-4833 Toll free 1-866-380-4835 FAX 706-667-4840 Ben Walker Regional Hospital Services Administrator Georgia Regional Hospital at Augusta 3405 Old Savannah Road Augusta, Georgia 30906 Phone (706) 792-7019 Fax (706) 792-7041 ," 'Counties in'~:''':''; -Service Area " Columbia Lincoln McDuffie Richmond Taliaferro Warren Wilkes Burke -Emanuel Glascock Jefferson Jenkins Screven Community Service Board of East Central Georgia Mike Brockman Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services J. Frank Brantley ____I Gail Jackson, Interim Regional Hospital Services Administrator Gracewood State School and Hospital 100 Myrtle Boulevard Gracewood, Georgia 30812 1 -'-P"'hoo::nc:"...e(706)~7~9~0-~20~3~0'-- _ _ Fax 706 790-2025 Commerce Location~ . 236 Industrial Park Drive Commerce, GA 30529 Phone 706-336-6822 FAX 706-335-5240 Barrow Clarke Elbert Greene Jackson Madison Morgan Oconee Oglethorpe Walton, 1 Advantage Behavioral Health Systems 1 ---'- Terry Tellefson 3421 Mike Padgett Highway Augusta. GA 30906-3815 Telephone: (706) 432-7800 (Secretary-Yvonne) - FAX 706-432-3791 P.O. Box 1259 Swainsboro. GA 30401-1259 Telephone: (478) 289-2522 FAX 478-289-2544 1_.-:- _ 250 North Avenue , Athens. GA 30601-2244 Telephone: (706) 542-9739 FAX 706-542-9681 o o Re ion SOUTHWEST REGION David Sofferin Regi9nal Coordinator (effective 1/16/03) Ken Brandon Regional Services Administrator (effective 1/1/03) 200 West Oglethorpe Boulevard 41h Floor, Suite 402 - Albany. GA 31701 Phone 229-430-3017 FAX 229-430-4098 Beverly Bajerski, Interim Regional Hospital Services Administrator (effective 1/16/03) Southwestern State Hospital 400 Pinetree Boulevard Thomasville, Georgia 31799 Phone (229) 227-3020 Fax (229) 227-2883 Waycross Location: 1123 Church Street Waycross. GA 31501 Phone 912-338-5968 1-800-810-6028 FAX 912-338-5970 . ;,' Counties in Service Area Baker Calhoun Dougherty Early Lee. Miller Terreil Worth Albany Area Community Service Board --,--------,------1--- Colquitt Decatur Grady Mitchell Seminole Thomas The Georgia Pines Community MHDDAD Services John Burns, Ed.D. Robert Jones Ben Hill Berrien Brooks Cook Echols Irwin Lanier Lowndes Tift Turner Behavioral Health Services of South Georgia David McCracken o ":i~'~t;::M:~;~,;.Addte~;and ;\::,i:f::~!'i;i:I;~::: Tele hQneNlimber': P.O. Box 1988 Albany, GA 31702-1988 Telephone: (229) 430-4042 FAX 229-430-4047 ~----------_.,_._---_. .1102 Smith Avenue, Suite K Thomasville, GA 31792-1659 Telephone: (229) 225-4370 FAX 229-225-4374 3120 N. Oak Street Extension Suite C Valdosta, GA 31602-1007 Telephone: (229) 333-7095 FAX 229-333-7093 .. II -.- Region SOUTHEAST REGION Rosa Kamson Regional Coordinator (effective 2/16/03) Catherine E. McRae Regional Services Administrator (effective 1/16/03) Bank of America Plaza 777 Gloucester Street Suite 101 Brunswick; GA 31520 Phone 912-280-6893 FAX 912-280-6896 FrC\nk Drummond, M.D., Interim Regional Hospital Services Administrator Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah 1915 Eisenhower Drive Savannah, Georgia 31406 Phone (912) 356-2045 Fax (912) 351-3550 Counties in Service Area Appling Bulloch Candler Evans Jeff Davis Taltnall Toombs Wayne Bryan Camden Chatham -Effingham Glynn Liberty Long Mcintosh Pineland Area MH, DD and AD Community Service Board June DIPollto Gateway Community Service Board Susan Broome P.O. Box 745 Statesboro, GA 30459-0745 Telephone: (912) 764-6906 FAX 912-489-3058 1000 Commissioners Drive Darien, GA 31305 Telephone: (912) 267-0760 FAX 912-437-9483 Waycross Location: 1123 Church Street Waycross, GA 31501 Phone 912-338-5968 1-800-810-6028 At~inson Bacon Brantley Charlton Clinch - Satilla Community Services Dennis Wool, Ph.D. P.O. Box 1397 Waycross, GA 31502-1397 Telephone: (912) 284-2543 FAX 912-287-6660 - - - - I - - - - - -F-A:X:9.12.-.33.8:-5-97-0 ' - ' - - " -C-of-fee- I - P i e r c e - - - - - - - - ' - - - - I - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - - - - I - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 - Ware o o o Developmental Disabilities Network The Institute on Human Development and I Disability (IHDD) . A University Affiliated Program Newly renamed and ~nsconced in a new posi- tion in the University oflGeorgia community, the Institute had its start as Ithe University Aff1liated Program in 1965 when i~ was established as part of a federal initiative to improve the quality of life for people with disabilltibs and their families. The mission of the UIDD h~ evolved in the past few years into working with :others to further the understanding of the abilities of all peopl~ through education, research and public service. A unit of the College of Family an~ Consumer SCiences since 1989, IHDD is a member; of the American Association of University AffiliafIed Programs, including some 60 universities anq teaching hospitals around the nation. Activities at the IHDD are based on the prindples o1f full community inclu- sion, respect for the uniQue characteristics of an individuals and families,\ the provision of conipe- tency- and value-based educational experiences, and promotion of the prc:Msions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (AdA) and IDEA. The Insti- tute works in close partnbrship with the Governor's Coundl on DJvelopmental Disabilities . of Georgia, the Georgia 1{.dvocacy Office and the Institute's consumer advisory council. The UIDD at . the University of GeorgiaJ has assumed a leader- ship role in the promotio* of independence, produetiyity and integra~on, and inclusion into the community of individuals with developmental disabilities in Georgia by sponsoring: the interdisciplinary preservice preparation of students and fellows, including the preparation of leadership personnel. I . community service activities that include community training and ~ical assistance for people with disabilities, their families, professionals, paraprofessionals, ~dents, volunteers and advocates. Activities inclrlde state-of-the-art direct . services such as family stipport, individual sup- ports. personal assistance services, education. vocational, clinical, health and prevention. dissemination of information and research fmdings, which may include empirical validation of program activities and preservice preparation as well as contributions to the development of new knowledge in the field of developmental disabilities. . SOme ongoing projects include: GeoTgia PAS Corps/Amerlcorps which provides personal assistance services to individuals with disabilities. . Leadership Insdtute on Quaii(}' Person-Centered Development which provides_training and mentored experience in the tools of personcentered development. Regional Renewal Through CoOaboration if .Providers and Advocates which provides traIning for direct-care service providers, their supervisors, people with disabilities, their families and advocates in Northeast Georgia's Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Region 3. Inclusion Through Aetil1ifY-Based Intervention provides training for university students from an interdisciplinary focus, and consultation, training and suppOrt to early childhood professionals. MuIticu/tura/ Resource Network provides cultural resources for coordinators in the state Babies can't Wait network to help them better serve a multicultural population 'lTansition to Postsecondary Education disseminates a transitional video that encourages students with disabilities to use the empowerments of ADA laws as they move toward Postsecondary education. Person-centered PlIlnnin,gJor SChool-Aged Children is a focus which seeks to extend the person-centeredprocess to scbool-age children, fostering school arid neighborhood inclusion. FoOow-Up ifFormer River's Crossing Residents funded research on the lives of former River's . Crossing ICFMR individuals who are now living in 22 .- the community and produced a collection of stories of former residents ~f River's Crossing called Building New lives in the Community and River's Crossing: Transition.lrom Institution to the Com- munity. both documdnts are available from STARS I at (706) 542-3457. Waddie Welcome, it Man Who Could Not Be Denied is the title of ~ videotape conceived and funded by the Instit4te's Training Initiative Project on Aging. This videotape was created to show . tangible results of pet-son-centered planning and community inclusion Ifor persons with severe disabilities and has \\jon regional and national awards. Information about purchasing a copy of this videotape can be lobtained by calling the STARS telephone number listed above. .Telehealth PrQject i~ a project With the CareVision statewide {,jdeo conferencing network . I that links professionals, Babies can't Wait service coordinators, and traihers at the IHDD for early I intervention consultative services in the homes of children and families, land the workplaces of professionals. PrQiect SCEls provides preservice and inservice training of early inte~entionists who work in natural settings (the Home, day care center, etc.) I with children with dis~bi1ities from birth to three years of age. Abuse Awarenes-s, If!evention and Intervention PrQiect provides interdisciplinary training for parents, Child protectiye Services caseworkers and investigators, law enforcement, teachers and school personnel, and .~arly interventionists Children Q/Choice 'CfJlIaborative works to increase the number of adoptions and permanent placements of children lwith disabilities. Interdisdplinary Doctoral Leadership Program provides a preservice l~dership program to train doctoral students from !the departments of Child and Family Development and Special Education at The University of Geor~a National Head Start.{Publlc SChoo/1'ransltion . Evaluation conducts research to determine can whether early benefits ~ttained by Head Start children be maintai1ned as they transition into the public school systertt. Longitudinal Head Sfart llIfects in FamilY With and Without Multiple Children Attending Head I Start Programs conductIs research to better under- stand cumulative I . effects on children and families of participants in Head Start. Better All Together Hand in Hand is a project which is a collaborative effort to train early child care providers and resource and referral personnel in 42 counties. Maternal Communication Factors Related to Child Competence investigates the relationship between maternal communication and the social and cognitive competence of Head Start graduates. Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors helps participants identify possible reasons for challenging behavior in the classroom. Teaching Young Children About Disabilitiesconducts research to determine attitudes of children in day care toward peers with disabilities. Grassroots AdvocaQ' supports the advocacy of people with disabilities, their families, and concerned others; includes the Northeast Georgia Coalition of Disability Advocates (CODA) and People First. Multicultural Coalition on Disability and Dlversi(Y collaborates with agencies whose constituents are at high risk of disability because of socioeconomic status, age, gender, health status, living conditions, or life experience. Americans With Disabilities- Act Training provides ADA technical assistance and training in Northeast Georgia. Systems, 1'raining and Resource ServicesrSJ'ARS) is a mini-dearinghouse for audio-visual and print materials for people with disabilities, families, professionals, service providers, educators and students. Southwes-t Georgia Youth Leadership PrQiect increased leadership for people with disabilities and supporters by developing community leadership organizations in Southwest Georgia. Structural and Attitudinal Change project assists coordination of a service delivery project among unserved and unrepresented groups. How to Contact the IHDD foe More Information IHDD/UGA 850 College Station Road Athens, GA 30602-4806 _ (706) 542-3457; (706) 542-6629 TIY FAX: (706) 542-4815 STARS: (706) 542-3457 E-mail info@uap.uga.edu Web: http://www.uap.uga.edu 23 The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities for Georgia (DD COuncil) Georgia's DD council is the state planning council created by a federal mandate through the Development Disabilities Act. The DD Council is a separate state agency administered by DHR. The Council is charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families to: increase independence, inclusion, integration, and productivity for people with disabilities through such activities as public policy research, analysis, and reform, project demonstrations, and education and training. The DD Council promotes activities and creates opportunities which enable people with developmental disabilities to exercise their right to live, learn, work, and play in the place and manner of their choice and to . attain the highest level of independent living they can attain. The Council endorses programs that make communities more accessible, homes more affordable. employment more realizable, technology 'more available. and that give families more peace of mind about their loved ones with disabilities. The Council prOVides a forum and resources to promote its vision, values. goals, and mission. It influences the direction of public policy at both the state and the federal levels, to foster changes in service provision, to reflect the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and to promote public awareness of those needs. The Council does not provide direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Instead, the Council often acts as a convener for agencies, together with consumers, parents, and advocates to develop coordinated public policies. ,The Council often uses its resources to commission research on policy issues and fund model programs. The Council also funds projects to inform decision makers. legislators, and the general public about developmental disabilities. The Council works with the IHDD and the Georgia Advocacy Office. (termed sister-agencies) to coordinate their efforts and eliminate duplication of effort among the three agenCies. Some of Council's collaborative projects include: Passagero/HB Ii3I/Reauthorization 0/HB IOO'-Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Service Delivery System. During the 1999 Legislative Session, the Council supported advocates who were successful in convincing t~eir legislators to vote to remove the sunset clause which would have terminated the reform of the public mental health. mental retardation and substance abuse system on June 30, 1999. The new law also allows consumers and their families to have more responsive, accessible services; o public managers to move funds where services are most needed; .private providers to be included in the public service network; and, citizens to have better services for their tax dollars. PeachCareJor Kids. The Council, along with several statewide advocacy organizations. faI11ily members and self advocates worked with th~ . General Assembly to guarantee that children with developmental disabilities would receive appropri- ate coverage under legislation supported by the governor to insure a large segment of Georgia's uninsured children, those under 200% of the federal poverty level. This initiative allowed an additional 228.000 children in the state to receive health care. For more information about Peachcare see page 123. Unlock the Waiting Lists! In March of 1998, advocates began a statewide campaign to ensure that the 13.000 Georgians with disabilities and those who are frail and older. who are eligible under Medicaid. would receive home and commu- nity based services. These advocates enlisted the support of the Council and other agencies and o community groups to form a strong partnership to look towards obtaining funding in the 1999 legislative session and beyond. The Council supported the campaign both fiscally and with personnel devoted to creating public awareness of the waiting lists issues. Statewide media efforts will continue on this campaign. For more informa- tion contact Sarita Reddy at (706) 542-6085 or E- mail sareddy@arches.uga.edu. Prqject WINS! This 3-year initiative to promote inclusion in schools across the state began in July of 1998. The project offers a variety of assistance to schools based ,on a growing understanding of what works to help schools improve their capacity to include children with disabilities. Schools from varied locations as well as different levels of indusion are represented in the,network. The project provides technical assistance through a network of consultants who provide direct local support to schools and to teachers and others in classrooms. Sharing information about best o practices for including children with disabilities in schools through conferences, ,workshops and newsletters is an important part of the project. For more information contact Eric Jacobson at (404) 657-2126. 24 Basic Access-in New fome Construction. HB 1277 was introduced during the 1998General Assembly to promote viJitable housing throughout the state by requiring thkt newly constructed homes contain basic accbssibility features: wider clearances for bathroom ldoors and reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars. Advocates worked hard to educate the mem1bers of the Georgia I General Assembly as well as the Governor and Lt. Governor. This measure ~as opposed by the Home Builders Association of Georgia and attempts to create a compromise accJptable to the home builders and advocates faII.led. The measure wa's voted down in a House Chmmittee. A Task Force to Study Handicapped Adcessibility in One and 1\vo Family Dwellin~s w~s formed by the Depart- ment of Community Affairs after a letter of consid- eration was submitted to !them by a disability advocate. Despite efforts to reach consensus or compromise. the final recpmmendation of the task force was that the Home Builder's Association improve its voluntary corltpliance program encour- aging builders to include ~ccessible feiiture in homes. I. Home if Your Own Alliance (HOYO) projects are operating in seven cofumunities in Georgia , I where expertise teams help people with disabilities work with low income hoLsing organizations to obtain mortgage funding to buy homes of their own. For more informatio~ contact Marcey Dolgoff at (404) 657-2130 or E-~ail at mldolgoff@dhr.state.ga.us, Community lrustsJor Ffeople with Disabilities were established by the Georgia General Assembly by legislation. This bill allbws nonprofit organiza- tions to create and manag~ community trusts for people with disabilities. Tfu\ese trusts allow families to set aside money to help individuals purchase services without having aR impact upon Medicaid or 551 funds after family ~ember die. Family members who establish thb trust can put aside money to be used to purcHase services, provide medical or dental care, edJcation. training, or recreational opportunities.!For more information contact Marcey Dolgoff at (404) 657-2130 or E- mail at mldolgoff@dhr.state.ga.us The Adl1ocao/ Alliance ~rqject began in 1996 with the aim of creating a hetwork for advocacy efforts in communities statbwide. This network of grass-roots advocacy groubs has been working to implement change from the local level and up. Advocacy has been signifidantly strengthened I through the collaborative efforts of the members of this Alliance, Outcomes include a promise by the Atlanta Housing Authority to make 20% of their remodeled units and 100% of their ground floor apartments fully accessible. For more infor- mation contact Jerry Stedman at (404) 657-7409. "Partners in Polio/making train a new class of 35 participants every year. People with disabilities and their family members participate in intensive advocacy-building experiences to increase their capacity to become effective advocates. Outcomes from this project include presentations on disabil- ity-related issues by partners in .their home communities and increased participation in legisla- tive advocacy on the state and national levels. For more information contact Jerry Stedman at (404) 657-7409. ., , The Partnership Funds provides Council spon-' sored funding to organizations to sponsor con- sumers and their family members to attend training opportunities' around the 'state: For more information contact Marcey Dolgoff at (404) '657- 2130.' ' Better All Together Corifefences have 'been held ; ,annually for the past four years. These annual , . events provide information to teachers, parents and administrators about best practices for includ- ing children with disabilities in typical classrooms: Teachers, parents and administrators have taken the ideas gathered at these conferences back to their local schools and used the things' they have learned to help devel6p more inclusive educational practices in school districts all over the state. For' more'information contact Eric Jacobson at (4ilit)f Who is eligible for Medicaid? 36 What categories of people are eligil>le for Medicaid? 36 Do income knd property affect eligibnit)' for Medicaid? 37 Chart: Mortthl)f Income and Resource Limits 38 How much !income can a person have and still get Medicaid? 37 What counis as income for Medicaid? .40 What counts as property for Medicaid? .40 Whose incdIme and resources does Medicaid look at? . .41 If someone ihas Medicaid now or received Medicaid in the past, do speci~l income rules allow'them to qualify for Medicaid even if their income is over the usual Medicaid income limits?.....41 When will Medicaid pa)f for nursing home care, commuAI.It)' care or hosp'lce7 ..42 What speci~l Medicaid program helps children .W.ithseiv~d re 'lsab'1l"lties remam. I.n the commum'ty?. .. .. 43 What special Medicaid programs exist for Medicare beneficiaries? 43 Chart: pro~ams for Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries 44 Is there a sttte medical insurance program for children with incd1me over the Medicaid limits? (PeachCare for Kids) .........44 When can people with income over the guidelines qualify for Meditaid and get Medically Needy Spend Down? .45 Chart: Mon~hly Income And Resource Limits 45 Are there other eligibility requirements for receiving Medicaid Ibenefits? 47 May families who are disqualified from receiving TANF welfare pkyments receive Medicaid benefits? : .48 31 o What are Right from the Start Medicaid and Low Income Medicaid? 48 Will Medicaid pay for medical bills incurred prior to the date of application for Medicaid? .48 Where does someone apply for Medicaid? .48 What can someone do if he or she is denied Medicaid? .48 Services How does Medicaid coverage work? .' .49 What services does Medicaid cover? ...............................................49 What screening, diagnosis, and preventative services does Medicaid provide for children? ~ .49 What limits does Georgia place on services for children? 50 What limits ,does Georgia place on Medicaid services for adults? 50 . What kinds of medical equipment and devices does Medica.id cover? ~ 51 o What kind of mental health, mental retardation. and alcohol , and drug treatment services does Medicaid cover? ; ~ 51 What community care services does Georgia offer to help . people with disabilities and elderly individuals stay out of nursing homes.and other institutions and remain in the community?- ~ .52 Does Medicaid pay for organ transplants? 53 What family planning services does Medicaid cover? 53 What does the patient pay for Medicaid services? 53 What do Medicaid nursing home patients have to pay towards the cost of their care? 53 What do people receiving Medicaid home and community based services have to pay for their care? : 54 Will Medicaid pay for transportation to and from medical care? 54 Does Medicaid require prior approval before medical services are provided? 55 May Medicaid refuse to approve medical care a treating physician says is medically necessary? Maya Medicaid recipient choose his or her own doctor? 55 55 0 .How does someone find a doctor or dentist who accepts Medicaid? .'.56 32 What is Georgia Better Health care? 56 What phatmacy may a Medicaid recipient use? 56 Maya dodtor or hospital bill a recipient for a service that M~dicaid refuses to pay? ...~................................................ 56 How long Idoes the provider have to bill Medicaid? S7 .' Will Medidaid pay for services provided in another state? 57 What happens if someone has private insurance or Medicare I.n a ddIltlon to Medlcald7 .57 Wh.at shOlhI d" someone do if Me(licaid refu.s, es to pay for care? .~ ..: 57 A Quick and Easy.Method of Screening for Medicaid .~li~l>il~tI Jr (Jnd~r ' the .J>ickle .. . Amendment 57 Medica.iq Resources 65 Waiver Programs Katie Beckett Waiver CommuhitJr care Services J>rogram (CCSP) ~ I Mental Retardation Waiver J>rogram (MRWJ 41, 43 52 52 Indepeddent care WaiverJ>rogram (IewI') .............................52 Model WI aiver 53 I 33 Medicaid* e e. e OVERVIEW performed at county offices of the Department of Family and Children services (DFACS), a unit of DHR. What is Medicaid? Medicaid pays for medical care for low-income The federal Medicaid statute is found at 42 U.S.A. 1396 to 1396v. The federal regulations people who are age 65 artd older, blind or have other disabilities, childrep, pregnant women, and ~ are at 42 C.F.R. 430 to 498. The state Medicaid statute is at O.C.G.A. 49-4- 140 to 49-4-173. families with children. Medicaid recipients get a The details of the day to day operation of yellow or green computet printout each month . Georgia's Medicaid program are found in a series which they must show td their health care provid- of manuals issued by DFACS and DMA. The ers. Most public and privkte hospitals, community DFACS Economic Support services CESS) Manual clinics, and some private!doetors accept Medicaid contains the Medicaid polides and procedures . Applicants for Medicaid can receive retroactive coverage to pay for medi~1 bills incurred within relating to Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, children and parents and children. The three months person would prior have tboetehneeldliagtiebloeffaoprpMliceadtiicoanidifhtahde they applied. I Medicaid is a federal entitlement program of medical assistance for th~ poor. It is partially DFACS State Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABO) Manual covers Medicaid eligibility for these groups of eligibles. Coverage decisions are made pursuant to DMNs Provider Manuals. The DHR Assessment Teamlcase Management Manual funded and administered by the states. States do contains the appJicant policies for nursing home not have to participate in Medicaid. However, once level of care determinations. The best a state chooses to participate in the program it practitioner's manual on the Medicaid program is must comply with federall Medicaid requirements. 1 States design their Medicaid programs within a An Advocate's Guide to the Medicaid Program.3 This extraordinarily helpful book is range of eligibility and setvlce options permitted under federal law. Thus, ~ach state's Medicaid program is unique. I. relatively short, yet contains encyclopedic footnotes to the federal statute, regulations and case law. For more in-depth research, the CCH Medic- At the federal level, th~ Medicaid program is aid/Medicare Guide provides exhaustive cover- administered by the u.S. Department of Health and age of Medicaid. Human Services Health clre Financing Administration (HCFA). In Georgi~, th-e Georgia Depart- How is Medicaid different from Medicare7 mem of Medical AssistanJe (DMA) has been the Medicare is a federally funded health insurance single state agencyresportsible for administering program operated by the Social Security Adminis- Georgia's Medicaid progra1m. Effective July I, 1999, DMA will become the Divi~ion of Medical Assistance, a entity within the ~ew Department of tration. -It is uniform across the country. The state has no role in the Medicare program.. Medicaid is state and federally funded. In Community Health (DCH).I DCH will be the single Georgia, the federal government contributes two- state agency responsible rbr Medicaid.2 DMA works with the G~orgia Department of thirds, while the State of Georgia finances onethird of the state's Medicaid budget. The state Human Resources (DHR) in administering some of must cover certain groups of people and must the Medicaid programs. Eligibility screens are provide certain Medicaid services. However, states GUi~e Watson, Sidncy D., J999, A GCLgia AdVOcates to Health (are, funded by Health Law section of the State Bar of Georgia and Mcrcer University Law School . 35 have a range of optional groups they may cover and optional services they may offer. As a result: each state's Medicaid program is unique from all others. Medicare helps pay health care costs for people 65 and over and for people who have received Social Security disability payments for at least 24 months. There is no income or resource test for Medicare. However, Medicare imposes substantial premiums, deductible and cost-sharing require- ments. Medicaid is a needs-based welfare program with strict financial requirements. Medicaid requires no premiums or deduetibles although many services' require small co-payments. MEDICAID ELiGIBILITY Who is eligible for Medicaid7 , In Georgia, Medicaid does not prOVide medical assistance to all poor people. Individuals must meet both "categorical" and financial requirements. Categorical requirements define the kinds (Le., categories) of people and families who can qualify for Medicaid. However, people who fall within these eligibility categories must also meet stringent income and resource standards which vary for different categories of people. Only one category of Medicaid eligibilityMedically Needy Spend Down-has no income limit. It operates like a private insurance policy with a deductible. People qualify financially for Medically Needy Spend Down when they have medical bills large enough to' meet their deductible-the amount by which their income exceeds the Medically Needy Income limit. For de~ils on this program, see page 45. What categories of people are eligible for Medicaid 7 .' Categorical requirements define the kinds (i.e., categories) of people and families who can qualify for Medicaid. In Georgia, the following categories of people are eligible for Medicaid: parents and children, pregnant women and infants, children through age 18, and the aged, blind and disabled. However, people who fall into one of these eligibility categories must also meet stringent income and resource standards which vary for different categories of people. Parents and Children. An entire family, adults as well as children, is Medicaid eligible if the children are under the age of eighteen (18), related to and living in the home with the family member receiving Medicaid with th'em.4 Children under age 19 and pregnant women can ~lso qualify under other categories of Medicaid. However, this is the only category of eligibility for adults who are not elderly, blind or totally and permanently disabled. Por the family to be categorically eligible for Medicaid, the children do not have to be enrolled in school. This category of Medicaid is called Low Income MediCaid (LIM).5 The following relationships meet the relative requirement: 0, '. parents (by birth, legal adoption or step relationship), ' grandparents (up to great-great-great), siblings (half, whole, step), aunts/uncles (up tO,great, great-niecesl nephews), first cousins, the children of a first cousin, (first cousin once removed), and spouses of any person in the above groups even after the marriage is ended by death or divorce. 6 Children living with a legal guardian do not satisfy the relationship requirement.7 However, such children may still qualify for other categories of Medicaid eligibility. Children in foster care and state subsidized adoptions may be eligible for this type of Medicaid; even though they do not live with one of the specified relatives. 8 Eligibility for Medicaid is not tied to welfare eligibility.9 Families receiVing cash benefits through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF) are likely to be eligible for Medicaid, but only if they satisfy the Medicaid requirements which differ slightly from TANF's.l 0 Moreover, families ineligible for TANF may still be eligible for Medicaid. TANF benefits are time limited. In Georgia, a family may only receive benefits for a total of 48 months. Medicaid benefits are unlimited as long as the family meets the eligibility requirements. Although the state may terminate TANF benefits to families who fail to comply with TANF work and personal responsibility requirements, these sanctions do not apply to Medicaid benefits. 11 36 Pregnant Women and Infants. Pregnant women income eligi6le in one month of pregnancy remain eligible throJghout the pregnancy and 60 days post-partum.l 2! Infants are eligible for one ' year if the mother wi1\s eligible for and received Medicaid when the child was born, and the baby lives in the same hoJsehold as the mother. 13 This category of Medicaid is called Right from the Start Medicaid. 14 Children age 1-1~. Children less than 19 are categorically eligible for Medicaid.1S They do not have to be living with a dose relative. They do not have to be attending khooI. This form of Medicaid is also called Right frbm the Start. 16 Children with too much income to b:e eligible for RSMA may be eligible for Georgia's new PeachCare program, which is described onl page 44. Aged, Blind and ~isabled. People who are aged, blind, or permanently and totally disabled are categorically eligible for Medicaid.17 Medicaid's definitions of people ~ho are aged, blind and having a disability ar~ the same ones used by the Social Security Administration for Social Security and Supplemental sechrity Income (SSI) benefits.l 8 ,Aged is defin~d as 65 years of age or 01der. 19 Blindness haS a detailed statutory defini- tion. 20 Having a disability means that an indi- vidual is unable to engage in substantial gainful employment because of a medically determinable impairment likely to l~t twelve months or result in death. 21 I In Georgia, 551 recip,ients are automatically eligible for Medicaid.2~ Social Security Old Age and Disability Benefit recipients automatically meet, Medicaid's categorical ~ligibility requirements of age, blindness or'disability. Other people may also meet the statutory defihitions of aged, blind or' having a disability. Ho.wever, they are only eligible for Medicaid if they sa~sfy Medicaid's fmancial eligibility requirements! or have sufficent medical bills to be eligible for Medically Needy Spend Down Medicaid. 23 Children who received 551 benefits prior to August 22, 1996. As pkrt of the recent welfare reform initiatives, Conw-ess made it more difficult for children with disabilities to qualify for SSI. As a result of this change, a ~ubstantial percentage of I the children receiving SSI were terminated. To ameliorate the harsh i~pact of the SSI change, these children continue Ito be eligible for SSI-linked MeC;licaid even, though they no longer meet the SSI definition of having a disability. They must still satisfy the financial and other non-di~bilitySSI eligibility requirements to continue to receive Medicaid. 24 Do income and property affect eligibility for Medicaid? Because Medicaid is a welfare, need based program, a person must not only be categorically eligible, but must fall within strict financial guidelines-for both income and property-to be eligible.25 Some financial eligibility standards are , set by the federal government, some are set by the states, still others are chosen by states from within a range of options available under federal law. The financial limits can be confusing because both income and resource limits vary depending upon the type of categorical eligibility-parents and, children, pregnant women, children, or people who are aged, blind, or have a disability. Some people may fit within several different categories. If someone has too much income or resources to qualify in one category, they may be able to establish eligibility under a different category. The state should consider an application for Medicaid under all the categories that may apply.26 'Example: Mom and ten-year-old Katie apply for Medicaid. Mom is six months pregnant. Katie has a disability. Mom and Katie are categorically eligible as a parent and child. Mom is categorically eligible as a pregnant woman. Katie is categorically eligible as a child and because she has a 'disability. Each of these categories of Medicaid assistance has different income and resource requirements. If Mom and Katie have too 'much income or resources for one,category of Medicaid, they should be considered for other categories for which they may be eligible. How much income can a person have and still get Medicaid? The income and property limits vary for different categories of Medicaid. These financial limits can be confusing because both income and resource limits vary depending upon the type' of categorical eligibility-parents and children, pregnant women, children, Of people who are aged, blind, or have a disability-and even within the various categorical groups. Morever, most of the income limits change once a year in either January or February.27 For an updated income chart, contact the local DFACS office, legal ser- 37 MEDICAID MONTHLY INCOME AND RESOURCE LIMITS - April 1999 Number in Assistance Group. I Parents and Children Pregnant Women Parents and Children and Gross Countable Infants Children Children Ages Ages 1-5 8 - 18 Peachcare Children 0- 18 Medically Needy Pregnant Women, Infants &. Children Aged - Blind - Disabled Nursing Medically Homel Needy, A!ed COmmunity . alin 551 care Disabled o 1 $435 $235 $1,271 $914 $687 $1,374 $208 $500 $1,500 $317 2 $659 $356 $1,706 . $1,226 $922 $1,844 $317 $751 $375 3 $784 $424 . $2,140 $1,539 $1,157 $2,314 $375 4 $925 $500 ( $2,575 $1,851 $1.392 $2,784 " $442 5 $1,060 $573 $3,010 $2,164 $1,627 $3,254 $504 6 $1,149 $621 $3.445 $2.476 $1.862 $3,724 $550 7 $1,243 $672 $3,879 $2,789 $2,097 $4,194 $600' 8 $1,319 $713 $4.314 $3,102 $2,332 $4,664 $633 Each Addt'r Member Add $435 $470 Deductions from Inrome - $50 of child surlr0rt ' - earnings of chi ren in school - earned income deductions - chUd care -$20 - earned income deductions - 113 of child support Resource Limit $1,000 No Limit No Limit No Limit i - $2.000 2 -$4,000 Addrl member, add $100 each 1- 1 -$2,000 $2,000 Plus COuple - $5,500 $3,000 for burial Plus expenses. $1.500 At horne for" spouse - burial $81,960 expenses (or more by fair hearing or court ~rder) 1- $2,000 Couple - $4,000; Plus $5,000 for burial expenses o Always refer people who exceed the gt!idelines by a small amount to DFACS. Rounding and income exclusions may result in their income falling within the eligibility guidelines. 1 In determining the number of family members, an unborn child is counted as a family member. If twins are verified, they rount as two people. o 38 vices, or the Mercer Law Library.28 I . Some people fit within several different catego- ries. If someone has tbo much income or property for one category, con~ider other possibilities. I Parents and Children. The family's income I must faIl below two different income guidelines. First. the family's gro~s income can be no more than 185% of the couhtable income guideline.29 I AIl income is included when looking at the gross income limit. Second. the family'S countable I income must be at or below the countable income limit. See page 40 for details on determining countable income. ThJ resource limit for this eligibility category is I $1,000. 30 Pregnant women aInd infa'nts. A pregnant woman counts as two Ipeople for the purpose of determining income and resource eligibility.31 The income eligibility limit~ are set at 185% of the federal poverty guidelihes.32 There is no limit on .the amount of property a pregnant woman may I .. owInfthe pregnan.t woman IS Income eII'gI'ble l"or one month of the preghancy, she remains eligible throughout the pregnanI cy and 60 days postpar- . tum.33. The infant continues on Medicaid for one year if the mother was! eligible for and received Medicaid when the child was born, and the baby lives in the same housbhold as the mother.34 If the mother was not M~dicaid eligible or did not receive Medicaid when!the child was born. the infant can stiU qualify for Medicaid as long as the family's income falls within the income guideline. Children. The incoJe eligibility limits vary depending upon the ag~ of the child. For children ages one to five. the intome cut off is 133% of the federal poverty guidelirle. For children ages 6-18. the eligibility guideline liS 100% of the property . . level. There is no limit on the amount of property the child's family may 6wn. .I Pregnant Women, I~fants, and Children - Medically Needy. Med~cally Needy offers yet another category of eligibility for pregnant women. infants and children (but not for parents of children). The Medically N~edy Income Level (MNIL) I for pregnant women. infants. and children is lower . than the income limits for pregnant women, infants, and children. Hpwever. the MedicaUy Needy resource limit is higher than that for parents and children. If kpregnant woman or child . I is ineligible for Medicaid as part of a family because they have too many resources, they may qualify for Medically Needy-Pregnant Women Infants. and Children.35 . However. the real importance of this category of MedicaUy Needy is the only category of Medicaid that has no absolute income cut ofT. Pregnant women. infants and children with income higher than the MedicaUy Needy Income Level (MNIL) qualify for MedicaIly Needy Spend Down when they have medical bills large enough to offset the amount by which their income exceeds the MNIL. For details on this important Medicaid category. . see page 45. People who are Aged, Blind or who have a , Disability-SSI recipients. For many applicants who are aged. blind and have a disability, eligibility is tied to 551 income and resource levels. The 551 benefit amount in 1999 is $500 for an individual and $751 for a couple. The resource limit is $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple. An additional $5,000 of property is allowed if set aside for burial expenses.36 In Georgia. all 551 recipients automatically receive Medicaid.37 They do not need to make a separate application for Medicaid.38 Other people who are aged, blind and have a disability may qualify for Medicaid under the 551 standard even if they are otherwise ineligible for S5I. People who are aged, blind or have a disability who do not qualify for 551 because of rules prohibited by Medicaid-induding some income and resource requirements, and rules relating to immigration status-are also eligible for Medicaid.39 These people must establish that they meet the categorical requirements for people who are aged, blind or have a disability as part of their application for Medicaid. For these applicants, the determination of age, blindness and disability is made by the State of Georgia.40 Nursing Home Resident/Community care Participants. Nursing home and community care services have income and resource limits that are higher than the 551 limits. The income limit is set at 300% of the 551 benefit amount, $1,500 in 1999.41 Individuals may apply using the higher institutionalized income levels after thirty days in a nursing home or other institution.42 Coverage is retroactive to the date of admission.43 This category of Medicaid is called Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Medicaid.44 39 People who are aged. blind or disabled and meet the level of care requirements to be institutionalized in a nursing home but who chose to stay in the community and participate in a home and community-based waiver programs are also eligible for Medicaid using the same 300% of the 551 benefit amount income cut off as for nursing home care.45 For information on community care services. see page 52. People who are Aged, Blin~ or have a Disability-Medically Needy. People who ate aged, 'blind or have a disability may also qualify as Medically Needy. The income eligibility limits for Medically Needy are lower that the 551 income cut off. However. the resource limits are higher. Most important, Medically Needy Spend Down provides Medicaid to people who have incomes higher than the 551 limits but who have medical bills large enough to offset the amount by which their income exceeds the Medically Needy Income Limits.46 For a discussion of this eligibility. see , page 45. " What counts as, income for Medicaid? For Medicaid purposes. income includes both earned and unearned income. Social Security benefits. pensions. retirement. interest, dividends and in-kind assistance all count47 One set of rules is used to determine eligibility for parents and children, pregnant women and infants. children. and Medically Needy-Pregnant Women and Children.48 A different set of rules applies for the aged. blind and disabled. Parents and Children, Pregnant Women and Infants, Children, Pregnant Women and Chil-, dren-Medically Needy. These categories of ,Medicaid eligibility all use the same method to determine an applicant's countable income.49 In determining countable income the following amounts are excluded: earnings of children attending school full or part-time. earned income tax credits, and $50 of child support payments.~o In addition. earned income deductions apply to the income of each employed individual: $90 standard work expense deduction, . an additional $30.00 earned income incentive for up to 12 consecutive months only. and 1/3 deduction of the remaining earned income for four consecutive months only.51 0 Because the $30 plus 1/3 deductions are time limited, they are only used when needed to establish income eligibility. If the applicant or recipient is financially eligible without these deductions, they are not used.52 Finally, a deduction is allowed for child and dependent care. The actual amount of child care or care of an incapacitated individual in the home is deducted up to $175 per child for children two years of age or older. For children less than two the limit is $200 per child.53 People who are Aged, Blind or have a Disability. For the aged. blind or disabled. the first $20 of income from any source is not counted.54 Additional deductions apply to earned income55 and child support payments.56 Child support payments always count as income of the child rather than the custodial parent.57 What counts as property for Medicaid? The limits on property ownership (called "re- ", '. o source limits" by Medicaid) vary by type of cat- egorical eligibility. Remember, some people fit within several different categories. If someone has too much property for one category, consider other possibilities. The only property that is counted against the resource limit is cash or other property that can be converted into cash. such as real property, automobiles, stocks, bonds, and bank accounts.58 An asset counts against the Medicaid resource limit if the individual has legal ownership and the 'legal right to sell the asset. If a person is unable to sell an asset after bona fide efforts, or the applicant has a partial interest in property which he or she is unable to sell, the assets are not considered available.59 Certain assets are exempt and not counted as resources for Medicaid purposes inclUding a person's home. household goods, a cemetery lot and prepaid funeral contracts with a funeral home.60 All automobiles (but not recreational vehicles) are exempt for people who are aged. blind or have a disability.61 For parents and children the value of one automobile up to $4650 o is not counted. but any value over that amount ' counts toward the resource limit62 Non-term life insurance policies, funeral and burial policies are also exempt.63 The cash surrender value of life insurance policies with face values morethan ' 40 $5.000 count for those who are aged. blind or have a disability iIi some categories of Medicaid.64 In addition to thb regular resource allowance, applicants who arelaged. blind or have a disability are allowed an additional $1500 to $5,000 (de- r pending on the cat~goricalgroup) to pay for funeral expenses.6 Some categories of assistance require that burial money be in a separate account. Others allow the mbney to be co-mingled with other money.66 To !be exempt from the resource limit, this money mustbe used only for burial purposes. 67 Trusts. Assets pJ;li in a trust other than by will are considered available regardless of the purpose of the trust and regaI rdless of whether the trustee, has any discretion ih the use of the trust funds. 68 However, certain Itrusts are exempt: income trusts (Miller trusts), pooled trusts managed by nonprofit associations for disabled people, and trusts set up by a cqurt or certain others for the benefit of a disabled person less than 65. 69 I Whose income and resources does Medicaid look at? I The income and ~ropertyof the person or family applying for benefitJ (called the Applicationt Unit (AU)) are used to d~termine Medicaid eligibility. All income actually ~vailable to the applicant is counted. 70 I \ The only income and resources that are as- sumed (Le., "deemed") available to the applicant when they are not aettually made available are income and resourcds from a spouse or from the parents of a child leSs than 21 living in the same household as the. applicant. 71 Income and re- sources of stepparenfs, grandparents, siblings or adult children living in the same household are not co~sidered auto~atically available to the applicant.72 Neither lare income and resources of parents living outside the home.73 Moreover, for people applying as categorically eligible as preg- nant women or childten, parents' income is not deemed available to pregnant minors and income I is not deemed availaole from spouse to spouse when the deemed sp6use is not the parent of the child for whom Medi~aid is sought. 74 Medicaid's deeming rules are different from SSI's. Therefore, some people financially ineligible for SSI may still quali:fy for Medicaid. 75 Specic:l deeming mles apply to immigrants . entering the U.S. on dr after August 22, 1996.76 Immigrants sponsore~ by individuals (rather than organizations) who sign legally binding affidavits of support are deemed to have available their sponsor's income and resources. Deeming continues u,ntil the immigrant has acquired 40 quarters of Social Security coverage. 77 Children with disabilities in need of nursing home care but who chose to remain in the Community (Katie Beckett Waiver). Children under age 18 who are financially ineligible for SSI because of their parents' income, but who meet the SSI disability requirements and are in need of nursing home care are financially eligible for Medicaid if they chose to remain in the community. Georgia has a "Katie Beckett Waiver" which allows the state to waive, Le., ignore, the income and resources of these parents of children with disabilities for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.78 To be categoi"icallyeligible, "Katie Beckett" children must meet the basic level of care admission requirements to be eligible for Medicaid nursing home care. The cost of. the child's care in the community must not be more than the cost of nursing home care would be.79 If someone has Medicaid now or received Medicaid in the past, do special income roles allow them to qualify for Medicaid even if their income is over the usual Medicaid income limits? Yes. Congress allows some people whose income increases after they begin receiving Medicaid to continue to be eligible for Medicaid. These special income rules are designed to encourage people to work and to prevent hardship to people who would become ineligible for Medicaid because of a slight increase in income. Parents and Children with Income from Work or Child Support. Families in which the parents and children received Low Income Medicaid in at least three of the preceding six months and whose income exceeds the limits because of increased earnings or the loss of the earned income deductions remain eligible for Medicaid for up to 12 months as long as their gross income is less than 185% ofthe federal poverty line, $2575 for a family of four in 1999.80 See this Guide, starting on page 177, for 1999 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Similarly, families who received Medicaid in at least three of the preceding six months and become financially ineligible because of increased child support payments receive four (4) months of continued Medicaid coverage.81 This is called Transitional Medicaid.82 41 Families who apply for TANF but who are diverted from welfare to work are also eligible to receive Transitional Medicaid with its higher income limits.83 Pregnant women and infants. If the pregnant woman is income eligible'in one month of the pregnancy. she remains eligibl~ for Medicaid through the pregnancy a~d sixty days postpartum even if her income goes over the limit.84 The infant continues on Medicaid for one year if the mother was eligible for and received Medicaid when the child was born. and the baby lives in the same household as the mother.85 People who would be eligible for SSI but for a social security cost of living increase in 1977. or any year thereafter remain eligible for Medicaid.86 Individuals are eligible for this kind of continued Medicaid if they: were eligible for both SSI and Social Security in any month after April 1977. are currently eligible for and receiving Social Security, are currently ineligible for SSI. and would be eligible for SSI after deducting -all Social Security cost of living increases received since the last month both SSI and Social Security was received by the individual.87 This kind of Medicaid is called Pickle eligibility. For a simple way to compute this eligibility. see"A Quick and Easy Method of Screening for Medicaid Eligibility Under the Pickle Amendment" by Gordon Bonneyman, included at page 57. Widows, widowers and surviving divorced spouses who lose SSI because they obtain Social Security widow(er) or surviving spouse or special disability benefits continue to be eligible for Medicaid for two years until they become eligible for Medicare Part A coverage.88 Disabled adults receiving Social Security Disability who received 551 prior to age 22 and who lose SSI because of an entitlement to or increase in Social Security disability benefits continue to be eligible for Medicaid indefinitely:89 People Who Lose 551 because of Earnings from Work (Qualified Severely Impaired Individuals). People with disabilities who lose 551 because of earnings from work continue to be eligible for Medicaid if losing Medicaid would seriously inhibit the ability to continue working 0 and income for work is insufficient to make up for the loss of S51, Medicaid and attendant care.90 Eligibility for this category of Medicaid is determined by the Social 5ecurity Administration. When will Medicaid pay for nursing home care. community care or hospice? . Special. higher. income and resource limits apply for Medicaid payment for nursing home care. community care in lieu of nursing home placement. and hospice care.91 Income. Individuals who are aged. blind or have a disability in nursing homes who are categorically eligible for SSI, but who have too much income to qualify for SSI are eligible for Medicaid as long as their income is lessthan 300% of the 5SI benefit amount. 92 People who are aged. blind or have a disability and who meet the level of care requirements to be institutional- ized in a nursing home but who choose to stay in the community and participate in a home and community-"based waiver program are also eligible 0 for Medicaid using the same income limit.93 People who meet the eligibility criteria for hospice may also use the higher 300% of 551 income . limit. 94 . . In 1999. the income limit for Medicaid nursing home. community.care and hospice is $1500 per month. The income guideline is the same whether or not the applicant is \ married.95 Individuals m.ay apply using the higher institutionalized income levels after thirty days in a nursing home or other institution.96 Coverage is retroactive to the date of admission. For nursing home residents. this category of Medicaid is called Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Medicaid.97 Medically Needy Nursing Home. Because of the high cost of nursing home care-on average $3.000 to $4.000 for private pay rates in Atlantapeople with fairly substantial incomes can qualify for Medically Needy 5pend Down to pay for nursing home care. For details on Medically Needy eligibility. see page 45. Property. If the person seeking Medicaid payment for nursing home or community care is 0 married and the spouse lives in the community rather than in a nursing home or a personal care I home that accepts Medicaid, the couple may have not more than $80,760 in countable resources at 42 ( the time application is made for Medicaid.98 Within one year after ~ualifying for benefits. no more than $2,000 of Gountable resources may be in the Medicaid recipi&nt's name. The balance mUSI be transferred td the spouse.99 If the appli- cant has nursing hnoomsepoour speerosrolinfatlhceasrepohuosmeel,ivtehse in a resource limit is $2.000 at the Vime of application.! 00 nansfer of Assets] Transfer of assets provisions apply to people 'Jeeking Medicaid to pay for nursing home care an& community-based services in lieu of nursing homle care.lollf an asset is given away for l~ss th1n fair market value within 36 months (60 month~ for certain trusts) of an I application for Medicaid, the person wiIl,be ineli- gible for nursing homd and community-based services for up to a m~ximum of 30 months. 102 I , ' The person remains eligible for other Medicaid services. I03 Exceptions to the transfer of assets policy exist for: transfers between spouses, transfers exclusivdly for a purpose other than to qualify for Medicaid! transfers to a trustl to benefit a person with a disability under age 65, transfers by the spbuse in the community after Medicaid eligibility is established, and undue hardship. lor Estate Recovery Program. Federal law re- quires that states have Ian estate recovery ,program for the costs of long ter\l1 care and community- based care provided to people age 55 and older. I 05 Georgia has not yet imi?lemented a recovery program and is presently seeking to get an exemption from the federal la~'. TIle proposed. but nqt implemented, Georgia estate recovery program would only affect people age 55 and older who rbceive Medicaid long term care services or commuhity-based services on or afler the date the progrdm goes into effect. After the patient's death, the ktate. through a private contractor, would seek tb recover the costs of unnudrseirngh~ ohmome aensdercvo' icmeI ms Junnditys-ebrvaisCeeds provided waivers. Other I l\1edicaid services are n6t subject ro the estate recovery program. 106 Tile estate recovery program would operate by placing liens on lhe dccJased Medicaidrecipient's l'c,ilcSl,lle, inclLlliing 111(~ homc. In Gcorgia, recov- ery on the liens would not be enforced until anyone living in the home is dead or, until someone attempts to sell the property. Under federal Medicaid law, the state may only seek recovery after the death of the Medicaid recipient's spouse and minor or disabled child, if any. Recovery must be waived if it will work an undue hardship. 107 What special Medicaid program helps children with severe disabilities remain in the community? Children under age 18 who are financially ineligible for 551 because of their parents' income, but who meet the 551 disability requirements and are in need of nursing home care are financially, eligible for Medicaid if they chose to remain in the community. Georgia has a "Katie Beckett Waiver" which allows the state to waive, Le., ignore, the income and resources of these parents of children with disabilities for purposes of Medicaid eligibility. 108 To be categorically eligible, "Katie Beckett" children must meet the basic level of care admis- ' sion requirements to be eligible for Medicaid nursing home care. The cost of the child's care in the community must be not more than the cost of nursing home care would be. 109 What special Medicaid programs exist for Medicare beneficiaries? All Medicare beneficiaries qualify as categorically eligible for Medicaid because they are aged, blind or disabled. Some Medicare beneficiaries have incomes low enough to be financially eligible for Medicaid (see page 40) or Medically Needy Spend Down (see pages 45 through 47). Low income Medicare beneficiaries with incomes above the limits for regular Medicaid or Medically Needy Spend Down Medicaid may still qualify for limited Medicaid benefits to help pay . the out-of-pocket costs charged by Medicare. 110 This limited Medicaid helps with Medicare costs only. It does not pay for prescription drugs or other services not covered by Medicare. Medicare recipients with limited Medicaid get a red Medicaid card. In calculating income the first $20 per month of income from any source is disregarded. The resource limits are $4,000 for individuals and $6,000 for a couple. An additional $5,000 is allowed for burial expenses. I II 43 Special Medicaid Programs for Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries Program Monthly Income Limit 1999 Individual Couple Benefits Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) $687 $922 Part B premium - $43.80/month Part A deductible - $790/spell of illness Part B deductible - $1 oo/year Part B - 20% cost-sharing Specified Low-Income Medicare Bencficiaries (SLMB) $824 . .. $1.106 Part B premiums - $43.80/month Qualified medicare .Bcneficiary 1 (QMB 1) $927 $1,443 Part B premiums - $43.80/month Qualified Medicare Bcneficiary 2 (QMB2) Qualified Working Disabled Individual (QWDI) $1,443 , $1.374 $1,936 $1,844 Portion of Part B premiums attributable to home health $1.20/month Part A premiums - $43.80/month Resource Limits for All: 1 - $4.000; couple - $6.000; plus $5.000 for burial expenses o QMB. SLMB. Medicare beneficiaries with income u'p to tOO percent of the federal poverty line arc eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) program. 112 Those with income up to t 20 percent of the federal guidelines are eligible for the Specified Low Income Beneficiaries (SLM~) category.113 QMB and SLMB are entitlement programs and eligibility operates like other categories of Medicaid. Anyone who applies for benefits and meets the eligibility criteria receives the benefits. QMB t and QMB2. Medicare beneficiaries with incomes up to t 35 percent of the federal poverty line qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries 1 (QMB t) category of eligibility.!!4 Beneficiaries with incomes up to 175 percent of the poverty index qualify for as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries 2 (QMB2). 115 Thc QMB 1 and QMB2 programs are not entitlement programs. Funds for the programs are limited and benefits are provided on a first come. firstserved basis. TIlose receiving benefits at the end of one year have priority to receive benefits the next year. Both QMB t and QMB2are scheduled to end I in 2002.116 QMB does not provide retroactive Medicaid coverage for the three months prior to the month of application. TI1C 'other special programs do.!!? Qualified Disabled Working Individuals. Social Security Disability recipients who begin 0 working, exhaust their 48-month trial work period of extended Medicare coverage and are not eligible otherwise eligible for Medicaid. are eligible to have the state Medicaid program pay their Medicare Part A premiums so that they may continue to receive Medicare coverage. l1B The income limit is 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline. Is there a state medical insurance program for children with income over the Medicaid limits? Children over the Medicaid limits but with .incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty guideline are eligible for Georgia's new Peachcare for Kids Program. Peachcare differs from Medicaid because parents of children six through eighteen must pay monthly premiums - $7.50 for one child, and $15 for two or more children. For children under six. the coverage is free. For details on the Peachcare income guidelines, see the Medicaid Monthly Income and Resource 0 Chart on page 38. There is no limit on the amount of property a child's family may own. Children of state employees are not eligible for Peachcare. Neither are children enrolled in other health plans. However. children eligible for private insurance who have not enrolled because of the 44 cost of coverage are eligible for PeachCare. Children must be Georiia residents age zero to eighteen, and u.s. citizens or legal immigrants as of August 22, 1996. I Children enrolled in Peachcare receive the same services as in Medicaid,l except that they do not get non-emergency transportation or targeted case management servites. All medical providers enrolled in Medicaid arJ also Peachcare providers. Children enrolled in Pe~chcare must enroll in Medicaid's Georgia Betth Health care (GBHC) pnmary care case managI ement program, or a Medicaid HMO. For details on Georgia Better Health Care see page 56:. Application for PeachCare is made by filling out an application form andlmailing it to PeachCare for Kids, P.O. Box 2583, Atlanta, GA 30310- 2583. A PeachCare application is included in Chapter 9, Forms. Be surIe to check the box that asks if you are also intetested in applying for I Medicaid - coverage is the same and it does not require a monthly premihm. PeachCare coverage starts as soon as any required monthly premium ($7.50 or $15.00) is received), so it is best to send the first month's pjemium with the applica- tion. The state maintains a toll-free number to answer questions about Peachcare at 1-877-427- 3224. PeachCare will send a written notice if an appli- cation is denied. There is a right to appeal any denial. When can people with income over the guidelines qualify for Medicaid and get Medically Needy Spend Down? People who are categorically eligible for Medicaid as pregnant women, infants, children, or aged, blind .or dis~bled - but who 'have too much income may be eligible for Medically Needy Spend Down Medicaid. I 19 Medically Needy Spend Down is the one Medicaid eligibility group that has no absolute income limit. It operates like a private insurance policy with a deductible. People qualify financially for Medically Needy Spend Down when they have medical bills large enough to meet their deductible-the amount by which their income exceeds the Medically Needy Income limit. Applicants with incomes up to the Medically Needy Income Level qualify for regular (also called defaeto) Medically Needy.120 People with higher I Medically Needy Monthly Income and Resource Limits - 1999 I Number in I Assistance Groupi Pregnant Women, Infants and Children People who are Aged, Blind or have a Disability 1 I $208 $317 2 I $317 $375 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I $375 $442 $504 $550 $600 8 I $633 Each Additional Member Add I $ Income Deductions -$50 of child support - earnings of children in school - earned income ded uctions - earned income deductions - child care - $20 - earned income deductions - 1/3 of child support Resource Limits 1 - $2.000 2 - $4.000 . Additional members add $100 each 1 - $2.000 Couple - $4.000 Plus $5.000 for burial expense 45 incomes qualify if they have medical bills equal to or greater than the amount by which their income exceeds the Medically Needy Income Levels (MNIL).121 , , The resource limits for Medically Needy are also higher than those for other categories of eligibility. (See Chart. Medically Needy Monthly Income and Resource Limits - 1999; page 45) Medical bills that can be used to spend down. Almost any medical bills the applicant or the applicant's family still owes or which were paid in the months for which Medicaid is sought (called the "budget period") can be used to meet the Spend Down requirement-bills from doctors, pharmacies, hospitals. even travel to and from care. 122 Health insurance and Medicare premiums may be used. 123 Bills paid by health insurance or other private third party payers may not be applied to the Spend Down. 124 However, bills paid by state and local government programs may be used to meet the Spend Down amount. 125 Bills paid with borrowed money, like credit cards, may be used if the applicant still owes the month or the money was repaid during the budget period. Period of Eligibility. Eligibility for Medically Needy Spend Down is computed on a month by month basis. Eligibility can be certified for up to six months depending on the size of the medical bills and the applicant's spend down amount. Eligibility can also be for up to three months prior to the month of application. 126 Medically Needy Spend Down will not pay medical bills that are used to reach the Spend Down income level. but it can pay other outstanding bills incurred in the three months prior to application and for care obtained once eligible for Medicaid. 127 How Medically Needy Spend Down Works. In determining financial eligibility for Medically Needy-Pregnant women, Infants and Children countable income and resources are computed the same way they are for these categories of regular medicaid. 128 The same deductions from income apply: $50 of children support, earned income deductions, and child care. Similarly. the aged, blind and disabled get the same deductions as for regular Medicaid: the first $20 of income from any source, earned income deductions. one third of child support. See page 45 for details. Medically Needy Medicaid can help pay ongoing medical bills and it can also help pay outstanding hospital and other medical bills incurred within three months of the date of application for Medic- aid. Some examples of how Medically Needy Spend Down eligibility operates show a few ways the program can assist people. o Example 1: Mrs. Jones is 65 and receives $645 in Social Security retirement benefits. She has Medicare, but it does not pay for her prescription drugs which cost $250 per month. Mrs. Jones does not have to pay any Medicare premiums or cost sharing because QMB Medicaid pays these amounts for her. Mrs. Jones has an unpaid hospital bill from two years ago of $1 875. Mrs. Jones seeks Medically Needy Spend Down to help with her ongoing drug bills. Because Mrs. Jones is aged, the Medically Needy Income Level for one person is $317 per month. People Who Are Medically Needy Aged, Blind, or Have a Disability Countable Income $645 - $20 = $ 625 Medically Needy Income Level for 1 $ 317 MediCally Needy Spend Down Amount $ 308 (excess income Outstanding Medical Bills Outstanding medical bills divided by $ 1,875 6'.1 MN Spend Down Amount Mrs. Jones is eligible for 6 months of Medically Needy Spend Down. ,0 Mrs. Jones is eligible for six months of Medically Needy Spend Down. Medicaid will not pay the bills Mrs. Jones used to meet her spend down. Neither will Medicaid pay for bills incurred more than three months prior to the date of application. She can use the Medicaid card to pay for her care during her six months of eligibility. Example 2: Jamie Brown is fourteen years old. He is hospitalized in March ,and the bill is $8,260. Jamie lives with his mother whose gross monthly income from employment is $4000. Jamie's family seeks Medicaid to pay for his hospital bill. Jamie does not meet the SSI definition of a disabled child. Therefore, he seeks Medically Needy Spend Down-Pregnant Women, Infants and Children. The Medically Needy Income Level for two is $317. o 46 Medic~lIy Needy Pregnant women,! Infants and Children I - Gross monthly income -$90 earned income deductions -$30 I -1/3 remainder Countable monthly income I ~ O Medically Needy Income Lt n llt lor 2 $ 4,000 $ 2,587 $ 317 Medically Needy Spend Down Amount (excess income) $ 2,270 I OU1SIandin o medical bills b I Outstanding medical bill -spend down amount $8,260 $ 5,990 Medically Need Spend Down will pay for $5,990 of the hospital bill. I Jamie is eligible for MlediCallY Needy Spend Down (0 pay for $5990 bf the hospital bill. Medic- aid will not pay for the $2283 in hospital bills that Jamie used (0 spend doJn to the Medically Needy Income Level. However, Jamie may be eligible for another source of free o~ reduced cost care to pay for the hospital costs. See page 175 for sources of free and reduced cost caliIe. - Example 3: Mr. Quin has monthly income of $2500. His nursing home private pay bill is $2.500. Mr. Quin see~s edically Nee~y s~end Down-Aged, Blind. Disabled to help with hiS mlrsin~ home bill. I I . Medically Needy Nursing Home I I 1- Countable Income $2,50 $20 = Medically Needy Income Limit for 1 $ 2.480 $ 317 I Medically Needy Spend Dhwn Amount (excess income) $ 2,163 Nursing Home monthly private pay rate $ 3,000 Outstanding medical bill .-spend down amount $ 837 I . Medically Needy will pay for $837 of. the monthly nursing home bill. ~edicallY Mr. Quin is eligible for Needy Nursing Home. tr will pay for $837\ of the cost of nursing hOllle care-the amount above Mr. Quin's Medically Needy Spend Down Amount. Nursing home residents whose nursing home or hospice private pay biiling rates exceed their . monthly Spend Down amounts are eligible for Medicaid for the entire month. 129 Residents whose billing rates do not exceed their income, may have their actual medical expenses deducted in chronological order. Eligibility begins the day the projected nursing home/hospice billing rate for the remainder of the month equals or exceeds the remaining Spend Down amount. Are there other eligibility requirements for receiving Medicaid benefits? Residency. An applicant mus.t be a resident of Georgia. There is no time limit to establish resi--: dency. only the intention to permanently reside in Georgia. 130 Homeless applicants may qualify for Medicaid. They do not have to provide an address. but must provide information to show that they are residents of the county in which they apply. 131 Citizenship. U.S. citizens are eligible for Medicaid. 132 Children born in the United States to noncitizens parents are U.S. citizens and eligible for Medicaid. Immigrants. Some immigrants are eligible for regular Medicaid benefits. Those who are not may be eligible for emergency Medicaid. 133 Immigrants who entered the U:S. prior to August 22, 1996 as lawful permanent residents are eligible for Medicaid. 134 Most immigrants entering the U.S. after that date are disqualified from regular Medicaid for five years from their date of entry. 135 However, the following immigrants remain eligible for Medicaid from their date of entry if they meet the categorical and financial eligibility requirements: lawful permanent residents; asyJees; refugees; individuals: paroled into u.s. for one year. whose deportation is Withheld. granted conditional entry, born in canada who have at least 50% "blood of the American Indian race"; 136 certain battered spouses/children; 137 Cuban and Haitian entrants;~38 and Amerasian immigrants. 139 .~ All other non-citizens - those who are undocumented, those who have amnesty. those on a 47 temporary visa. tQose in the five-year waiting which kind of Medicaid they are applying for. It is period - are eligible for emergency Medicaid as they meet the categorical and financial eligibility requirem~nts. Emergency Medicaid provides best to check all kinds. However, the state is reqUired to consider a~ application for Medicaid under all categories of eligibility. o emergency medical sen'ices. An emergency is defined as symptoms of sufficient severity that the Will Medicaid pay for medical bills incurred absence of immediate medical attention' could prior to the date of application for Medicaid? reasonably be expected to result in: Medicaid pays for medical services that were provided to the recipient in the three months prior placing the paticllI's health in seriolls jeop- afl1y, . . to the month of application for Medicaid if the beneficiary would have been eligible for Medicaid serious impairment of bodily functions. had she/he applied. 147 The services must be ones serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or that Medicaid normally covers. bodily part. or The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program labor and delivery.140 (QMB) ,which uses Medicaid money to pay for Medicare cost-sharing requirements does not have OFACS does not repon illegal immigrants who retroactive coverage. QMB coverage begins the receive Medicaid to the INS. They do report those first day of the month folIowing the month in who receive Food Stamps.141 which eligibility is determined. Other special programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries May families who are disqualified from receiv- do provide retroactive coverage. 148 ing TANF wdfare payments receive Medicaid benefits? Where does someone apply for Medicaid? Yes. Eligibility for r-.\edicaid is not tied to eligi- All applications for Medicaid are 'made at the bility for TANF.142 Families may only receive local office of the Department of Family and TANF benefits for a total of 48 months. Medicaid benefits are unlimited as long as the family meets categorical and financial eligibility require- o Children's Services (DFACS) except for 551 applica- tions which are filed at the district office of the ' Social Security Administration. A listing of DFACS lIlemoS. J4J While the state may terminate the and SSA office addresses and phones numbers is TANF benefits of adults who fail to comply with the Guide on pages 65 and 102. TANF work and personal responsibility require- Most Medicaid applications must be process ments, these sanctions cannot be applied to Medicaid. 144 Medicaid does not have work or within forty-five (45) days. The state~as sixty (60) days to process applications involving a claim personal responSibility requirements. 145 , _ of eligibility based upon disability.149 An adult or family terminated from TANF shoulclllot be automatically terminated from What can someone do if he or she is denied l\\cdicaid. Medicaid eligibility should be separately Medicaid? . considered and the state should not terminat.e Ask for a 'fair hearing. Medicaid recipients can Medicaid eligibility if the adult. children or entire appeal denials of eligibility and delays in deciding family qualifies for any category or multiple eligibility. The time limit for filing an appeal is categories of Medicaid. 146 thirty days from the date of denial. What are Right from the Start Medicaid and Low Income Medicaid? Confusion often arises because Georgia calls various pans of its Medicaid program by various names. Pregnant women and children qualify for Right from the Start Medicaid. Parents and children qualify for Low Income Medicaid (LIM). Persons in nursing homes are eligible for Medicaid Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). Each of o these programs is still Medicaid and must comply with federal Medicaid law. , The Medicaid application asks people to indicate 48 MEDICAIID SERVICES intennediate care facility services for people with mental retardation (ICF/MR);169 dental services;170 How does Medicaid coverage work? vision care;171 Each month, all metnbers of the family eligible I for Medicaid receive a Medicaid card-a computer I . printout-in the mail. rtte card should be shown home or community-based services including adult day rehabilitation. alternative living services, and home delivered services to individuals who to the provider of medical services before services would otherwise need nursing home or other are provided. The health care provider will make a institutional care;172 copy of the Medicaid 4rd and bill the state Medicaid program for the services. Some services require small co-paym~nts, but others do not. .hospice care;173 and transportation to and from necessary care.174 Pregnant women and children never have to pay anything. No co-paym~nts are required for These are called "covered" services. If the Medicaid program refuses to pay for a service emergency care or for those enrolled in an HMO. Most Georgia Medi~d recipients receive services through Georgia Better Health care (GBHC), a primary car~I case management pro- because it is "not covered" first check the Department of Medical Assistance Policies and Procedures which provide details on each covered service.I7S Then review the federal Medicaid regulations gram, or an HMO. GBHC enrollees get a lime which provide detailed definitions of the services green card. HMO enrollees get a tan card. Other that Georgia's Medicaid program must provide. 176 Medicaid recipients get \a yellow card. Medicare recipients with limited Medicaid benefits get a red What screening, diagnosis, and preventative card. For an explanatioh of-the limited services services does Medicaid provide for chHdren? available to these Meditare recipients. see pages . 43-44. I The 'federal Medicaid statute requires the state to provide an Early and Periodic SCreening. Diagnosis, r If the Medicaid card does not arrive in the mail or is lost, a replacemen~ card can be obtained from the local DFACS office. A replacement card can be issued the same y ilis requested.' so What services does Medicaid cover? and1teatment (EPSDT) program that delivers a full range preventive, diagnostic and treatment services to children under the age of 21.117 EPSDT includes periodic well-chiJd medical. dental, vision, and hearing check ups, immunizations, laboratory tests. and health education.178 Diagnostic and In Georgia, the types of medical care covered by treatment services are covered for both newly Medicaid include: diagnosed conditions as well as pre-existing conditions.179 Moreover. EPSDT requires aggres- physiciari and otheF licensed practitioner services,151 including nhrse practitioners,152 nurse midwives, 153 physician assistants, 154 Podiatrists, 155 and optotInetrists156.' I rural and other federally qualified health clinic services;157 sive outreach efforts to inform children and their parents about the importance of preventive care and the availability of EPSDT services. 180 Health Cbeck is the early and periodic screening component ~f Georgia's EPSDT program. lSI It hospital care, both inpatient and outpatient services; 158 I . includes comprehensive physical examinations, health and developmental histories, developmental Xpr-ersacyrsipatinodnladbrutgess;t1s5l;9l60 . checkups and preverttive care' for children; 161 family planning;162 1 . home health services;163 assessments, vision and bearing tests, lab proce- ' dures and lead risk assessments at regular. age appropriate intervals.182 Because of EPSDT. Georgia must cover all medically necessary diagnostic 'and treatment physical. speech, and occupational therapy; mental health servic~sl64 . substance abuse treaItm' ent; 165 orthotics and prosthbtics;166 services for children under 21 years of age indud:" ing mental health care, vision and dental ser~ vices. l83 Medicaid eligible services that are not covered for adults are covered for children. durable medical walkers, ete.);167 equi!Ipment (wheel ch.airs. nursing home care; 168 .- . 49 What limits does Georgia place on services for children? Medicaid must pay for all medically necessary care for children under 21 that falls within one of the broad categories eligible for federal Medicaid. reimbursement184 Federal law divides Medicaid services into two categories: mandatory and optional services. 18S For adults, the state must cover mandatory services and it may, but is not required to, cover optional services. Under EPSDT the state must provide optional as well as mandatory services to children under age 21. 186 This means that children are eligible for some types of services that are not provided to adults. Moreover, EPSDT requires that children be provided all medically necessary treatment that falls within a category of covered services. 187 While the state may place reasonable limits on covered services for adults, it may not refuse to provide care that is medically necessary for children. 188 Again, this means that children are eligible for some medical services that are not covered for adults. For example, Georgia's Medicaid program does not cover hearing aids for adults, but does for children. 189 What limits does Georgia place on Medicaid services for adults? The state may, and does, place limits on medically necessary services for adults. First, all services for adults must fall within the broad categories of care covered by Georgia's Medicaid program. See the list of covered services at the beginning of this chapter. Moreover, some services are specifically excluded even though they fall within the broad categories of care covered by Medicaid. For example: cosmetic surgery, hearing aids,190 routine foot care including removal of corns and warts,191 dental services are limited to emergency care and extraction of teeth, 192 vision care does not include refractive exams. or eyeglasses. 193 The federal Medicaid regulations provide detailed definitions of the services that Georgia must cover. If the state refuses to approve or pay for care because the service is "not covered" or specifically excluded from a covered category first check the Depanment of Medical Assistance Policies and Procedures which provide details on each covered serVice. 194 Then review the federal 0 Medicaid regulations which provide detailed definitions of the services that Georgia's Medicaid program must provide. 19S Second, the state places some numerical limits on medically necessary services for adults: physician services - 12 visits per year, 196 home health, physical, speech and occupational services - 75 visits per year, 197 and prescription drugs - 5 per month. 19B However, only the numerical limits on home health care are absolute. 199 Medicaid will pay for physician visits and prescription drugs above the numerical limits" when they are medically neces- sary and medically justified. The treating physi- cian needs to request extra services and explain why they are medically necessary.200 If the request for additional services is denied, the recipient has a right to a fair hearing to contest the decision.201 . Third, both durable medical equipment and prescription drugs each have a formulary list of approved items. Medicaid will pay for drugs and medical equipment not listed in the formularies 0 when they are medically necessary and the listed items are an inadequate substitute.202 The treating physician needs to request prior approval for items not on the formularies and justify their need.203 If the prior approval request is denied, the recipient has a right to a fair hearing to contest the decision.204 While federal Medicaid law allows Georgia to place numerical limits on services and use formu- 1aries' all limitations on medically necessary services for adults must be reasonable and the services must be "sufficient in amount, duration and scope to reasonably achieve their purpose" and the purpose of the Medicaid Act.20S Numeri- cal limits are considered reasonable if they meet the needs of most individuals eligible for Medicaid.206 Formularies are reasonable when there is an adequate process for adding new items to the list and prescribing items not on the formulary but necessitated by individual circumstances.207 The state is also prohibited from denying 0 Medicaid services solely because of the person's I diagnosis, type of illness or condition.20B Thus, it is a violation of federal law for a state Medicaid program to pay for eyeglasses for people with cataracts and refuse to pay for eyeglasses for people with vision problems.209 Similarly, a state 50 Medicaid program could not refuse to pay for AZT treatment for HIV when ~Ihe drug was the only tprreeastcmriepntitoanvdairluagbsleinwlhifiledlapnadyidnegatfhorsailtluoattihoenrs~210 What kinds of medicallquiPment and devices does Medicaid cover? I Medicaid covers the rental or purchase of a whole range of medical equipment and supplies including hospital beds, theelchairs, oxygen equipment, and walkers. ~edicaid also covers devices such as artificial limbs, braces, glasses and artificial eyes.2i I Medicaid does not cover hearing aids for adults. 212 Meditaid does not cover .equipment which is prim~rily and customarily f . used for non-medical pur~oses, such as air condi- tioning or bathtub liftS.2l For children, Medicaid covers any medical equipment or devices that are medically neces- sary.214 For adults, Meditaid has a formulary of approved medical equipm~nt and devices.2IS Some items are specifically excluded from coverage. 216 Items not on the formulary but not specifically excluded, , mI ay\ be covered "lor adults when medically justified oy the physician.217 Equipment and supplieS must be prescribed by i a physician.2lB Prior app~oval is required for many, if not most, items.2 9 . What kind of mental health, mental retardation, and alcohol land drug treatment services does Medicaid d>Ver? Medicaid covers outpatibnt and inpatient mental health and substance abu~e treatment. and habili- tation care for those with rhental retardation. . Covered outpatient servicek include diagnosis, therapy, counseling, medicktion administration and day treatment.220 Me~iicaid provides shortterm, acute care inpatient ~ospital services for these conditions. Medicaid \also covers longer term inpatient psychiatric care for children under 21, and nursing home care in ihtermediate care facilities for those with mehtal retardation. For adults, Medicaid pa~s for psychiatric evalu- ations and some forms of ~sychiatric therapy provided by. a licensed phy~ician or psychia- trist.22I Other outpatient rltental health services I. for adults must be provided by community mental I health centers, now called Gommunity Service Boards.222 A list of these denters is included onpages 19-21. Adult mentkl health outpatient services must be clinic base~. They may not be provided at the person's residence. . 21. For children under age outpatient services do not have to be clinic based and may be pro- vided at.the child's residence or other medically appropriate location as long as it is not a public institution, free-standing psychiatric hospital or nursing home.223 Services may be provided by community mental clinics or any private licensed psychologist who agrees to participate in Medicaid. 224 Mental health, mental retardation, and alCohol and drug abuse screenings and services are required as part of the Early Periodic Screening; Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program for children under 21.225 EPSDT mandates that Georgia's Medicaid program cover all medically necessary mental health. mental retardation and substance abuse treatment for children under 21. The state may not place an absolute limit on the number of hours of services for children.226 For details on the EPSDT requirements, see the section discussing Medicaid services for children. Inpatient hospital care for mental illness, mental retardation, and alcohol and drug treatment is covered for adults and children.227 Partial hospitalization services designed to prevent hospitalization are also covered. 228 However, federal law prohibits Medicaid from reimbursing institutions for mental illnesses.229 This means that Medicaid does not cover mental health and substance abuse services provided to adults in a nursing home, public mental institution, or free standing psychiatric facility.230 Medicaid also pays for long term inpatient care provided in intermediate care nursing home facilities for those with mental retardation (leFI MR).231 In addition, Georgia has a waiver of certain provisions of the federal Medicaid law to allow it to provide home and community-based services to those who are mentally retarded or have other developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism which result in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adap- tive behavior and who, but for the home services, would be institutionalized in a hospital or nursing home. 232 The Mental Retardation Waiver Program (MRWP) allows Georgia's Medicaid program to pay for support services like respite care, personal support services, day habilitation services. supported employment services and specialized medical equipment and supplies that are not normally covered by Medicaid.233 To apply for the Mental Retardation Waiver. contact the local office of the Division of Family and Children's Services. A list of addresses and phone numbers is included on pages 65-68. . 51 What community care services does Georgia eesp participants. with sufficient income must offer to help people with disabilities and elderly individuals stay out of nursing homes and other institutions and remain in the community? 0 , contribute to the cost of their care. See page 53 for details. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) proces~ applications for eesp. See page 69 of this Guide Georgia has a number of waivers of certain for a list of AAAs, their service areas. and phone provisions of the federal Medicaid law to allow it numbers. to provide home and community-based services to elderly and disabled individuals who, but for the Mental Retardation Waiver Program home services, would be institutionalized in a (MRWP) provides community based services to hospital Of nursing home. 234 The waivers allow people with mental retardation or have other Georgia's Medicaid program to pay for support developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy, services, like respite care and homemaker services, epilepsy or autism which result in impairment of that are not normally covered by Medicaid.235 general intellectual functionrng or adaptive behav- To be eligible for the waiver programs, individu- ior.242 MRWP's additional services include: als must: . service coordination need the level of caie provided by a nursing residential training and supervision home, intermediate care facility for the mentally personal support services, retarded or other extended institutional stay, respite care services be assessed and determined appropriate for day habilitation services, one of the waiver programs: and supported employment services reside in a residential home setting, either his personal emergency response service or her own home, another person's home or a personal care or group home.236 Medicaid recipients who need extended care in a hospital. nursing home, or'intermediate care specialized medical equipment and supplies that are not normally covered by Medicaid including: assistive technology. adaptive equipment, o facility for the mentally retarded must be informed vehicle adaptations. about services available under the waiver pro- environmental modifications, grams and given a choice between institutional and community-based care.237 protective chucks, diapers, Each waiver program is .limited to the number of slots funded by the Georgia legislature.238 food supplements, home based services, Some have long lists of people waiting to get into skilled nursing care, the program. The state can increase the number of home health aid services, slots, and decrease the waiting lists, by increasing physical, speech, and occupational the state funds available to fund home and 'community-based care.239 therapies.243 Georgia'S home and community-based waivers Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP) include the following programs:240 . provides services to people with severe physical disabilities and individuals with traumatic brain Community Care Services Program (CCSP)' injuries who are age 21 or older. Enhanced provides special services to the frail elderly so they services include: . can remain in their own home or community. CCSP participants are eligible for all the usual Medicaid services, plus: case management. homemaker, personal care services. adult day health, alternative living services, personal support services, environmental modification, skilled nursing, transportation. o emergency response system, specialized medical equipment and supplies. altcrnativcliving services, personal emergency response systems, respite care, and home delivered meals. 241 companion services. 52 counseling, and occupational therapy. - ~th ICWP participants sufficient income must contribute to the cost of their care. see page 53 b~~~. ' Model Waiver Program provides specialized medical care to children under 21 who are ventilator dependent. The a~ditional waiver services r offered include specialized skilled nursing care and medical day care.2 4 This waiver is intended to provide specific time limited nursing services until the primary care ~ver assumes responsibility for the care of the patient.245 Some partici- , pants in the Model wailier may have to contribute to the cost of their care. See page 53 for details. I service Options Using Resources in the Community Environ~ent (SOURCE) provides primary and preventive! care to elderly people eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare who are at risk of long term institutionalization. ' l . Shepherdcare proVla' es pnmary and preven- ' tive care for people with severe physical disabilities after their initial ho~pitalization and release; Persons wishing to apply for a waiver program should contact the local!office of the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFACS). Community care applic~tions are coordinated with the Department of Publif Health and the Office of Aging. Applications for fhe MRWP are coordinated by the County Boards of Health and the State Division of Mental! Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse. All other waiver I applications are received by the Depanment of Medical Assistance for review of appropriateness of coverage. Does Medicaid pay for organ transplants? Georgia's Medicaid prbgram covers kidney, liver, bone marrow and epmea transplants for f everyone. It also covers ~ean transplants for children under age 21.24 Prior approval is required for liver, bone marrow and hean transplants.247 I What family planning services does Medicaid , cover? Medicaid provides a full range of family plan- ning services including c6unseling and medical examinations.248 Coveretl binh control includes prescription contraceptivds. Norplant, Depo- provera and condoms.249 Family planning services are provided by public health clinics, physicians, nurse midwives, and nurse practioners.250 Medicaid covers abonions when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or if the mother is a victim of rape. or incest.251 Medicaid does not pay for sterilizations for anyone under the age of 21.252 -What does the patient pay for Medicaid services? Generally, providers must accept Medicaid payment as payment in full.253 Small co-payments are required for cenain routine services, but providers may not refuse care to a person unable to make the co-payment.254 Co-payments may not be charged for emergency services, or for any services provided to pregnant women, children under age 21, hospice, or dialysis.255 Georgia Medicaid recipients who enroll in Medicaid HMOs do not have any co-payments.256 Georgia now requires adults to make the following copayments for non-emergency services: doctor/other licensed practitioner visits $ 2.00 health clinic visits , $ 2.00 hospital outpatient care (walk-in) $ 3.00 inpatient hospital (each admission) $12.50 surgery $ 3.00 home health visits , $ 3.00 durable medical equipment $ 3.00 orthotics and prosthetics $ 3.00 supplies and equipment ren~l $ 1.00 prescription drugs $ .50257 Additionally, nursing home patients and individuals receiving home and community-based services instead of nursing home care must pay a share of the cost of care.258 For details on the patient's share of cost for these two services, see the next two sections. What do Medicaid nursing home patients have to pay towards the cost of their care? Because nursing homes provide room and board as well as medical care, Medicaid recipients with incomes above protected amounts are required to contribute to the cost of their nursing home care. The recipient's share of the cost is determined by subtracting the following amounts from his or her net income (after mandatory federal and state withholdings for FICA taxes, etc.): 53 $30 personal needs allowance for personal items like clothing and haircuts not covered by Medicaid. 259 .Up to $2049 per month if the patient has a spouse living in the community.260 This money is to support the living expenses of the at-home spouse. The exact amount of the community spouse maintenance allowance is computed by subtracting the after tax income of the community spouse from the maximum allowance allowed, . $2049 in 1999. If the spouse is living in a nursing home, no community spouse maintenance allow- ance is allowed. Up to $1.327 per month to support a dependent family member-child, parent, sibling or half-sibling-living in the community.261 To be dependent, the family member must have been claimed on the most recent federal income tax return or have income at or below the 551 benefit rate, $500 for one person in 1999. The amount of the dependent family member allowance is deter- mined by subtracting the dependent's after tax income from the maximum dependent allowance, $1327 in 1998. Medical expenses that Medicaid or another third party will not pay including health insurance premiums, Medicaid co-payments, and services not covered by Medicaid.262 The medical costs must be incurred. They do no have to actually be paid. , If a person receiving Medicaid nursing home care has any income remaining after these deduc- tions, that amount is the patient's share of the cost of care and must be paid to the nursing home. What do people receiving Medicaid home and community based services have to pay for their care? Medicaid recipients receiving home and commu- nity based services under the Independent care Waiver (ICWP); the Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and Model Waiver may have to contribute a portion of their income towards the cost of their care. No cost sharing is required of those in the Mental Retardation Waiver Program (MRWP). To determine if a home and community based care recipient must contribute to the cost of care, subtract the follOWing amounts from his or her net income (after mandatory federal and state withholdings for FICA, taxes, etc.).263 These deductions from income are similar to those used to compute nursing home cost sharing. Personal care needs allowance. For the 0 CCSP and Model Waiver the personal care allow- ance is the SSI benefit leveI.264 In 1999, $500 for one person. For the ICWP, the personal care needs allowance is $2049 in 1999, the same amount as the living allowance for spouses of nursing home residents.265 . Up to $2049 per month if the patient has a spouse living in the community.266 This money is to support the living expenses of the at-home spouse. The exact amount of the community spouse maintenance allowance is computed by subtracting the after tax income of the community spouse from the maximum allowed, $2049 in 1999. If the spouse is living in a nursing home, no .community spouse maintenance allowance is . allowed. Up to $1,327 per month to support a dependent family member-child, parent, sibling or half-sibling-living in the community.267 To be dependent, the family member must be claimed on the most recent federal .income tax return or have income at or below the SSt benefit rate, $500 for one person in 1999. The amount of the dependent family member allowance is determined by sub- 0 tracting the dependent's after tax income from the maximum dependent allowance, $1327 in 1998. Medical expenses that Medicaid or another third party will not pay including health insurance premiums, Medicaid co-payments, and services not covered by Medicaid.268 The medical costs must be incurred. They do no have to actually be paid. CCSP and ICWP participants must contribute any remaining income towards the cost of their waiver services. Participants in the Model Waiver with excess income may have to contribute a share of cost. A Medicaid consultant determines the exact contribution amount for Model Waiver recipients.269 WlII Medicaid pay for transportation to and from medical care? Medicaid pays for transportation to and from any Medicaid-covered services for recipients who need it.27o The only time the state is not reqUired to provide transportation is when someone has an appropriate. reliable means of transportation 0 available at no cost.271 nansportation is available for doctor and clinic visits, tripslo the pharmacy, dialysis appointments, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, mental health visits, emergency room trips, and any other care covered by Medicaid. Modes of transportation include mini- 54 bus, wheelchair van, stretcher vans, and voucners for public transponatiort.272 For emergency transportation, Medicaid recipi- ents, like others, call 9111. For non-emergency transportation, Medicaid recipients must caU the Medicaid Non-emergendyTransportation Broker (NET) that serves his o~ her county.273 For service areas and phone numbers, see page 69 in the Gtraunidsep.oTrthaetitornantshpeomrstealtvid~sn,bbroukt earrsradnogenoitt provide for the recipient. The brokers dn be caUed Monday through Friday from 6:0p a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to schedule a ride. I" Requests for transportation must be made 48 hours prior to routine aplpointments.274 For ex- ample. if an appointment is on Friday, call the broker on or before Thes~ay of the same week to arrange for transportatioh. For urgent care or same day appointments, caU the broker as soon as , I possible. Recipients must be read)' to board the transportation within 15\minutes of p~ckup. If a transportation problem arises, request a fair "hearing. Does Medicaid require prior approval before medical services are pr6vided? Prior authorization is tequired before many nonemergency medical servides are performed.275 Prior authorization programs ~re supposed to ensure that only medically necessarylservices are reimbursed. Emergency care, office visits, and most prescription drugs do not need prior a6thorization. The prior I " authorization 'may not extessively delay the deliv- ery of services.276" The doctor, not the patient. must get the authori- zation. If the state denie~ prior authorization, the patient must be notified irt writing and can appeal the deniaJ.277 Recipients ican also appeal excessive delays in the approval pr9cess.278 The provider can also appeal denials of prior authorization.279 May Medicaid refuse to lpprove medical care a I treating physician says is medically necessary? Medicaid only covers sJrvices that are medically necessary.28O Sometimes I~he Medicaid program refuses to approve or pay for care because they believe the service, although covered, is not medi. cally necessary for the indIvidual's condition. When this happens, a recibient and/or the provider can request a fair hearing to contest the denial of services.281 Generally. thJ state cannot arbitrarily refuse to follow the treating physician'S treatment recommendation. 282 Maya Medicaid recipient choose his or her owndocto~ - All Medicaid recipients have the right to choose their primary care physician.283 Many recipients also have the right to select which specialists they wish to see. Medicaid recipients not enrolled in Georgia Better Health care (GBHC) or an HMO may use any physician, primary care provider or specialist who accepts Medicaid. Individuals enrolled in Georgia Better Health care (GBHC) , a primary care case management program, or an HMO have the right to choose their own primary care physicians from among those participating in GBHC or the HMO. When someone fails to select a primary care physician one is assigned. Recipi- ents who are unhappy with the primary care doctor they select or the one assigned to them may change primary care physicians at any time for any reaSon.284 GBHC and HMO enrolles may select a general practitioner, family practitioner, pediatrician, general internist, or gynecologist, nurse practitio- ner or physician assistant as their primary care physiciari.285 Enrollees with chronic health conditions whose care is managed by a specialist may use their specialist as the designated pri- mary care physician as long as the specialist is willing to agree to provide the primary care and referral services required of GBHC and HMO primary care physicians.286 GBHC participants may see any specialist they wish who accepts Medicaid payment. However, for most services enrollees need a referral from their primary care physician.287 A referral is not needed for emergency services, mental health services, pregnancy services, family planning and dental services.288 HMO enrollees must use specialists who participate in the HMO.289 The HMO should have list of participating physicians. Most Georgia Medicaid recipients are required . to enroU in either GBHC or an HMO. GBHC or an HMO is mandatory for all Medicaid recipients except for those residing in nursing homes, personal care homes, mental health hospitals and other institutions.290 Right from the Start pregnant women and other short-term recipients are also excluded. Recipients who have profound medical problems who are being cared for in anothercase management program may be ' exempted from GBHC. Recipients covered by both Medicare and Medicaid may, but are not required, to enroll. 291 55 How does someone find a doctor or dentist who accepts Medicaid? Many private physicians and dentists do not accept Medicaid.292 For help in finding one that does. call the local OFACS office (see pages 65-68 of this Guide). Medicaid recipients enrolled in Georgia Better Health Care or an HMO will have a primary care doctor listed on the back of their Medicaid care. This doctor can refer them to other physicians and dentists who accept Medicaid. What is Georgia Better Health care? -Georgia Better Health Care is a primary care case management program in which Medicaid recipients are matched with a primary care physician or primary care provider'like nurse practitioner or physician's assistant (PCP) .293 The primary care provider is paid a $3 monthly case management fee to coordinate the recipient's health care services. . Generally. Medicaid recipients enrolled in GBHC must obtain all primary care from his or her primary care physician. Some specialist services' must have a referral from the GBHC primary care physician. Emergency services. mental health' services. immunizations. pregnancy services, family planning and dental services, among others. do not need a referral. For these services, GBHe enrollees may see any physician or other licensed practitioner who accepts Medicaid.294 GBHC participants receive a lime green Medicaid card. Their primary care physician's name, phone number and address are listed on the back. GBHC is mandatory for all Medicaid recipients except for those residing in nursing homes, personal care homes, mental health hospitals and other institutions. Right from the Start eligible pregnant women and other short-term Medicaid recipients are also excluded. Recipients who have profound medical problems .who are being cared for in another case management program may also be exempted from GBHC. Recipients covered by both Medicare and Medicaid may, but are not reqUired. to enroll in GBHC or an HMO.295 In Atlanta. Macon. August and Savannah recipients have the option of GBHC or an HMO.296 HMO enrollees do not have to pay co-payments required of other Medicaid recipients.297 Recipients who select the HMO option must obtain all care through the HMO. The state pays the HMO a set rate per person each month whether or not any care is provided.29B HMO enrollees receive a tan Medicaid card. Recipients who fail to choose between the HMO and GBHe are assigned to GBHC.299 For help with GBHC enrollment, changing 0 primary care physician, or more information on GBHC, call 1-800-246-2757 or (404) 657-8299, . the GBHC Membership Services phone line. What pharmacy maya Medicaid recipient use? Medicaid recipients may use any pharmacy that accepts Medicaid payment.300 However, a Medic- aid recipient may use only one pharmacy during any month. The person may change pharmacies the next month, but must stay with the same pharmacy for one full month.30t This policy allows the pharmacy to keep track of the number of prescriptions each individual has. Georgia Medicaid generally limits prescription drugs to five per month for adults and six per month for children.302 However, the pharmacist is allowed to override this limit when necessary (as when antibiotics are needed), or when the physi- cian indicates the drug is medically necessary and the pharmacist determines that the drug is not duplicative of one the patient is already taking and it is not contra-indlcated.303 Maya doctor or hospital blll a recipient for a 0 service that Medicaid refuses to pay? Providers may not bill patients for services covered by Medicaid except for the allowed copayment amounts.304 Sometimes, however, a provider improperly tries to collect from a Medicaid patient when Medicaid refuses to pay the provider because the provider failed to request prior ap- proval for a service. failed to timely submit a claim for Medicaid payment, or the service was deter- mined to be not medically necessary. Providers may not bill or collect payment from recipients in these situations.305 When a person receives a bill from a provider they think Medicaid should have paid, they should . call 1-800-282-4536 and notify Medicaid of the problem. While a phone call should be sufficient, it may also help to send a letter to wayne Blank, Director of Legal Services of the Department of Medical Assistance, 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. The state will investigate and notify the person 0 within thirty days of the result. If the bill is improper, the state will notify the provider to cease billing. If the state determines the bill was proper, . . the Medicaid recipient has a right to request a fair hearing. 306 56 How long does the provider have to bill Medicaid? I Generally, Medicaid providers must submit I claims within six (6) months of the month of service.307 Extensions of this deadline are permit- ted for a variety of teasons including when a . applicant is granted \retroaetive Medicaid eligibility after the services are rendered.308 I Will Medicaid pay for services provided in another state? I . Georgia's Medicaitl program pays for services furnished outside thb state when: .. . I' a recipient IS outslde the state, a med'leaI emergency exists, th~ serVices are necessary and the recipient's healthl would be endangered if he or she had to travel back to Georgia to g~t treatment; the services are tnore readily available in another state; or I . it is the general practice for recipients in a locality to use servic~ in another state.309 What happens if soieone has private insurance or Medicare in Iaddition' to Medicaid? Medicaid is the paYrer of last resort. This means that providers must first seek payment from private insurance or Medicare, and then bill Medicaid only if the ~ird party pays less than what Medicaid would pay.310 Because Medicaid ~ the payer of last resort. the state must seek reimbursement from insurers or I other third parties liable for the costs of medical care paid for by Medidud.3 11 This is the reason Medicaid recipients m~st assign their right to any insurance or other thitd party payments to the state when they apply !for Medicaid.312 What should someonb do if Medicaid refuses to pay for care? I Medicaid recipients can appeal: ap~roval denials of prior for services, denials of application for nursing home and community based sehrices" decisions refusing to pay for services already provided. and I ' delays in providing; services.J 13 ~ritten Medicaid will send a notice stating that the claim is denied and that there is a right to appeal that decision.3141 The written notice must include a statement of the reasons for the action and the specific regulatlt:ms that support the action.315 The time limit for filing an appeal is thirty days. ' A Quick and Easy Method of Screening for Medicaid Eligibility Under the Pickle Amendment Gordon Bonnyman Managing Attorney, Thnnessee Justice center Screening for Medicaid eligibility under the Pickle amendment is quick and simple. The screening process does not reqUire mathematical calculations and eliminates the majority of those who are ineligible. For those who survive the initial screening and for whom mathematical calculations are reqUired, the table below shows a simple formula for performing the necessary calculations. The screening sequence: Step 1: Ask. "Are you now receiving a social security check?" If the answer is no, the person is not Pickle eligible. If yes, go to step 2. Step 2: Ask...After April 1977, has there 'ever been a month in which you were eligible for and received both a social security check and an SSI check?" If the answer is no, the person is not Pickle eligible. If the answer is yes, go to step 3. Step 3: Ask. "What is the last month in which you were eligible for. and received. both social . security and SSI? Step 4: Look up the month in which the person last received both social security and 551 in the . following table. Find the percentage that applies to that month. ' Multiply the present amount of the person's (and/or spouse's) social security benefits by the applicable percentage. Step 5: You have just calculated the countable social security income under the Pickle amendment Add the figure that you have just calculated to any other countable income the person has. If the total is less than the current SSI income criteria - $500 for an individual and $751 for a couple in 1999 - .the person is Pickle income eligible for Medicaid benefits. The person must still satisfy separate Medicaid resource and nonfinancial requirements. If 551 terminated Multiply 1999 social during security income by January 1998 - December 1998 987 January 1997 - December 1997 966 January 1996 - December 1996 : 940 January 1995 - December 1995 916 57 January 1994 - December 1994 January 1993 - December 1993 January 1992 - December 1992 January 1991 - December 1991 January 1990 - December 1990 January 1989 - December 1989 January 1988 - December 1988 January 1987 - December 1987 January 1986 - December 1986 January 1985 - December 1985 January 1984 - December 1984 July 1982 - December 1983 July 1981 - June 1982 July 1980 - June 1981 July 1979 - J~ne 1980 July 1978 - June 1979 July 1977 - June 1978 May orJune 1977 :~ , 891 868 843 812 771 736 708 . 679 671 651 629 607 566 508 .445 ~ .405 380 :359 Because of rounding procedures in the computation of Social'Security benefits, the screening calculation will give you an approximate" rather than exact. figure. Because a discrepancy of one cent may mean the difference between Medicaid eligibility as a Pickle Ce and no meaningful access to health care. legal workers should obtain exact information from the Sodal Security Administration in cases where the approximate figure produced by the screening method results in a determination that the client is over the eligibility limit by a small amount (I.e., $20 or less). FOOTNOTES 1 See. e.g., Atkins v. Rivera. 417 U.S. 154, 156-57 ~1986). Act of April 19, 1999 to aeate Deparbnent of Community Health, to be codified at Act No. 268(S.B. 241) O.C.G.A, 31-5A-4. O.C.G.A. 49-4-14, found at www.ganetorgservicesllegl. 3 JANE PERKINS. MIClfELE MELDEN, AND MARK REGAN, AN ADVOCATE'S GUIDE TO nfE MEDICAID PRoGRAM (1993). A 1999 edition is due out soon. It can be ordered from National Health Law Program. 2639 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles. CA 90034, (310) 204-6010. 4 42 U.S.C. 1396u-l; Economic Support Services ~ESS) County Letter No. 98-4. ESS County Letter No. 98-4. 6 ESS COunty Letter No. 98-4. 7 ESS County Letter No. 98-4. 8 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a)(10)(A): 42 C.F.R. 435.145: ESS Manual, 804-1: id. at 805-1 (MT 3- 3/93). 9 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a)(10)(A)(i)(V); 42 C.F.R. 435.119; ESS County Letter No. 98-4. 10 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a)(10)(A)(i): 42 C.ER. 435.119; ESS County Letter No. 98-4. For example, under TANF rules a legal guardian qualifies as a relative. 11 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a)(10)(A)(i)M; 42 C.F.R. 435.119; ESS County Letter No. 98-4. 12 42 U.S.C. 1396a(e)(5); 42 C.F.R. 35.170; ESS Manual. 821-1 (MT 5-2/94). 13 42 U.S.C. 1396a(e)(5); 42 C.F.R. 435.117; ESS Manual, 815-1 (MT 3-3/93). 14 ESS Manual. 820-1 (MT 5-2/94). 15 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a)(10)(A)(i)(1lI): 42 C.F.R. 435.201; ESS Manual, .822-1 (MT 5-2/95). 16 ESS Manual, 820-1 (MT 5-2/94). 17 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a)(10)(A)(i)(I); 42 C.F.R. 435.201: State ABO Manual. 252-1 (MT 1 - 8/92). 18 42 U.S.C. 1396a(m)(I): 42 C.F.R. 435.530; id. 435.540; State ABO Manual. 805-1 (MT 18-9/97). 19 42 U.S.C. 1382(a)(I)(A); 42 C.F.R. 435.520: State ABO Manual, 805-1 (MT 18-9/97). 20 42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(2); 20 C.F.R. 416.981; State ABO Manual. B-3 (MT 1-3/93). 21 42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)(A); 20 C.F.R. 416.905; State ABO Manual, B-6 (MT 1-3/93). . 2242 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(II); 42 C.F.R. 435.120; State ABO Manual. 611-1 (MT 17 - 8/97). 23 Recipients of Social Security old age benefits qualify automatically for Medicare. Social security Disability (SSm) recipients qualify for Medicare after a two year waiting peri~~ Many ssm recipients need Medicaid during the two year waiting period when they are ineligible for Medicare. Social security recipients with Medicare also need Medicaid to pay for prescription drugs which are not covered by Medicare, and to pay the~ubstantial premiums, deduCb'bles, and co-payments rt: (706) 655-5000; (706) 655-5011 FAX secti~n Disability Adjudication Administrative/Main Qffice Jerry Thomas, Director 330 West Ponce de Leon Ave. Mail: P.O. Box 1187 . Decatur, GA 30031 (404) 687-2100; (404) 371-7207 FAX Thomasville Qffice (Unit 7) Denny Lewin, Unit Supervisor 131 7 East Jackson Street Thomasville, GA 31792-4750 (912) 225-5279; (912) 227-2433 FAX Savannah Q/fice (Unit 4) I Mary Lynn Powell, Unit Supervisor I P.O. Box 14509 Savannah, GA 31416-1509 (912) 351-3511 (912)353-5015 FAX REGIONAL OFFICES REGION 1 Rome, Dallas, Da/tQn, LaF''f)'ette Rome - Regional David Bennett, RD 606, Graham Street NW Rome, GA 30165-2354 (706) 295-6407; (706) 295-6778 FAX Rome- Hub 2 Tommy Cobb, EM 404 South Broad Street SW Rome, GA 30161-4647 (706) 295-6400; (706) 802-5188 FAX Rome- Hub 1 Ted Langford, EM 404 South Broad Street SW Rome, GA 30161-4647 (706) 295-6400; (706) 802-5188 FAX Dallas - Hub Ken Curtis, EM 300 WI Parkway, Suite 300 Dallas, GA 30132-5353 (770) 443-3717; (770) 443-3733 FAX Dalton - Hub Judy Salvaras, EM 1615 Hickory Street, Suite 106 Dalton, GA 30720-8518 (706) 212-2303; (706) 272-2288 FAX laFayette - Hub carroll Andrew, EM 115 East laFayette Square LaFayette, GA 30728-2929 (706) 638-5536; (706) 638-5558 FAX 111 REGION 2 Gainesville. Cumming. Cleveland Gainesville - Regional Susan Sherman, RD 311 Green Street, Suite 209 Gainesville GA 30501-3364 (770) 535-5930; (770) 535-5904 FAX Gainesville - Hub Nicki Farmer, EM 530.Broad Street SE, P.O. Box 677 Gainesville, GA 30503-0677 . (770) 535-5468; (770) 535-5994 FAX Cumming - Hub Weyland Billingsley, EM 100 Colony Park Drive, Suite 204 Cumming, GA 30040-2774 (770)781-6781; (770) 781-6785 FAX Cleveland - Hub Cynthia Hanna, EM 234 South Main Street #B Cleveland, GA 30040-2774 (706) 865-9535; (706) 865-9602 FAX REGION 3 Atlanta. 1l.Lcker, Decatur, Hapeville, Lawrencevl71e, Canton. Madetta. Douglasville, Jonesboro Atlanta - Regional Jennifer Hudson, RD Jim Newton, Program Mgr. Doh Faulkner, Program Mgr. 10 Park Place South SE, Suite 602 Atlanta. GA 30303-2905 (404) 657-2238 or 2239; (404) 657-4731 FAX 1\acker - Hub 1 Valerie Martin, EM 2187 Northlake Parkway, Suite 112 1\acker, GA 30084-4110 (770) 414-2602; call first to FAX Decatur - Hub 2 Richard ,ones. EM 755 Commerce Drive, Room 615 Decatur, GA 30030-2619 (404) 370-5130; (404) 370-5067 FAX Decatur - Hub 3 Marcia Blanding, EM 4151 Memorial Drive, Suite 100-F Decatur, GA 30032-1594 (404) 298-4900; (404) 298-3629 FAX Atlanta - Hub 4 Tom Beaty, EM 1718 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 376-5 Atlanta, GA 30309-2409 (404) 206-6000 or 5434; (404) 206-6011 FAX Atlanta - Hub 5 Kay Markette. EM. 1718 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 376-5 Atlanta, GA 30309-2409 (404) 206-6000 or 5434; (404) 206-6.011 FAX Hapeville - Hub 6 Bill Corley, EM 3420 Norman Beny Drive. Suite 401 Hapeville. GA 30354-1314 (404) 669-3901; (404) 559-4970 FAX Hapeville - Hub 7 Wanda Rucker, EM 3420Norman Beny Drive, Suite 401 Hapeville, GA 30354-1314 (404) 669-3900; (404) 559-4970 FAX Lawrenceville - Hub 8 . ~nda Boatwright. EM 134 South Clayton Street. Suite 27 Lawrenceville. GA 30045-5743 (770) 995-2170; (770) 995-2182 FAX canton- Mini Hub 9 Bernadette Amerein. EM 3049 Marietta Highway. Suite 130 P.O. Box 552 canton, GA 30114-0552 (770)720-3570; (770) 720-3577 FAX Marietta - Hub 9 Bernadette Amerein. EM 1046 South Cobb Drive. S.E. Marietta, GA 30060-3304 (770) 528-3435; (770) 528-3436 FAX Marietta - Hub 10 Fulton Cooper, EM 1046 South Cobb Drive, S.E. Marietta. GA 30060-3304 (770) 528-3435; (770) 528-3436 FAX Douglasville - Mini Hub 10 Fulton Cooper, EM .. 4600 Thnber Ridge Drive. Bldg. 8-Room 225/226 DouglasviDe, GA 30135-1225 (770) 489-3018; (770) 489-3115 FAX Jonesboro - Hub 11 Vicki Jackson, EM 409 Arrowhead Boulevard, Suite 8-8 . Jonesboro, GA 30236-1246 (770) 473-2462; (770) 473-2446 FAX REGION 4 Newnan. CI1TToOton, GTjffin, LaGrange . Newnan - Regional ltish Cooper, RD 29-A Farmer Industrial Blvd. P.O. Box 218 Newnan, GA 30264-0218 (770) 254-7210; (770) 254-7215 FAX 112 o o o Carrollton - Hub Sylvia Wallace, EM 1512 North Highway 21j .carrollton, GA 30111-1~06 (170) 836-6681; (170)83~225.1 FAX Griffin - Hub Georgia Rummage, EM 231-C South 10th Street Griffin, GA 30224-2835 (170) 229-3140; (170) 229-3151 FAX laGrange - Hub Mike Maddox, EM 1495 laFayette Parkwa}j, Suite A laGrange GA 30241-25~2 (706) 845-4025; (706) 845-4031 FAX, REGION 5 Athens, Monroe Athens - Regional Charlotte Tolbert, RD 125 Athens West Parkway Athens. GA 30606-69421 (706) 354-3900; (106) 354-3943 FAX Athens - Hub 1 lbm Wilson, EM 125 Athens West Parkway Athens. GA 30606-69421 (106) 354-3900; (106) 354-3943 FAX Athens - Hub 2 Dixie Morris, EM 125 Athens West Parkway Athens, GA 30606-69421 (106) 354-3900; (106) 354-"3943 FAX Monroe - Hub 3 Melanie Poole, EM 226 Alcovy Place.,Suite ~114 Monroe, GA 30655-2189 (170) 201-4220; (170) 201-4218 FAX REGION 6 Columbus, Amer;QIS' Columbus - Regional Vacant. RD I 233 12th Street, Suite loo-B p.o. Box 2863 Columbus, GA 31902-2863 (706) 649-1560; (106) 649-1573 FAX Columbus - -South" Lu Bussey-Bowman, EM 233 12th Street, Suite 911 P.O. Box 2863 Columbus, GA 31902-2863 (706) 649-7400; (706) 649-7421 FAX Columbus - -North- Annette Mccauley, EM 233 12th Street, Suite 911 P.O. Box 2863 Columbus, GA 31902-2863 (106) 649-1400; (106) 649-1421 FAX Americus - Hub Jerry Mullinax, EM 1604-C East Forsyth Street, P.O. Box 845 Americus, GA 31109-0845 (912) 931-2516; (912) 931-2811 FAX REGION 7 Macon. M111edgev111e. Perry Macon - Regional John Williams, RD . 2120 Riverside Drive, Suite 12 P.O. Box 1566 Macon, GA 31209-1566 (912) 151-6212; (912) 751-6004 FAX Macon- Hub Ed Leysath, EM 111 Riverside Drive, P.O. Box 6111 Macon, GA 31208-6111 (912) 751-6000 or 6282; (912) 751-6004 FAX Milledgeville - Hub Anna Warnock, EM 2930 Heritage Place. Suite 102 Milledgeville, GA 31061-9208 (912) 445-4181; (912) ~45-0822 FAX Perry- Hub Susan Coleman. EM 1021 Commerce Street, P.O. Box 1248 Perry. GA 31069-1248 (912) 988-6760 or 6161; (912) 988-6168 FAX REGIONS A~ Swainsboro. Thomson Augusta - Regional Doyle Stewart, RD 1220 West Wheeler Pkwy, P.O. Box 15141 AUgusta, GA30919-1141 (106) 650-5600; (106) 650-5624 FAX Augusta - Hub 1 Ed Myers, EM 3112-A Washington Road, P.O. Box 204630 Augusta, GA 30911-4630 (106) 650-5638; (106) 650-5670 FAX Augusta - Hub 2 Ann Heeth, EM 3112-A Washington Road P.O. Box 204630 Augusta, GA 30911-4630 (706) 650-5638; (106) 650-5670 FAX 113 . Swainsboro - Hub Ellen Hall, EM 536 SOuth Main Street, P.O. Box 660 Swainsboro, GA 30401-0660 (912) 289-2578: (912) 289-2586 FAX Thomson - Hub Ava scearce, EM 1025-A Warrenton Highway, P.O. Box 824 Thomson, GA 30824-0824 (706) 591-8515: (706) 591-Q090 FAX REGION 9 Dllbiin, EastmIl1t. Reidsville Dublin.; RegiooaI Eleanor Surren~, RD 2032 Veterans Blvd, Suite B . P.O. Box 16189 Dublin, GA 31040-0158 (912) 274-7676: (912) 214-1658 FAX Dublin- Hub Mike Pruett, EM 904 Claxton Dairy Road, P.O. Box 158 . Dublin, GA 31040-0158 (912) 215-6519: (912) 275-6871 FAX East:man - Mini Hub Mike Pruett, EM 107 College Street, P.o. Box 188 Eastman; GA31023-o188 (912) 374-6841: (912) 374"'6849 FAX Reidsvme - Hub Susan Thompson, EM 106 South Main Street, P.O. Box 790 Reidsvme, GA 30453-0190 (912) 551-1558: (912) 557-7896 FAX . REGION 10 Albany, Bainbridge. ThomflSVl7le Albany - Regional Dianne Davis, RD 110 Pine Avenue, P.O. Box 1606 Albany, GA 31102-1606 . (912) 430-4461: (912) 430-4466 FAX Albany - Mini Hub Valerie Moore, EM 110 Pine Avenue, P.O. Box 1606 Albany, GA 31702-1606 (912) 430-4170; (912) 430-3931 FAX Albany - Hub catherine Andrews. EM 110 Pine Avenue, P.O. Box 1606 Albany, GA 31702-1606 (912) 430-4170: (912) 430-3931 FAX Bainbridge - Mini Hub Valerie Moore, EM 502 West Shotwell Street, P.O. Box 1159 Bainbridge. GA 31717-1159 (912) 248-2480: (9i2) 248-2915 FAX Thomasville - Hub Marilyn Mason, EM 1317 East Jackson Street Thomasville; GA 31192-4150 (912) 225-4045: (912) 225-5264 FAX REGlDN It Yaldosta, 1f/br. Wt()'CI1JSS Valdosta - Regional Sid Burden, HI) 2809 B North Ashley Street valdosta, GA 31602-1806 (912) 333-2110: (912) 249-2615 FAX valdosta - Mini Hub Cherrell campbell, EM 2910 H North Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31602-1761 (912) 333-5248: (912) 245-6494 FAX Valdosta - Hub Eddie carter, EM 2910 H North Ashley Street valdosta, GA 31602-1761 (912) 333-5248: (912) 245-6494 FAX 'Dfton - Hub CherreU campbell, EM 820-C Lowe Avenue, P.O.. Box 1629 nfton, GA 31193-1629 (912) 386-3522: (9.12) 386-1325 FAX . Wayaoss - Hub Loretta ward, EM 231 t Knight Avenne, P.O. Box 2026 Waycross, GA 31502-2026 (912) 285-601., (912) 287-6698 FAX . REGION 12 Savannah. Bnmswicll. Hinesville. sttm:sboro savannah, Regional Allen BeaD, RD 420 Mall Boulevard, Suite A, P.O. Box 13421 Savannah, Ga 31416-0421 (912) 356-2134: (912) 691:-6816 FAX savannah, Hub 1 Vacant, EM 420 Mall Boulevard. Suite A, P.O. Box 13427 Savannah, Ga 31416-0427 (912) 356-2226; (912) 356-2875 FAX 114 o o o Savannah - Hub 2 Jody Lane, EM I 420 Mall Boulevard, Suite A P.O. Box 13427 Savannah, Ga 31416-042iT (912) 356-2226; (912) 356-2815 FAX Brunswick - Hub Neil Mullis, EM 106 Shopper's Way, Suite ~ Brunswick, GA 31525-0511 (912) 264-1281; (912) 262-3342 FAX Hinesville - Mini Hub Andrew Hendrix. EM 508 North Main Street, P.O. Box 25 Hinesvllle, GA 31310-0025 (912) 310-2590; (912) 370-2592 FAX Statesboro - Mini Hub Andrew Hendrix, EM 111 savannah Avenue, P.O. Box 692 Statesboro, GA 30459-069I2 I (912) 811-1113; (912) 811-1164 FAX I RD =Regional Director = OEM Employment Manager 115 Rehabilitation Facilities o Acute Bowdon Area Hospital 501 Mitchell Ave. Bowdon, GA 30108 Phone: (770) 258-7207 Candler General Hospital Rehabilitation Unit 5353 Reynolds Street Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: (912) 354-9211 Fax: (912) 697-6566 central Georgia Rehabilitation Hospital 3351 Northside Drive Macon. GA 31210' Phone: (912) 471-3500 Fax: (912) 474-6601 Egleston Children's Hospital at Emory 1405 Clifton Road NE Atlanta. GA 30322 Phone: (404) 315-2579 Fax: (404) 315-2158 . . This rehabilitation center at Egleston accepts children from birth to age 18 with acute or chronic problems. Offers inpatient, outpatient and day rehab programs for comprehensive evaluation and treatment Program focuses on the development of the child's abilities and helping the family and child compensate for long-term disabilities. Emory University for Rehabilitation I Medicine 1441 Clifton Road NE Atlanta. GA 30322 Phone: (404) 712-7593 Fax: (404) 712-4746 Rehabilitation services for people who experience stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury or other disabling injury or illness. Service is prOVided by interdisciplinary teams working to provide a continuum of care. Meadowbrook Rehabilitation 320 Parkway Drive NE A4 Atlanta. GA 30312 Phone: (770) 732-7777 RehabCare Unit - CObb Hospital and Medical center Rehab Unit - ProminalCobb Hospital 3950 Austen Rd. AusteD.GA 30106 Phone: (770) 944-5349 Shepherd center Shepherd center. Inc. 2020 Peachtree Road. NW Atlanta. GA30309 Phone: (404) 352-2020 Fax: (404) 350-7773 Web site: www.shepherd.orgl A private hospital specializing in the treatment of people with spinal cord and aCquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular diseases, and urological diseases. Post-Acute Annandale at Suwanee, Inc. 3500 Annandale Lane Suwanee. GA 30024 Phone: (770) 945-8381 Provides residential day and evening services for adults with developmental disabilities. services offered include paid vocational training. visual and perforriling arts. daily livingllife sknIs, therapeutic recreation, case management, health services. off-campus activities. o Atlanta Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. 1450 South Johnson Ferry Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30319 Phone: (404) 252-5325 Rehabilitation services for the person with traumatic brain injury or stroke who can leave the hospital yet still requires rehabilitation services. Offering a transitional day treatment program. Augusta Easter seal Rehabilitation center 1241 Reynolds Street Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: (404) 722-3175 Bobby Dodd center 1440 Dutch Valley PI. NE, Suite A Atlanta, GA 30324 Phone: (404) 873-2077 Fax: (404) 872-6540 o 116 Cave Spring Rehabilitation center Georgia Avenue . cave Spring. GA 30124 Phone: (404) 177-3361 center for the VISually Impaired 163 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta. GA 30308 Phone: (404) 875-9011 Fax: (404) 607-0062 Provides services for the totally blind. legally blind. Visually impaired, and for P.eople who are both blind and have mental retardatioh and more. Includes health, counseling, educational, retreational. rehabilitation, computer training and prof~ssional training services. I. Devereaux center m. Georgla I 1980 Stanley Road., NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 Phone: (770) 427-0147, (800) 342-3351 Fax: (770) 425-1413 I This is a specialized psychiatric hospital. Intensive residential treatment progr~m for adolescents of both sexes ages 12 to 17 with mMerate to severe emotional, . I behavioral or learning disatiilities. Georgia Industries for the Blind P.O. Box 218 Bainbridge. GA 31718 Phone: (912) 248-2666 Fax: (912) 248-2669 Offers services for people.who are totally blind, legally blind, Visually impaited, both blind and have mental retardation and mor~ with health. counseling, educational, recreational, rehabilitation, computer training and professional tr~ining services. I Georgia Tech center for Rehabilitation ltchnology Atlanta. GA 30332 Phone: (404) 894-1414 (800) 726-9116 Fax: (404) 853-9320 A nonprofit research and COunties: carrollton City West Georgia GLRS Claflin center 1532 Fifth Avenue Columbus, GA 31901 Phone: (106) 649~0142. Fax: (106) 641-4044 Email: gawglrs@edu.gte;net State Administration serves Systems in: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Macon, Marion, Muscogee. Quitman, Randolph, SChley, Stewart, Sumter, Thlbot, Thylor, and Webster Counties Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) and Child serve Marlene Bryar - (404) 657-9958 Disabilities services for Students with Assistive 1tchnology Marlene Bryar - (404) 651-9958 Kim Hartsell - 5271 Ash Street, Forest Park, GA 30050; (404) 362-2024 Autism Susan McKenzie - 1870 1\vin Towers East, Atlanta, GA; (404) 657-9965 Educationally Deprived (Disabled) John Hooper - 18521\vin Towers East, Atlanta, GA; (404) 656-2436 148 o o o . Employment I Employment ..Americans with disabilities still face gaps in securing jobs, education, accessible public transportation,and in many areas of daily life including recreation and worship, according to a new survey of 1,000 adults with disabilities. The survey was commissioned by the National Organization on . Disability (NOD) in cooperation with Louis Harris & Associates. This survey is the first such national poll taken by Harris in cooperation with NOD since 1994, and the third conducted by Harris since 1986. ..Among the most startling findings about the workforce, the research exposed significant gaps between the employment rates of people with disabilities who work versus those without disabilities. Only 29% of people with disabilities of working age (18-64) work full or part time, compared to 79% of the population without disabilities. Approximately one in five (20%) of adults with disabilities have not completed high school compared to 9% of adults who do not have disabilities... As illustrated in the above quotations from careers & the DisAbled Magazine, many people with disabilities are not included in the work .force. Many people with disabilities want to work. In addition to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, there are many other resources for people with disabilities who want to go to work. Included below are a sample of Internet sites and other resources which have information about employment for people with disabilities. Some of them even have job matching and resume building services. Goodwill Industries is one of the world's largest nonprofit providers of employment and training services for people with disabilities and other disadvantaging conditions. Goodwill has more than 1,500 retail stories throughout North American and beyond. Goodwill also provides contract services to community-based businesses. Nearly 83% of Goodwill revenues go to pay for job training/placement programs and other critical community services. Goodwill employment and training programs vary to meet the needs of local communities. Most Goodwill organizations provide vocational evaluation, vocational adjustment, job- seeking skills/placement and transitional employ- ment (when competitive employment is n9t a realistic short-term goal). Other organizations offer personal social adjustment training, case management for workers with industrial injuries. supported employment and skills training. Skills training often includes high-demand fields such as computer programming, electronics, flnancial \ services, janitorial work and food service. Goodwill continues to support the graduates of its programs even after they enter the workforce arid these follow-up services contribute to graduates con- tinuing success. . To locate the Goodwill center nearest you or for more information about Goodwill, you can check out their Web site at http://www.goodwill.orgt. abouUeet.htm or call (301) 530-6500 or Email . Alicia Rodriguez at alicia@goodwill.org. \,.' JobAccess/Job search is an Internet site (http:// www.jobaccess.orgIjobs.htm) which provides a place where people with disabilities can seek employment and be sure that they will be assessed only on their skills and experience. Also provides a Resume Builder which helps users to build and post a professional looking resume that companies across the US .will be able to browse. Ready, Willing and Available is a booklet prepared by volunteers from companies with long records of hiring people who have physical, mental or learning disabilities. This booklet, sponsored by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, is written to share information about the advantages of hiring people with disabilities, data that shows that the cost of employer-provider insurance is not affected by hiring a person with disabilities and information about the usually minimal cost of job accommodations. This booklet also informs employers about 151 the many resources available to ensure employ- Other Resources ment opportunities for people with disabilities that are available to them. Disabled American Veterans 0 Contact the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities at 1331 F. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 376-' 897 Maine Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20024 (202) 554-33501 6200 or (202) 376-6205 TIY. - Independence center of Northern Vuginia 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400 Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities - Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 525-3268 Lee Miller, Chair 6810 Creekview Ct. Columbus, GA 31904 (706) 324-2150; (706) 324-4549 Fax Gallaudet University career center 800 florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 651-5270 e-mail: leeamiller@att.net Natasha Bannan, Administrative Assistant Division of Rehabilitation Services 2 Peachtree St. NW, 35th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303-3166 International center for the Disabled Placement D~artment 340 East 24tH Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 679- 0100, Ext. 360 (404) 657-3023; (404) 657-3086 e-mail: nabannan@dhr.state.ga.us The committee is working on three major initiatives shared by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities: Job Opportunities for the Blind National center for the BUnd 1800JohnsonStteet Baltimore, MD 21230 Business Leadership Network (over 80 Georgia Mainstream businesses are part of this network). High School/High Tech (32 high schools are 3 Bethesda Metto center, Suite 830 Bethesda, MD 20814 . 0 participating in this project with a goal to include (301) 654-2400 many more schools around the state). Youth Leadership Forums (this initiative is National center for Disability services 201 I.V. Wntets Road ' planning a large conference for the year 2000). Albertson, NY 11507-1599 (516) 747-6323 National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) has a list of resources such as agencies and publications which can assist you in your job search. Contact them at http://www.nod/ info.ntml#resources to view a copy of this list. a selected part of the list is included below for people who do not have Internet access. Department of Labor Job Bank has resources to assist you in your job search. call (800) 3262577. Resources for self-employment for people with disabilities: - Urban Miyares, San Diego, CA (619) 586-1199 Rose Ann Herzog, Detroit, MI (313) 971-0277 Kay Shriner. Arkansas (501) 575-6417 Nancy Maxson, Montana (406) 243-2458 Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Phone/TIY (BOO) 232-9675 V/TIY (BOO) 526-7234 National Industries for the severely Handicapped 2235 cedar Lane Vienna, VA 22182-5200 - (703) 560-6800; TTY (703) 560-6512 Operation Job Match 2021 K. Street, NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 887-0136 Paralyz# Veterans of America 801 18th Stteet, N - Washington. DC 20006 (202)-872-1300 The Foundation on Employment &. Disability 3820 Del Amo Blvd., Suite 201 Torrence, CA 90503- careers and the Disabled magazine 150 Motor Parkway, Suite 420 0 Hauppage. NY 11788-5145 (516) 273-0066 152 Housing .11 Housing Resources The Center for Housing Alternatives is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 that provides technical assistance to other non-profit organizations to develop residential alternatives for persons with disabilities. The Center uses federal, state and local housing resources to enable nonprofit organizations in Georgia to: make" use of housing funding resources that are available currently; and develop small residential facilities to serve as alternatives to in~titutional or inappropriate settings. Contact Information: PO Box 52003 Atlanta. GA 30355 Phone: (404) 237-9877; Fax: (404) 237-9878 Home Ownership For Persons with Disabilities The National Home of Your Own Alliance began a five year project in September of 1993 to promote home ownership for persons with disabilities. Its objective was to work with coalitions of housing, finance and disability organizations to develop pilot projects in a total of 23 states. Georgia Jointed the Alliance in 1995. The Center for Housing Alternatives in cooperation with the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Affairs (preViously known asthe Georgia Housing and Finance Authority), The Statewide Independent Living Council and the Community Housing . Resource Center form the steering committee. Working with a coalition of-housing, finance and disability organizations, the Georgia Home Of Your Own Project (GA HOYO) targets people with severe disabilities for home ownership. Each site has an "Expertise Team" which disseminates information regarding the program and commits to assisting a set number of people each year to achieve home ownership. Over time. GA HOYO expects to have Expertise Teams located within reach of all individuals with disabilities in our state. Other activi- ties include lender training and advocacy for expanded mortgage products. Local expertise teams have been established in five sites: Albany ARC, LARC, Inc., in Valdosta, Coastal Center for Developmental Services in savannah, STAR Choices in Macon, and Housing and Economic Partners, Inc. (HELP), in Athens. In 1997, the GA HOYO, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) applied for and received a HomeChoice Loan Program from Fannie Mae. Work is still proceeding on determining mortgage bank support of this program. In the interim, the OwnHome Program Loan for Disabled Borrowers is available to assist individuals with disabilities to purchase their principal residence. These loans are used to reduce the principal amount of the first mortgage, as well as provide the required down payment and assist in the payment of closing costs. This program is available throughout the entire state even in areas where there is no HOYO expertise team. Contact either the HOYQ organization in your area, a HUD Certified Housing/Counseling Agency in your community, or similar programs as approved by the DCA for information on this program. Contact the Center for Housing Alternatives at (404) 2379877 or Department of Community Affairs at (404) 679-4940 for more information. Borrowers must be creditworthy and demonstrate a willingness to pay debts in a timely manner. If the applicant is eligible for the Department of Community Affairs Home Buyer Program, the applicant must use Home Buyer Program financing. If the applicant is ineligible for the Home Buyer Program, the OwnHOME Loan may be subordinate to a first mortgage owned by another investor. Program Description The OwnHOME Program Loan for Disabled Borrowers in not a grant. It is a loan. The OwnHome Program Loan for Disabled 155 Borrowers must meet all requirements specific to Uquid Assets Limitations. To be eligible for the the Own HOME Program contained in the Department of Community Affairs Seller Guide except as 0 OwnHOME Loan for Disabled BOrrowers, appli- cantS, alone or in combination with the adult those guidelines are modified by this program members of the household must not have liquid description. assets in excess of the OwnHome amount. e The OwnHOME Loan for Disabled Borrowers is a deferred payment second mortgage loan. No The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, payments are due on the OwnHOME Loan until Home Buyer, Own Home, 60 Executive Park the original borrower sells or transfers the prop- South, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2231, (404) 679- erty. refinances the first mortgage or if. during the first six years after Loan closing, he or she no 4840, (800) 359-4663, (BOO) 651-7954 roD. www.dca.state.ga.us. These are two programs for longer uses the property and their primary resi- first-home buyers. dence. e Home Buyer Program offers low interest eThe OwnHOME Loan for Disabled Borrowers rates on, mortgages which can save you thousands accrues interest at 0% per annum. of dollars over the life of the loan which means e The amount of the OwnHOME Loan for lower monthly house payments. To qualify you Disabled Borrowers must be not less than $1,000 must have an annual income that is less than and no greater than $25,000. $36,000 for a household of one or two persons e The loan amount of the OwnHOME Loan for (statewide) or $40,000 (in the Atlanta Area) or Disabled Borrowers is equal to the minimum down $41.000 for a household of 3 or more persons payment required by the terms of the first mort- (statewide) or $46.000 (in the Atlanta Area). gage plus the prepaid expenses plus the borrower Down payment amounts will vary. If you do not paid closing costs plus any allowable principle have enough cash for the down payment and reduction minus the Borrower's Required Funds. closing costs, you should ask your lender about The allowable principle reduction is the amount of the Department of Community Affairs OwnHOME additional down payment required to bring the debt-to-income rations into compliance with the 0 ' Program for down payment assistance (see de- scription of this loan above). These loans may be , requirements ofthe first mortgage. used to purchase homes' with a sales price of less than $95,000 for new construction (statewide) or Eligible Buyers. The OwnHOME Loan for - $101,000 (Atlanta Area) or for existing homes Disabled Borrowers is available for disabled that cost less than $74,000 (statewide) or $93,000 borrowers who are frrst-time home buyers, or (Atlanta Area). have not owned a home in ~e past 3 years,' or a e- You must either be a first time buyer or have dispaced homemaker, or a single parent, or if the now owned your principle residence for the last borrower owned a home during the past 3 years, ,three years or be located in a targeted area. You but was forced to sell the home as a result of must be creditworthy and have modest assets. ,becoming disabled. You must use your home for your principal residence and not for business or commercial OwnHOME Loan Amount Limitations. The purposes. There are additional eligibility criteria maximum amount of the OwnHome Loan for required to obtain a Home Buyer Loan. Please Disabled Borrowers must be equal to or less than consult your lender to prequalify. the following amounts as determined by total Household Annual Income: Concrete Change 600 Dancing Fox Road Income Limits Maximum OwnHome Loan Decatur, GA 30032 e-mail: Concretechange@mindspring.com to $19,000 $25,000 Web: eleanors.home.mindspring.com/start.htm $19,001 to $21,900 $21.901 to $24,000 $20,000 $15,000 Accessible Housing Housing and Urban Development User P.O. Box 6091 0 $24.001 to $29,900 $10.000 Rockville. MD 20849 $29.901 to $41,000 $5,000 (800) 245-2691 or Contact your City Housing Agency or your local, Community Development Agency. 156 Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, Christian organization that attempts to solve the problem of inadequate shelter by forming partnerships between people in need and those with the willingness and resources to help. Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteer labor and donated capital and materials. Habitat home owners are required to invest hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" in the planning and construction of their homes and then accept full responsibility for the cost through a no-interest mortgage to be repaid over a 15 to 25 year period. The payments go into a local "fund for Humanity" which generates more houses and more hope for future generations of homeowners. Because there is no profit or interest involved. owning a simple. decent home can become a reality for many families previously trapped in poverty housing. Following is a listing of Established Georgia Affiliates for Habitat for Humanity as of February, 1999. Americus-Sumter County HFH 732 Spring Street Americus, GA 31709-3462 Phone: (912) 928-9577 Athens Area HFH PO Box 1261 Athens, GA 30603-1261 Phone: (706) 208-1001) Fax: (706) 369-1210 Atlanta HFH 519 Memorial Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30312-2218 Phone: (404) 223-5180; Fax: (404) 223-5103 Augusta CSRA HFH , PO Box 15053 Augusta, GA 30919-1053 Phone: (706) 481-8681; Fax: (706) 481-8389 Bainbridge Decatur CO. HFH PO Box 1711 Bainbridge. GA 31718-1711 Barrow County HFH 1385 Harmony Grove Church Rd. Auburn, GA 30011-2702 Phone: (770) 277-7997 Blakely-Early County HFH PO Box 748 Blakely, GA 31723-0748 Bullock COunty. HFH PO Box 1253 Statesboro. GA 30459-1253 Phone: (912) 489-2076 Burke County HFH PO Box 1 Sardis. GA 30456-0001 Phone: (706) 437-1339 camden COunty HFH 1368 River Bend Dr. Saint Marys, GA 31558-3246 Phone: (912) 673-1266 Cartersville-Bartow Co. HFH PO Box'3392 Cartersville, GA 30120-1707 Phone: (770) 382-6293 Catoosa County HFH PO Box 490 Ringgold, GA 30736-0490 Phone: (706) 937-6600; Fax: (706) 937-3950 Chattoga County HFH PO Box 257 Menlo. GA 30731-0257 Phone: (706) 857-2057; Fax: (706) 857-1714 Cherokee County HFH PO Box 1503 Woodstock. GA 30188-1353 Phone: (770) 917-0660 Coastal Empire HFH PO Box 9412 Savannah. GA 31412-9412 Phone: (912) 234-6112; Fax: (912) 234-0313 Cobb County HFH 1720 Cumberland Point Drive, Suite 17 Marietta, GA 30067-9204 Phone: (770) 951-9499; Fax: (770) 951-9699 Colquitt County HFH PO Box 190 Moultrie. GA 31776-0190 Phone: (912)890-8322 Columbus Area HFH ' PO Box 1193 Columbus. GA 31902-1193 . Phone: (706) 221-0807; FaX: (706) 221-1232 Conyers-Rockdale HFH PO Box 183 Conyers, GA 30012-0183 Phone: (770) 922-1944 Crisp Area HFH PO Box 1191 Cordele. GA 31010-i 191 Phone: (912) 271-8000; Fax: (912) 273-1004 157 DaltonlWhitfield HFH PO Box 2477 Dalton. Ga 30722-2477 Phone: (706) 272-3336 .Dekalb HFH PO Box 49144 Atlanta. GA 30359-1144 Phone: (404) 534-9911; Fax:(404) 534-9922 Dodge County HFH 102 9th Ave. SW Eastman. GA 31023-1103 Phone: (912) 374-4841 Dooly County HFH PO Box 404 Vienna. GA 31092-0404 Phone: (912) 268-8061 ) Douglas County HFH PO Box 2211 . Douglasville. GA 30133-2211 Phone: (770) 920-0583 Dublin-Laurens County MPH PO Box 8227 Dublin. GA 31040-8227 Phone: (912) 275-1818 Effingham County HFH PO Box 578 Springfield. GA 31329-0578 Phone: (912) 826-6433; Fax: (912) 965-3599 Flint River MPH 1139 Broad Ave. Albany, GA 31707-4339 Phone: (912) 446-8199; Fax: (912) 446-8196 Forsyth County HFH PO Box 473 Cumming. GA 30028-0473 Phone: (770) 887-0929 Glynn County HFH PO Box 296 Brunswick. GA 31521-0296 Phone: '(912) 265-7455; Fax: (912) 265-4522 ) Greene County HFH PO Box 321 Greensboro. GA 30642-0321 Phone: (706) 453-1001 Griffin Area HPH PO Box 289 Griffin. GA 30224-0008 Phone: (770) 567-4778 Gwinnett County HFH 1362 Pine Circle Stone Mountain, GA 30087-3105 Phone: (770) 931-8080; Fax: (770) 931-8080 HaD County HFH PO Box 1514 GainesviDe. GA 30503-1514 Fax: (770) 534-0444 Harris County HFH POBox 1522 Pine Mountain. Ga 31822-1522 Phone: (706) 663-2310 Hart County HFH PO Box 146 Hartwell. GA 30643-0146 Houston Counly HFH PO Box 7506 Warner Robins. GA 31095-7506 Phone: (912)328-3388 Jackson Counly HFH PO Box 834 Commerce, GA 30529-0016 Phone: (706)335-7823 ,. Lamar County HFH Box 114 Barnesville. GA 30204-0114 Lumpkin County HFH 154 Gateview Drive Dahlonega. GA 30533-4120 Macon Area HFH 2060 Shorting Drive Macon, GA 31211-2348 . Phone: (912) 741-3937; Fax: (912) 741-9686 Macon County HFH PO Box 636 Montezuma, GA 31063-0636 Madison County HFH PO Box 693 Comer. GA 30629-0693 Phone: (706) 783-3460 Magnolia Midlands HFH 113 Cherokee Ct Fitzgerald, GA 31150-8150 Meriwether County HFH PO Box 1209 Greenville, GA 30222-1081 Phone: (706) 663-2346; Fax: (706)612-1768 MiIledgevillelBaldwin Co. HFH PO Box 605 Milledgeville, GA 31061-0605 . Phone: (912)453-9611 Monroe County MPH PO Box 613 "- Forsyth, GA 31029-0673 158 o ..... " '0 o Morgan County HFH PO Box 207 lI.\adison, GA 30650-0207 Phone: (706) 342-1886; Fax: (706) 3420011 . Newnan-Coweta HFH PO Box 2607 Newnan, GA 30264-2541 Newton County HFH I 169 Clark Street Covington, GA 30014-2314 North Central Georgia HFH PO Box 1673 Ellijay. Ga 30540-0020 Phone: (706) 6365335 North Fulton, Inc., HFH 814 Mimosa Blvd., Bldg. C Roswell, Ga 30075-4410 Phone: (770) 587-9679; Fax: (990) 587-2150 Northeast Georgia HFH PO Box 982 Clarkesville, GA 30523-0017 Phone: (706) 754-5313; Fax: (706) 754-1293 . '. Peach Area HFH PO Box 101 Forr Valley, GA 31030-0101 Phone: (912) 825-2704 Putnam HFH PO Box 4056 Eatonton. GA 31024-4056 Phone: (706) 485-0166 Rabun County HFH PO Box 1394 Clayton. GA 30525-1394 Rome and floyd County HFH PO Box 127 Rome, GA 30162-0127 Phone: (7Q6) 291-2164 Saint Johns Parish HFH PO Box 2055 Hinesville, GA 313107055 Phone: (912) 877-4121 Satilla HFH PO Box 2447 Waycross, GA 3 t 502-244 7 South Fulton County HFH PO Box 82223 Hapeville, GA 30354-0223 Phone: (404) 761-4200 Southern Crescent HFH 142 S. Main Street Jonesboro. GA 30236-3566 Phone: (770) 477-9973; Fax: (770)477-9973 Stephens County HFH PO Box 1711 Toccoa. GA 30577~1432 Thlbot County HFH RRI. Box 93-A Shiloh, GA 31826-9725 ThomastonlUpson Co. HFH PO Box 443 Thomaston, GA 30286-0006 Thomasville-Thomas Co. HFH PO Box 1479 ' Thomasville. GA 31799-1479 Phone: (912) 226-2565 Thomson-McDuffie County HFH PO Box 1701 Thomson, GA 30824-5701 TIft County HFH PO Box A TIfton, GA 31793-0377 Fax: (912) 382-5017 TownslUnion Counties HFH PO Box 270 Young Harris, GA 30582-0270 Phone: (706) 379-2484 ltoup County HFH PO Box 327 .Lagrange. GA 30241-0006 Valdosta-Lowndes CO. HFH PO Box 1281 . Valdosta. GA 31603-1281 Phone: (912) 245-1330; Fax: (912) 245-1330 Vidalia Area HFH PO Box 809 Vidalia. GA 304 75-0809 Phone: (912) 537-7948 Walker County HFH PO Box 309 Rock Spring. GA 30739-0309 Walton County HFH P.O. Box 603 Monroe, GA 30655-0603 Phone: (770) 267-1958; Fax: (770) 267-9025 West Georgia HFH PO Box 85 carrollton. GA 3117-0085 Phone: (770) 838-0399 159 Independent Living o Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (SILe) A non-profit organization, the SILC of Georgia has as its mission to ensure equal participation of people with disabilities in their communities. Granting funds to agencies that serve Georgians with disabilities, and advocating for statewide community-based support services in programs run by and for people with disabilities are two of the SILC's most effective strategies for achieving their mission. A key philosophy of the SILC is that disabilities exist because barriers exist and the SILC is committed to ensuring that homes and public places are accessible to people with all types of disabilities. SILC also publishes the results of public opinion polls and disseminates a variety of information on issues relevant to the lives of people with disabilities. You can contact the state office of the SILC at: Statewide Independent Uving Council of Georgia, Inc. 3125 Presidential Parkway, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30340 Phone: (770) 452-9601 Fax: (770) 452-9928 1TY: (770) 452-7087 or make a connection with a SILC Independent Living Center near you for information, assistance or 'to talk to a support specialist or a peer advisor. 'Local Contacts include: Access Center for Independent Living (AClL) PO Box 908484 I Gainesville, GA 30501 Contact: Stephanie Wells, Executive Director Phone: (770) 534-6656 Volunteers needed to assist with home modification/repair projects Bainbridge Advocacy Individual Networks, Inc~ (BAIN) 521 West Broughton Street Bainbridge, GA 31717 Contact: Virginia Harris, Executive Director Malissa Thompson. Volunteer Coordinator Phone: (912)246-0150 Volunteers needed to assist with fund raising projects Brunswick Citizens for Disability Empowerment, Inc. elo Charles VanDiviere 413 N. Harbour Oaks, Dr. S1. Simons Island, GA 31522 Phone: (912) 638-884; Fax: (912) 634-0919 Volunteers needed to assist with home modification/repair projects . Columbus Mayor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities . 3811 COnrad Drive COlumbus, GA 31901 Contact: Gail McKoon Phone: (706) 653-4492 Volunteers needed to assist with home modification/repair projects o disAbility LINK 755 Commerce Dr., Suite 415 Decatur, GA 30030 . Contact: Tony Boatright, Executive Director Phone: (404) 687-8890 Volunteers needed to assist with fund raising projects Disability Connections, Inc. (DC) 170 College Street Macon, .GA 31201 Contact: Jerilyn Leverett, Executive I)irector Phone: (912) 743-9801 Volunteers needed for home modification/repair projects Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) 4900 Lewis Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Contact: John Swett, Home Modification Project Man- ager' Phone: (770) 491-9014/ (70) 822-1059 Volunteers needed to assist with home 0 modifications 160 Living Independent for Everyone, Inc. (LIFE) 17-1 9 East navis Street Savannah. GA 31406 Contact: Polly Johansen. Volunteer Coordinator Pone: (912) 920-2314 .. Volunteers in any capacity are welcome especially for home modifications/repairs Southwest Georgia Easter seals 1906 Palmyra Road Albany. GA 31707 Contact: Laura Royal Phone: (912)439-7061 Volunteers in any capacity are welcome. especially for home modifications/repairs Ttl-State Resources and Advocacy Corporation, Inc. (TRAC) 5800 Building 5708 Uptain Road. Suite 350 Chattanooga, TN 373333411 Contact: Susan. Gilley GA rural Outreach Coordinator Phone: (800)868-8724 Volunteers needed to assist with home modification projects watton Options for Independent Living, Inc. (WaHL) PO Box 519 Augusta, GA 30903 Contact: Karen Howard, Executive Director Phone: (706) 724-6262 Volunteers needed to assist with minor home repairs 161 NOTES o o o 162 .Resources II Cultural Diversity and Disability Following are some people to call if you have que~tions or need consultation about issues of diversity and disability. Atlanta Regional Commission Disability Outreach Program Ms. Catherine Ivey (404) 364-2576 Albany State College Project to identify persons of color with disabilities in Southwest Georgia: Ms. Teresa Meriwether Orok 504 College Drive Albany,_GA 31705 (912) 430-4760 Columbus College Cultural Competence Plan Dr. Joseph D. Georgia. Ph.D. Columbus College 4225 University Avenue Columbus, GA 31907 (706) 568-2222 Multicultural Coalition on Disability and Diversity Kate Gainer 55 MapleSt., # 108 Atlallla, GA 30314-4760 (404) 58! -0626 Babies Can't Wait Cultural Diversity Prqject Sarita ReJJy, Ph.D. InSlilUle on Human Developmem and Disability (IHDD) The University of Georgia 85"0 College Statibn Road Athens, Georgia 30602-.4806 (706) 542-6085 165 Deaf/Hard of Hearing Network o .r Specialized Services for Georgians Specialized Services for Georgians is a special interest group comprised of the contracted agencies of the Department of Human Resources' Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) who provide specialized services for Georgia's hearing loss community. This group is dedicated to providing equal access to all Georgians with hearing loss by offering services such as job training, supported employment, guidance and counseling, job accommodation/modification, training seminars on disability and ADA, advocacy and intervention, evaluation and assessment, postsecondary education, interpreting services, residential programs, and technology training. Ask for information from these five providers or the DRS. Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. 4151 Memorial Dr., Suite 103-8 . Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 292-5312 VrITY; (404) 299-3642 (800) 541 -071 0 Web: www.gachLnet GACHI is a statewide system of services to the deaf. hard of hearing. and late deafened adults, and other individuals or ,groups with whom they interact. GACHl's aim is to provide services, advocacy, and intervention to enhance the quality of life for its consumers. Georgia Interpreting Services Network 44 Broad Street, Suite 503 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 521-9100; (404) 521-9121 Fax (800) 228-4992 Web: httpll:georgiaenterprises.com GISN is a statewide network of qualified, professional interpreters serving all government and private entities to ensure that Georgians have equal access. GISN offers 24 hour, 7-day per week services. ties by ensuring the development and effective utilization of professional interpreters. Georgia Sensory Rehabilitation Center 2801 R.N. Martin Street East Point, GA 30344 (404) 669-9007 Voice; (404) 669-0150 TTY (404) 669-0677 Fax Web: www.C-S-D.org , GSRC's provides statewide services that will enable customers to obtain and maintain employment. Independent living services and residences are provided to support this goal. . Human Development Services, Inc. Cave Spring Center 7 Georgia Ave., PO Box 385 Cave Spring, GA 30124 (706) 777-1770; (770) 748-7406 Atlanta (706) 777-1775 TTY 0 (706) 777-1776 Fax e-mail: HDS@hdscavespring.com HDS is a statewide vocatiomil rehabilitation center serving individuals who are over age 16 and have a disability that hinders employment. HDS staff are proficient in American Sign Language and serve individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as those with other disabilities. . Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Rehabilitation Services Department of Rehabilitation Services 2 Peachtree St. NW, 35th' Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-3000 V/lTY DRS prepares people with disabilities who are motivated toward employment to reach their goals. There are 51 DRS Mhubs" statewide. eadl with a local team that prOVides services. Georgia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 4151 Memorial Dr.. Suite 111-B Decatur. GA 30032 (404) 299-9500 V/lTY; (404) 299-0303 (800) 969-DEAF GRID bridges, the gap in communication between deaf, hard of hearing. deaf-blind and hearing communi- o , .166 Information and Referral Albany Helpline P.O. Box 7 Albany. GA 31702 912-888-6126 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m., a service of the United Way of South West Georgia.. Altamaha-Georgia SOuthern Regional Development Center - Area Agency on Aging P.O. Drawer 459 Baxley. GA 31513 912-367-3648 Administration; Fax 912-367-3640 Appling county - 912-367-6127 Bulloch county - 912-489-1604 candler county - 912~685-2580 Evans county - 912-739-1705 Jeff Davis county - 912-3753603 Thttnal county --'912-~~7-603i Toombs county .:. 912::537-0453 Wayne county - 912.,.427-7798 Athens Regional"Medical Center - AlcohoUDrug Information Line 1199 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 30606 706-354-3660 A 24 hour information line. Atlanta Regional Commission. Aging Connection - Area Agency on Aging _, .. '. 200 Northaeek, Suite 300, 3715 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327 . 404-364-2527 Administration; 404-364-2626 I&R. Fax 404-364-4205 Cherokee county - 770-345-5312 . Clayton county - 770-603-4050 Cobb county - 770-528-5364 DeKalb county - 404371-9901.. Douglas county - 770-489-3100 Fayette county - 710-461-0813 Fulton county - 404-730-6000 Gwinnett county - 770-822-8850 Henry county - 770-954-2033 Rockdale county - 770-922-4633 Augusta United Way Information & Referral Line 630 Ellis Street Augusta, GA 30901 (PO Box 1724,30903) 706-826-6269 Monday - Friday. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., a service of the United Way of the central Savannah River Area. Cancer Care 275 seventh Avenue New York. NY 10001 212-221-2400 Services; 212-221-3300 Administration 800-813-4673 Counseling; Fax 212-719-0263 www.cancercare.org Provides help to people with cancer, their loved ones, ~regivers, and professionals by providing support services, education. cancer related information (including health care, financial assistance. transportation. and other resources), and support groups (in person. telephone, and on-line). Central Savannah River Regional Development Center - Area Agency on Aging 2123 Wrightsboro Road Augusta. GA 30904-0800 (PO Box 2800,30914-2800) 706-737-1823 Administration; 888-922-4464 I&R Fax 706-737-1459 Serves Wilkes county. Chattaoochee-FlintRegwnal Development CenterArea Agency on Aging P.O. Box 1600 Franklin. GA 30217 706-675-6721 Administration; 706-884-2651 I&R Fax 706-675-0448 Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect P.O. Box 1182 Washington, DC 20013:-1182 800-394-3366 A service of the National center on Child Abuse and. Neglect, the clearinghouse organizes .and supplies information from its extensive library and database on all aspects of child abuse, including a wealth of materials related to children with disabilities. ;Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center - Area Agency on Aging P.O. Box 1917 Brunswick, GA 31521 912-264-7363 ext. 228 Administration 912-262-2313 I&R; 800-223-1852 I&R . Fax 912-262-2313 Columbus Helpline P.O. Box 1157 Columbus, GA 31909 706-571-2265 Monday - Friday. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 167 Community Connection of Northeast Georgia . 850 College Station Road, Suite G-41 Athens, GA 30605--2718 706-353-1313 ; 706-353-2824 Administration 800-924-5085; Fax 706-353-1375 e-mail: connection@athens.net Web: www.uap.uga.edu/ccdb An Information Helpline offering callers free and confidential information on appropriate community resources to meet basic human :needs including food, clothing. shelter, emergency financial assistance, health care, as well as housing, legal, mental health, and transportation assistance. Monday-Friday, 8130 aim. 5:00 p.m. SelVices include: Aging COnnection; Employment Conneclion, Disabilities COnnection, Legal connection; Volunteer Connection.Publications include: Civic Directory. Human SerVice,Direetory. Disabilities Directory, Media Directory, Summer camp Directory, Medicaid 'Directory; andTheCannettoi't aelmonthly' non pmfit,-lhuQjan 'service newsletter. $~,1~rnIat_R 6\:'Referral service Hotline 1"'~~3-0685 - . 800-516-4627 pin#63 0 offers information about services and information related to area events and services including HIV I AIDS support groups and selVice organizations. Offers telephone counseling between 4:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. All referrals are confidential. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and 'n'ansgender Gender Information Line P.O. Box 7864 Athens, Ga 30604 706-546-4611 Provides information about community aud University of Georgia gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and related organizations. Also provides information about organized social gatherings, counselors, support groups, youth supports, and gay friendly churches. . CommunirylnfoUne: 436 Broacd StT-eeti SUiteL~A Rome, GA 30161 706-232-4636 e-mail:;infoline@roman:Q~. . Monday - Friday, 9:@:~m..4:00p:.,n...Serves Rome. and floyd counties. . Contact Helpline P.O. Box 1616 GainesvHle, GA 30503 770-534-0617 Helpline; 770-536-7145 Administration 8001J.81.~5944 24 hour Crisis Intervemion, sl#icideptiNeafiOit. Information & Referral serving North Georgia} Also'has Contact Reassurance for the elderly ani:! Kit:J.,1(are,a- reassurailce one:fpr latChk-e;yi children; 'Serves counties east and north of Atlanta (northeast Georgia). Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116 A nationwide, directory assistaneeserVlCe'deSigned to help older persons and caregivers locate;}()(;al support .resources Jor agirtgAmeficans:rcan.ideritify serviCes includingmeals;homecar.e,transportatron; bousing alter,natiVes; home t:epairs,andrecreation, First Call for Help - savannah' P.O. Box 9119 Savannah, GA 3141~. 912-232-3383 Monday - Friday. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. after hours service is available; an agency of the United.Way,of Coastal Empire. Fort Gordon Army Community SelViceBuilding 33720 Fort Gordon, GA 30905 706-791-3579 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Georgia Helpline 2762 Watson Boulevard Warner'Robins, GA'31093 912-953-5675; 800-338-6745 outside Georgia . Formerly Governor's Helpline, a crisis intervention service for the state ofGeorgia. Operates on a 24-hour day, staffed by trained volunteers, providing information on domestic violence. compulsive gambling, suicide, alcohol and other drugs, some 0 assistance with rent and utilities, and HIVI AIDS. All calls are anonymous and confidential. Services are free of charge: . . Georgia Mountains Regional Development center , Area Agency on Aging P.O. Box 1720 Gainesville. GA 30503 800-845-\5465 ; Fax 770-531-5696 Banks county - 706-677-3275 . Dawson' couJity.',,;,106265-2284 Forsyth county - 170-781-2178 Fra'n1din'county" - 706-356-&778 Habersham county - 706-776-7170 HaD County -'71~536':'4885 Hart county - 706-376-3975 Lumpkin county - 706-864':'2358 Rabun county - 706-782-3853 Stephens county - 706-886-4740' Towns county - 706-896-3138 Union county - 706-745-4532 White county - 706-865-4097 Gwinnett Help Line - The Gwinnett COalition for Health and Human services 240 Oak Street Lawrenceville, GA 30245 770-995-3339 A non-profit organization dedicated to addressing health and human Service needs in Gwinnett. The primary service prOVided by the Coalition is the 0 Gwinnett Helpline, which database includes over 1,000 health andhuma'n'service agencies in Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta. Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 168 Habersham County United Way. Inc. P.O. Box 366 Cornelia, GA 30531 706-778-0620 ; Fax 706-776-1416 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. -. 5:00 p.m. Serves Habersham county. Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development center Area Agency on Aging 1428 Second Avenue Columbus, GA 31902; (PO Box 1908,31902) 706-649-7468 Administration; 706-649-7468 I&R Fax 706-649-1218 Health'lnsurance Counseling Assistance and Referral for the Elderly - H.I.C.A.R.E. 800-669-8387; M-F 10:oo-12:oop.m.; 2:oop.m.-4p.m. HICARE is a volunteer-based program that assists seniors with Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) , long-term care . insurance, and other health insurance issuses. The program provides objective information to help seniors make informed choices concerning their health insurance. Health insurance counseling for seniors provides: consumer information about health insurance, help in understanding senior rights as a Medicare beneficiary or health insurance policyholder. help comparing and evaluating health insurance policies and plans, information on long-term care . financing options and long-term care insurance, help sorting through medical bills and assistance ftIing medical claims, legal assistance with complicated Medicare problems, referrals to other agencies such as the Division of Family and Children Services and Social . Security, community eduCation on health insurance issuses and counseling in person and limited telephone counseling. . Northeast Georgia 706/549-4850; Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties. Central Savannah River 706/826-4480; Thliafero and Wilkes counties. Chattahoochee flint/Mcintosh ltail 706/369-7147; Newton county. Georgia Mountains 706/538-2650; Franklin county. Heart of Georgia Council on Aging - Area Agency on Aging 118 Second Avenue McRae,GA 31055;(P.O. Box 503,31055) 912-868-5916; Fax 912-868-6220 Bleckley county - 912-934-3223 Dodge county - 912-374-7255 Laurens county - 912-277-5025 Montgomery county - 912-583-4895 Pulaski county - 912-783-1074 Telfair county - 912-868-5938 lteutlen county - 912-529-6300 Wheeler county - 912-568-7811 Wilcox county - 912-365-2352 Information and Referral Resource Network web site only; www.ir-net.com Lists agencies throughout the United States that prOVide human services to the general public. Includes agencies that prOVide information and referral, social service, case management, health care, counseling. mental health, child care, domestic violence, substance abuse. and welfare programs. , Marine Corps Albany Information &. Referral Program Family Service Center, Building 3600 Albany, GA 31704 Code, 170,814 Radford Boulevard 912-439-5276; 912-439-5276 TOD Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Metropolitan Atlanta Councn on Alcohol &. Drugs 2045 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 605 Atlanta, Ga 30309-1401 404-351-1800; Fax 404-351-2840 e-mail:WWW@macad.org Web: www.macad.org Operates a free. state-wide referral service to substance abuse treatment centers and programs. Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:oo p.m. Also offers a Resource Center Library with information on substance abuse and a Video Rental Library. The library is available for public use Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appointments are requested. Offers a prevention and treatment directory, prevention and early intervention programs, training courses and workshops for educators, community agendes and addiction counselors and heads the Georgia Alcohol Policy Project to reduce underage drinking. Middle Flint Regional Development center - Area Agency on Aging 228 West Lamar Street Americus, GA 31709 912-928-4120: ~361-070916Ui Fax 912-928-0117 Middle Georgia Regional Development center - Area Agency on Aging 175-C Emery Highway Macon, GA 31709 912-751-6160; 912-751-33OOI6Ui 800-354-1561 I&R; Fax 912-751-6517 National center for Youth with Disabilities University of Minnesota Box 721,420 Ddaware St S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 800-333-62.98 NCYD publishes a newsletter and annotated bibliography relevant to youth with disabOities. They also have a directory of agendes and organizations and conduct database searches for a small fee. North Georgia Regional Development center - Area Agency on Aging 503 West Waugh Street Dalton, GA 30720 706-272-2300 AdministrationITIY 706-272-2300 16Ui: Fax 706-272-2253 169 ) Project Safe P.O. Box 7532 Athens. GA 30604 706-543-3331 24-Hour Crisis Line 706-549-0922 Administration; Fax 706-354-6161 Provides support and assistance to survivors of domestic violence. induding physical or mental abuse. Offers a 24 hour emergency shelter, offers advocacy services, a peer support group, children's program. relocation assistance, and follow-up support The shelter has no residency requirements and requests no police reports or legal documentation of women. Also offers a women's support group. children's support group, free chiIdcare, volunteer training, school programs, and professional in-services. serves Barrow, Clarke, Elbert. Greene, Jackson, Madison. Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties. Web: www.unitedwayad.org/21 I_Databa~ Free telephone help line operating 24 hours a day. Cellular telephone customers must dial (404) or (770) 614-1000. The web site listing links to the Help Book database to search for services by need, city, zip code, and agency name. An agency of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Inc. serves Butts. Cherokee. Clayton, Col?b, DeKalb. Douglas, Fayette, Fulton. Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale counties. o South Georgia Council on Aging - Area Agency on Aging 2906 - B North Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31602 912-241-9108 AdministrationlI&R; Fax 912-241-9317 Southeast Georgia Regional Development center Area Agency on Aging 3395 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31503-3395 912-285-6097 AdministrationlI&R; Fax 912-285-6126 Sowega Council on Aging, Inc.-Area Agency on Aging 309 Pine Avenue Albany, GA 31701 912-432-1124 AdministrationlI&R: 800-282-66121&R ' Fax 912-438-0408 u.s. Air Force Reserve family Readiness Dobbins Air Force Base, 94 AWfFS 1492 First Street Dobbins ARB, GA 30069--5010 404-421-5004; Fax 404-421-5056 Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. o U.S. Air force Reserve family Readiness Robins Air Force Base OLEw 94 MSSQ/MSM 150 Perry Street Robins AFB, GA 31098 912-926-1084 Fax 912-926-1083 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. United States General services Administration federal Information center 800:'688-9889; 800-326-2996 lTV Answers questions about the Federat Government or directs caDers to appropriate government agency. United Way 211 P.O. Box 2692 Atlanta. GA 30301-4601 404-614-1000 Help Line; 404-614-104811Y 404-614-1026 Administration 211- for metro Atlanta residents only Fax 404-614-1049 170 o Libraries and Research Centers Albany 'nllkirig Book center Dougherty COunty Public Library 300 Pine Avenue Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (912) 430-1920 . Fax: (912) 430-4020 . Offers discs, cassettes, reference materials on blindness and other disabilities, large print photocopiers, summer reading programs, cassette books and more. Athens Regional Library Tcllking Book center 2025 Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 Phone: (706) 613-3655 Fax: (706) 369-0297 Offers discs, cassettes, large print books, reference materials on blindness, dosed-circuit Tv, magnifiers, braille writer, summer reading pr9gram. cassette books and magazines, computer reading devices and more. AUguta-Richmond County Public Library 425 9th Street Augusta. GA 30901 Phone: (706) 821-2625 Fax: (706) 724-5403 Email: gswint@cfra.net cassettes, discs, braille writer, films, large print books. summer reading program, magnifiers and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. Bainbridge Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Shotwell and Monroe Streets Bainbridge, GA 3171 7 Phone: (912) 248-2680 (800) 795-2680 Fax: (912) 248-2670 Email: l.reeves@mail.decator.public.lib.ga.us Offers discs. cassettes. large print books, summer reading programs. dosed-circuit 'IV, magnifiers and more. CEL Regional Library 2002 Bull Street Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: (912) 234-5127 (BOO) 342-4455 Fax: (912) 248-2670 Email: l.reeveS@mail.decator.public.lib.ga.us Braille writer, magnifiers, large-print photocopiers, closed circuit Tv. cassette books and magazines. children's books on cassette, home visits and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. Chestatee Regional Library 127 North Main Street Gainesville, GA 30505 Phone: (770) 535-5738 Fax: (770) 532-4305 http://www.168.31.168.1 00 Braille writer, closed circuit 'IV. summer reading program, magnifiers, large-print photocopier, cassette books and magazines, children's broks on cassettes, home visits and reference materiaL ...n blindness and other disabilities. Georgia Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 1150 Murphy Ave. SW Atlanta, GA 30310 Phone: (404) 756-4619 Fax: (561) 756-4618 cassettes, braille, films, discs, braille writer, closed-circuit Tv. large-print photocopier, cassette books and magazines. Lafayette Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled 305 S. Duke Street laFayette, GA 30728 " Phone: (7OO) 638-2992; (888) 506-0509 Email: charles@WWW.walker.public.liv.g~.us Closed-circuit 'IV, summer reading program, magnifiers, large-print photocopier. cassette books and magazines, children's books on cassette, home visits and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. Macon Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Washington Memorial Ave. Macon, GA 31201 Phone: (912) 744-0877 Fax: (912) 742-3161 Closed circuit 'IV, braiUewriter, magnifiers, summer reading program, large-print photocopier, cassette books and magazines, children's books on cassette, home visits and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. 171 Sara Hightower Regional Library 205 Riverside Pkwy. Rome, GA 330161 Phone: (206) 236-4618 Closed circuit TV, braille writer, large-print photocopier. cassette books and magazines, children's books on cassette, horne visits and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. . South Georgia Regional Library 300 Woodrow Wilson Dr. Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: (912,) 333-5210 Fax; (912) 245-6483 e~mail: sbernste@surfsouth.com Closed circuit TV, summer reading programs, braille writer, magnifiers, a large print photocopier, cassette books and magazines, children's books on cassette,' horne visits and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. . Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 1120 Bradley Drive Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: (706) 649-0780; (800) 652-0782 Fax: (706) 649-1914 Braille writer, magnifiers, summer reading programs, large print photocopier, cassette books and magazines, children's books on cassette and reference materials on blindness and other disabilities. o o o 172 - - - - -- - , .SOurces of Free and Reduced-cost care in Georgia I , INDEX Sources of Free and Reduced-Cost Care in Georgia Overview 177 Which hospitals in Georgia are legally obligated to provide emergency care? 177 , What hospitals are obligated to provide free and reduced-cost inpatient and outpatient care? 179 Where can someone get free or reduced-cost physician and other outpatient care? 180 What services do public health departments provide? 180 What services do community and migrant health centers provide? 181 What special programs exist for pregnant women? : 181 Where can someone get mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse treatment? 182 What kind of mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse treatment is available in Georgia? 183 What special programs help with the cost of HIV treatment? 184 What medical care does the crime victim's assistance program cover? ; 184 Where can one get family planning services? ~.184 What programs help with the cost of prescription drugs? 185 Additional Sources 188 175 Sources of Free and Reduced-Cost Care in Georgia* Overview Most health care professionals and institutions provide some free and reduced cost care to people who cannot pay. This chapter surveys the legal obligations placed on hospitals and other institutions to deliver free and reduced cost health care. Some of the programs outlined in this chapter are entitlement programs. Anyone meeting the eligibility criteria must be provided services. Other programs are required to offer care only to the extent of available funding. Persons refused free or reduced cost care under any of these programs should complain. In some cases, a private right of action exists for individuals unlawfully refused care, allowing them to sue to enforce their rights. For other services, a formal administrative complaint procedure is available. Which hospitals in Georgia are legally obligated to provide emergency care? Both federal and state laws obligate hospitals to provide emergency care to those in need. The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Liability Act (EMTALA) 1 applies to hospitals with emergency rooms that accept Medicare funding, which includes almost every hospital in the country. The federal Hill Burton Act2 covers hospitals that receive federal HilI Burton construction or modernization money. The Georgia Hospital care for Pregnant Women Act3 applies to every general hospital in Georgia. Emergency Medical Treatment and Liability Act (EMTALA). Congress passed EMTALA because of concern about hospitals "dumping" poor patients. The law obligates all hospitals with emergency rooms that participate in Medicare to provide emergency services to all those who come to the hospital. Patients may not be denied care or transferred to public hospitals because of their inability to pay for care. 4 EMTALA requires that hospitals provide an appropriate medical screening to anyone who comes to the hospital, to determine if they have a medical emergency or are in active labor.s An emergency medical condition is one manifested by acute symptoms, including severe pain, and of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention reasonably can be expected to seriously jeopardize the patient's health or bodily functions, or cause a serious dysfunction of a body part or organ. 6 Active labor is a labor in which delivery is imminent, and there is inadequate time to safely transfer the woman prior to delivery, ora transfer poses a threat to the health and safety of the mother or unborn child. 7 If the EMTALA-required screening determines that a person has an emergency condition or is. in active labor, the hospital must provide treatment to stabilize the condition or deliver the baby.8 Stabilizing.-treatment is care necessary to assure, within reasonable medical probability, that no material deterioration of the condition is likely to occur if the individual is transferred or discharged from the hospital. 9 The patient may.be transferred to another hospital before being stabilized if a doctor certifies in writing that the benefits of the transfer outweigh any risks. to If a patient is transferred to another hospital before being stabilized, the hospital must: eget the other hospital to agree tO,admit the patient, e send the patient'S medical records with him or her, and e arrange appropriate medical transportation and medical help to make the trip safely. I I These protections do not have to be provided if a transfer is made pursuant to the patient's written request after being informed of the hospital's obligation to provide emergency treatment and the -risks of transfer. 12 Watson, Sidney D., 1999. A Georgia AdVocates Guide to Health care, funded by Health Law section of the State Bar of Georgia and Mercer University Law S c h o o l . . . 177 Patients who are not screened for a medical emergency or who are denied stabilizing treatment have a private right of action against the hospital, but not the doctor, for damages and injunctive relief. 13 Under some circumstances, the patient may also have a malpractice action against the physician and the hospital. An administrative complaint may also be filed with'the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 'Survey and Certification Operations Branch, DHSQ - HCFA, Room 601, 101 Marietta St., Atlanta, GA 30323, (404) 331-2229. The federal government is authorized to pursue administrative enforcement proceedings against the hospital and physician for cash penalties and, in the most serious Cases, termination of Medicare payments. 14 EMTALA does not pay for the emergency care provided. The patient remains obligated for the cost of care. However, EMTALA's penalties deter ,denials of treatment and transfers based on "wallet biopsies." Medically indigent patients who receive emergency services may be eligible for Medicaid or some other source of free or reduced cost care. For more information on Medicaid eligibility, see page 36. For more information on sources of free and reduced cost hospital care, see the next section of this chapter. Hill Burton Act. Hospitals that received federal Hill Burton Act1S funds for construction and renovation may not deny emergency services to any person who resides or works in the hospital's service area because the person is unable to pay ,for care. This requirement is part of the facility'S community service obligation. 16 The Hill Burton Act was enacted in 1946 to support construction, renovation and rehabilitation of non-profit and public health care facilities, inclUding hospitals and nursing homes. In return '. for these federal grants, loans, and loan guarantees, hospitals have two obligations: an uncompensated care requirement, and a free and reduced cost care requirement. The uncompensated care obligation lasts for twenty years. The community service obligation lasts forever. Although most Hill Burton hospitals' free care obligation has expired, many Georgia hospitals continue to have community service mandates. For a list of these hospitals, see the Resource Directory. The communitY service obligation requires hospitals and nursing homes that received Hill Burton funds to make services provided by the facility available to people I:esiding and working in the facility's service area, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, or any other ground unrelated to the individual's need for the service or the availability of the needed service in the fadlity. A hospital's service area is the area from which it draws patients, not merely the county in which the hospital is located. Almost all hospitals have mUlti-county service areas. Some Georgia hospitals have state-wide service areas. Many rural hospitals have large service areas that include many counties. A Hill Burton hospital: may not deny emergency services to any person residing in the facility's service area on the grounds that the person is unable to pay for care; must participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and any state or local programs that pay for care to low income people; and must post notices informing the public of its community service obligations in English and Spanish, and, when appropriate, in other languages. ' Complaints' can be filed with the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which enforces the community service requirements. Patients have a private right of action to enforce the Hill Burton community service requirements, but only after filing an administrative complaint. A court action may be filed six months after an administrative complaint is filed or after dismissal of the complaint by HHS. HHS may dismiss a complaint upon request 45 days after filing. o 0, Hospital care for Pregnant Women Act.1T , Under Georgia law, hospitals with emergency facilities are required to provide emergency ser- vices to women who come to them in active labor. 18 Generally, this means that a hospital must deliver the baby. However, when a hospital does not have appropriate services to treat the woman, it may transfer the woman to a hospital that does. A hospital may only transfer a woman in active labor upon a physician's determination that the ,hospital is unable to provide appropriate treatment and the woman is in stable condition. ' If a hospital transfers a woman in active labor, it must: ' get the other hospital to agree to admit the patient, , send the patient's medical records with her, o and arrange for suitable transportation.19 178 Women refused care in violation ofthe Hospi- tal Care for Pregnant Women Act have a cause of action against the hospital for damages and other relief. but only if the hospital was grossly negligent or willfully failed to comply.20 Hospitals are immune from malpractice liability for emergency treatment required pursuant to the Hospital Care for Pregnant Women Act except in cases of gross negligence. 21 . The Department of Human Resources is charged with administrative enforcement of the Act. A hospital found in violation is subject to a $500 fine. 22 A facility guilty of three or more violations in a 12 month period is subject to having its license revoked.23 Violations should be reported to: Georgia Department of Human Resources. Office of Regulatory Services. 878 Peachtree St.. Atlanta. Ga 30309. (404) 894- I 5144. Generally. the cost of care provided under the Hospital care for Pregnant Women Act is covered by Medicaid because pregnant women with family incomes up to 185 percent of the federal. poverty line are eligible for Medicaid.24 However. if a hospital provides care pursuant to the Act to an uninsured woman ineligible for Medicaid with income up to 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline. it is entitled to reimbursement from the woman's county of residence.25 Public Hospitals. In Georgia. county hospital authorities are authorized to operate hospitals.26 These public hospitals. if they have an emergency rooms. must provide emergency services to those requesting it.27 What hospitals are obligated to provide free and reduced-cost inpatient and outpatient care? Many hospitals in Georgia are legally obligated to provide free and reduced cost care. These include hospitals that receive state Indigent Care Trust Fund money. hospitals that receive federal Hill-Burton funds. and public hospitals operated by county hospital authorities. In addition, most private hospitals provide some charity care. Indigent Care Trust Fund. The Georgia Constitution establishes an Indigent care Trust Fund to finance primary care, expansion of . Medicaid eligibility and support for health care providers. particularly in rural areas which disproportionately serve indigent patienrs.28 The Indigeilt Care Trust Fund (ICTF) is supported by state appropriations, hospital and hospital author- ity taxes. and donations.29 ' The Indigent care Trust Fund, provides partici- pating hospitals with funds to pay for indigent care. In return. hospitals must provide a certain ,amount of free and reduced-cost care to the medically indigent.30 Patients with incomes below 125% of the federal poverty line are entitled to free care. Those with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty are eligible for reduced charge, sliding scale fees. 31 Patients do not have to be residents of the county in which the hospital is located to qualify for Trust Fund payment.32 Trust fund money may be applied to cover the cost of any service the hospital offers, either inpatient or outpatient. However. at least 15 percerit of the hospital's Trust Fund payment must go to support primary care services. These trust fund-supported primary care activities must be provided free of charge to Medicaid recipients and those unable to pay for care.33 Hospitals may place limits on the programs and services eligible for Trust Fund payment as long as the limits are reasonable.34 Hospitals that receive Indigent care ltust Fund ,(ICTF) money must treat indigent patients without regard to their ability to pay.35 Patients cannot be turned away because of their inability to pay for care. Hospitals must ensure that medically neces- sary services are not delayed or denied because of inability to pay.36 1CTF hospitals must have a sufficient number of physicians practicing at the hospital willing to treat Medicaid and uninsured patients.37 Indigent care 1hlst Fund (ICTF) hospitals must advertise their participation in the program and the primary care services supported by the money. They must provide individual notice to patients that free and below cost care is available, as well as information on how to apply. Patients may apply for Trust Fund payment either before or after services are provided. A patient denied Trust Fund eligibility has a right to appeal to the Department of Medical Assistance.38 Patients eligible for ICTF free and reduced-eost care who are not informed about the program or not given an opportunity to apply for care may raise the hospital's noncompli- ance as a defense to a hospital collection action. Over seventy hospitals participate in the Indi- gent care ltust Fund program. Participating hospitals and the amount of their free care obliga- tion changes from year to year.- A list of the hospi- tals that participated in the fund in 1997 is in- duded on page 193 of this Guide. 179 Hill Burton Hospitals. The Hill Burton Act39 was enacted in 1946 to support construction, renovation and rehabilitation of nonprofit and public health care facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes. In return for these federal grants, loans. and loan guarantees, hospitals must provide a certain amount of free or below-cost care.40 The obligation to provide free or reduced- cost care ends twenty years after completion of the HilI Burton construction or when the facility's uncompensated care requirement is met. 41 No new HilI Burton grants or loans have been made since the mid-1970s, and most hospitals' twenty year free care obligation has expired. Nevertheless, a number of Georgia hospitals still have HiII Burton free care mandates. The Resource Directory contains a list of HiII Burton hospitals and nursing homes stilI required to provide free and reduced cost care. HiII Burton hospitals stiII required to provide free and reduced-cost care must make free care available to individuals with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty line, and may make free or reduced cost services available to those with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Application for HilI Burton free care can be made before or after services are provided. Any indication that a patient is unable to pay for care should be considered a request for Hill Burton uncompensated care. The facility must make a written determination of eligibility for care. Hospitals with outstanding obligations must post notices that HiII Burton free care is available in the admissions area, emergency room and business office. The hospital must also provide - individual written notice outlining the services available, the income eligibility guidelines, and the procedures for applying for free or reduced-cost care. Complaints of violations of the HiII Burton free _ care obligation can be filed by writing a letter to the u,s. Department of Health and Human Ser- vices (HHS). Patients have a private right of action to enforce the HiII Burton uncompensated care requirements, but only after filing an administra- tive complaint. A court action may be filed six months after an administrative complaint is filed a or after dismissal of the complaint by HHS. HHS may dismiss complaint upon request 45 days _after filing. . Hospitals Operated by Hospital Authorities. In Georgia. public hospitals are operated by county hospital authorities. The purpose of these public hospitals is to fulfill the county's obligation to 0 provide medical care for the poor.42 Although public hospitals collect payment for their services, they should be available to all without regard to ability to pay and should offer free and reduced cost services.43 The availability of services and the income requirements vary from county to county. If a publicly owned hospital is sold, this responsibility to provide free and reduced-cost care continues. The proceeds of the sale must be held in trust to pay for care to poor patients with incomes up to 125 percent of the federal poverty line or the new hospital entity must agree to continue to provide the same volume for indigent care.44 Where can someone get free or reduced-cost physician and other outpatient care7 Community and migrant health centers, and county public health departments are funded to provid-e free and sliding scale seryices to low income people. These programs are discussed in detail in the sections that follow. Hospitals that receive Indigent care 'nust Fund 0 money must offer at least some primary care services for free to those who cannot afford to pay for care. For a discussion of the Indigent care 'nust Fund primary care obligation, see the discussion in the section on free and below-cost hospital care. Counties also have an obligation to provide medical services to those who are unable to pay for care.45 Some counties take this responsibility seriously and provide financial support for outpatient clinics that offer free and sliding scale services. Others provide more limited medical care. To find out about county-funded services available in a particular county, call the county public health department or the county commission. Complaints about eligibility for county-funded services or a lack of county-funded services should be directed to the local county commission. What services do public health departments provide? Public health departments operate in every county.46 These departments offer a wid~ variety of medical services primarily designed to prevent 0 the spread of communicable diseases, detect health problems, and educate people about personal health risks. Public health depaitments also deliver some treatment serVices, particularly those designed to improve maternal and child health. 180 Public health departments must be available to all. The departments do tend to charge small co- payments for some services. However, no one may be denied services because of inability to pay.47 . Public health department services vary by county. However, all counties offer health screen- ing to detect diseases, chronic conditions, and developmental problems. When a screening indicates a need for follow-up care, the depart- ment refers the individual to an appropriate source of ongoing care. All counties offer the following assessments: child health sCreening for children up to age 21, including physical, developmental, and nutritional assessments; vision and hearing tests, and physicals required for s.chool enrollment; adult screening for chronic health problems like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, and arthritis; women's health screening, including, mammograms and pap smears; sexually transmitted disease screening, including premarital blood testing; TB screening; and sickle cell screening. Public health departments also offer some treatment services. Some counties provide children's dental services, home health, HIV care, and parenting classes. All counties offer: immunization of children against diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, . and rubella; immunization of high risk adults against influenza; family planning and pregnancy testing; and prenatal care. The local public health department isa good source of information about the free and reducedcost medical care available in a particular county. A list of county public health departments with addresses and phone numbers is included on page 188 of this Guide. What services do community and migrant health centers provide? Community and migrant health centers are one of the major providers of free and reduced cost outpatient medical care in the United States. In Georgia, community health clinics are the single largest providers of care to the uninsured. Community health centers offer primary health care services to residents of medically underserved areas.48 Migrant health centers provide care to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and their families. 49 These centers generally provide comprehensive services using multidisciplinary teams. The services offered include: physician, nurse practitioner and physician assistant services; health assessments and screening; preventive health services; diagnostic, laboratory and radiological services; emergency medical services; transportation; preventive dental care: and drugs. Community and migrant health center services are available to all community residents regardless of income or insurance status. Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance are accepted.5o Patients are billed on a sliding scale. Generally, those with incomes below the federal poverty lines are provided care at no cost. Migrant and community health centers are funded and administered by the federal Bureau of Health care Delivery and Assistance (BHCDA) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRDSA) of the Public Health Service (PHS) of the U.S. Depart~ent of Heath and Human Services. Generally, the only state funds they receive are Medicaid reimbursement for eligible patients. In Georgia, community and migrant health centers are located in many areas of the state. See the resource listings starting on page 188 of this Resource Guide. What special programs exist for pregnant wom~? . Georgia has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the United States. Increased access to early and regular prenatal care is an important compo- nent in the effort to improve the health of pregnant women and reduce Georgia's infant mortality rate. Toward that end, Georgia's Medicaid program now covers pregnant women with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline. Details on Medicaid eligibility start on page 36. . Public Health Departments. County public heal~h departments offer some free prenatal care to low-income women. They do not deliver babies. Public health departments can provide physician referrals for services they do not provide. 181 Low-Cost Prenatal and Delivery Care Pack- services in their Region. The Regional Boards ages. In some counties physicians, hospitals and know the range of mental health, mental retarda- the county public health department have agreements to provide reduced-rate physician and 0 tion and substance abuse treatment alternatives available in their area. For a list of Regional I hospital prenatal and delivery care for low income MHMRSA Boards, see pages 18-19. women who do not qualify for other programs; Mental health, mental retardation, and sub- Prenatal care is usually provided free at the county 1 stance abuse services are provided by private public health department or other primary care providers, county public health departments" clinic. Participating physicians and hqspitals offer public Community Service Boards, and state their services for free or at a reduced charge. hospitals.57 Prior to 1994, Georgia's public mental The administration and eligibility standards health system provided services exclusively using vary from county to county. Contac~ the local public providers. Georgia's reformed mental health public health department to find out if this pro- system encourages private as well as public gram is available in a particular county. A list of providers to offer services.58 public health departments, by county, is included The sweeping reform of Georgia's mental health on page 188 of this Guide. system in 1994 also transformed Georgia's public community mental health clinics into new public Other special programs. Several other state entities caped Community Service Boards.59 The and federally funded programs offer free and services offered by Community Service Boards are reduced-cost care to high risk pregnant women planned, coordinated, and offered under contract and newborns with too much income to qualify for with the Regional MHMRSA Boards. 'lWerity-eight Medicaid.51 County public health departments Community Service Boards operate throughout the screen for eligibility and refer patients who qualify state and provide a broad range of services includ- to private physicians and hospitals that participate ing outpatient care, residential services, day in the programs. programs for treatment and training, crisis inter- Where can someone get.mental health, mental vention and case management. In most regions the Community Service Boards are the single 0 retardation, and substance abuse treatment? largest provider of public mental health, mental In 1994 the Georgia legislature reformed . retardation and substance abuse services. Commu- Georgia's mental health service system to assure nity Service Boards are funded by federal block that adequate mental health, mental retardation, grants, state funds, Medicaid and private insur- substance abuse and disability services were ance reimbursement. For a list of Community provided through a uniform system of government Service Boards see pages 19-21. and private providers.52 Regional Mental Health, Public mental health services, Whether provided Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse by a private entity or a public Community Service . (MHMRSA) Boards were created to plan, coordi- Board, must be provided without regard for ability nate and contract for public mental health, mental to pay.6O Providers may, however, charge patients retardation and substance abuse services.53 The who can afford to pay on a sliding fee scale. Regional Boards are responsible for assuring that While the Regional MHMRSA Boards are a full range of services are available to meet the statutorily mandated to provide a comprehensive needs of the region's residents.54 To insure more system of mental health, mental retardation and accountability and a more responsive service substance abuse treatment that provides continu- system, each Board must include consumers and ity of care, there is no entitlement to any particular their families.55 type of service or program. However, because the For information on the services available in a system is a public governmental program, appli- particular community, contact the Regional cants for and recipients of services are entitled to MHMRSA Board. By law, the Regional Boards are basic due process protections, even when eligibil- required to provide a simple, convenient single ity determinations are made by private provid- point of entry into the often complex mental ers.61 Programs prOVided under contract to the health, mental retardation, and substance abuse treatment system.56 Regional MHMRSA Board must be administered according to written criteria.62 Applicants and 0 The Regional Boards do not provide services recipients are entitled to written notice and an themselves. Rather, they contract with private and explanation of the reason they are denied or public entities to provide all public mental health . terminated from services, as well as a right to 182 request a hearing to contest service denials or terminations.63 Adults may be involuntary committed for treatment only when they are mentally ill or a danger to themselves or others.64 A commitment hearing is required.65 Children may be admitted for treatment without a hearing when their parent or other guardian consents and the commitment is in the child's medical best interest. 66 However, a child is entitled to a commitment hearing when the child's guardian is the state or the admission is without consent of the guardian.67 A person involuntarily confined may file a writ of habeas corpus to contest the legality of the detention.68 Complaints about providers of community mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse should be filed in writing with the appropriate Regional Board.69 By law, the Regional Boards are mandated to investigate and seek to resolve all complaints. 70 Complaints about treatment in a public hospital are made through the hospital's complaint system. The Regional MHMRSA Boards, Community Service Boards, state hospitals and other institutions are administered and supervised by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Mental Health. Mental Retardation and Sub- stance Abuse. What kind of mental health. mental retardation and substance abuse treatment is available in Georgia? The Regional MHMRSA Boards are responsible ' for planning. coordinating and contracting for public mental health. mental retardation and substance abuse services in their region. They are , mandated to assure that a full range of services are available that meet the needs of the area's residents. As a result of this localized planning process, services vary by region. In general, though, the following services are available in each region: 7 t Mental Illness. People with serious mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated in both community programs and institutional settings. Most regions offer the following range of community services including: outpatient treatment including evaluation and diagnosis; individual. family. group and activity therapy; medication and nursing care; day treatment programs teaching work-related ,skills and daily living skills; residential services. including shon-term crisis programs, group hpmes. supervised apartments, and other residences offering varying levels of supervision; emergency services including short-term medical care and other levels of help dUring a psychiatric crisis; and case managers to help liQk people to services they need and to coordinate care. Inpatient services are provided by state hospi, tals in Atlanta, Augusta. Columbus. Milledgeville, , Rome. savannah and Thomasville. These hospitals offer short-term institutional treatment to control symptoms. and limited long term treatment to people charged with a crime but found not guilty by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial. To ensure that the focus remains oncommunity care. state hospitals are reqUired to develop a - discharge plan for each patient and to link the patient to community programs.72 Children and Adolescents. Most regions now offer a network of services to help children and teens with severe emotional problems. Services offered include: outpatient diagnosis. evaluation. and counseling for the child and family. and medication; in-home crisis teams to work in the home setting with the family and child; day treatment programs after school and on , weekends to help with behavior and study skills; therapeutic foster care and group homes when children Cannot live with their families; respite care to give families and foster families a temporary rest from the strain of caring for a child with severe problems; state hospitals to provide short term inpatient treatment; outdoor therapeutic wilderness programs at Warm Springs and Cleveland; and Multi-agency Teams for Children (MATCH) to locate residential treatment for severely disturbed children and adolescents. Mental Retardation. Services for those with mental retardation include family and personal support training and a range of in-home services. including respite care, to help people with mental retardation live in the community either with their families or on their own. Residential programs include supervised homes and apartments. and substitute families with the support services that residents need. Community services include day programs to help develop social and work skills. 183 and supported employment to help people. find and keep jobs. Institutional care is offered. but should be limited to crisis situations. Georgia has one institution devoted exclusively tolong term care for the mentally retarded. Gracewood State SChool and Hospital in Augusta. The state hospitals at Atlanta. Milledgeville. Rome and Thomasville also have long term care units for people with mental retardation. These'long term care units are known as Intermediate Care Facilities/Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR). ( See pages 41 and 43 for description of publicly-funded community care options for children.) (See pages 51-53 for description of publiclyfunded community care options for adults.) Substcince Abuse. Services for substance abuse treatment include outpatient services. like group counseling. detoxification programs. short-term residential programs. half-way houses. methadone programs. and prevention programs. What special programs help with the cost of HIV treatment? The federal Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act of 1990 73 provides funding for HIV related primary health care. In Georgia. Ryan White and state funds support two statewide programs that provide special services for people withHlV: the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and the Continuation . of Health Insurance Program. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides HIV treatment drugs to low income. uninsured and under-insured individuals. Details on the ADAP program are included in the section on help with prescription drugs. The Continuation of Health Insurance Program pays the cost of private health insurance premiums to help people keep their private health insurance. The program pays the premiums on individual and group policies. Individuals who are HIV positive with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line qualify for assistance. Applications are available at county public health departments. The eligibility determination is made by the state Ryan White office. For more information. contact Libby Brown in the state Ryan White Office at (404) 657-3129. Ryan White and state funds also support local programs prOViding assistance to HlV positive people. In some areas. services include specialized HIV Clinics that prOVide free and sliding scale services to people with HIV infection. For informa- tion on the local programs available in a particular area. contact the county public health department. 0 A list of public health departments in induded in the Resource Directory. The Southeast AIDS 1taining and Education Center'S publication Key Contacts offers a comprehensive listing of medical. social services. housing and peer support programs for people who are HIV positive. For a copy of the booklet, contact the Center by phone. (404).727-2929, or fax. (404) 727-4562. The AIDS Survival Project in Atlanta has a Peer Counseling Program that operates statewide to help people who are HIV positive navigate the health care and social service system. They can be reached at (404) 874-7926. For information on local support groups, contact the courity public health department. What medical care does the crime victim's assistance program cover7 The State of Georgia's Crime Victim's Assistance Program74 assists victims of violent crime with the costs of medical care~ counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses and various other costs not covered by health insurance. car insurance, sick leave payor other sources. No compensation is 0 paid for stolen, damaged. or lost property . Assistance is capped at $10,000 per victim. The following limits apply: $5,000 for medical expenses; $2.500 for counseling; $3,000 for funeral costs; and $5.000 for economic loss. The program covers most violent crimes indud- . ing homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, domes- tic violence. and crashes caused by drunk drivers. It does not cover property crimes. Neither does it assist victims who consent, provoke or participate in the criminal act. Victims must report the crime with 72 hours to ~aw enforcement offidals to be eligible for compensation. Applications for victim assistance must be filed within 180 days of the inddent. Application is made on forms provided by the Office of the Governor. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Where can one get family planning services7 .Local pUblic health departments offer family planning and child spacing services including medical examinations and contraceptives. These O. clinics prescribe condoms. contraceptive sponges. . diaphragms. birth control pills. Norplant, DepoPrevero. the morning after pill and IUDs. 184 These services are free for those who fall within the income guidelines. A list of county public health departments is induded on page 188 of this Guide. Private not-for-profit groups also offer medical examinations and family planning services on a reduced-cost and sliding scale basis. Private clinics prescribe the same birth control devices that public health departments do. In addition, they also prescribe emergency contraceptives, a series of birth controls pills taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse which prevents pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives are available via a statewide toll-free number, 1-877-EC-PILLS. The cost for the service is $40. Those without funds are referred for other options. Private groups also offer counseling and referral for abortion services. A list of private family planning clini<;s is included on page 199 of this Resource Guide. Although minors usually need to have a parent's consent to medical treatment, minors can consent to treatment for family planning services and contraceptives. Federally funded health care providers must provide such services to minors and must keep the information confidential from parents if requested by the minor. In Georgia, a minor must notify one parent, (consent is not necessary), or obtain a court order to have an abortion. 7s Minors needing legal assistance for the judicial bypass may get referrals for free legal assistance from Planned Parenthood. What programs help with the cost of prescription drugs'? Community and migrant health clinics offer free and reduced cost prescription drugs as one of their services. Some county public health departments, outpatient clinics and hospitals have drug assistance programs funded by local, county, and grant funds. For information on local programs, contact the county public health department A list is included on page 188 of this Guide. 1\vo state-wide programs pay for prescription drugs. The Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Program provides free drugs needed to treat chronic conditions. The Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) helps people with HIV disease. Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs. Many pharmaceutical companies have programs that provide free prescription drugs to low income people with chronic health problems who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not pay for the needed drugs. Alist of these companies is included in the Resource Directory. All the companies have the same non-financial eligibility requirements. First, the presqiption drug must be needed on an ongoing baSis for a chronic condition. Companies do not provide short term drugs like antibiotics except when a patient is discharged home from the hospital on antibiotics. They do not provide narcotics (Class II), hallucinogenics, psychotropics, or barbituates. Second, the patient must be uninsured or have' insurance that does not cover the requested drug. The programs help uninsured patients, as well as patients with insurance that does not cover prescription drugs, excludes a pre-existing condition, or excludes a specific drug. Each drug company uses different income and resource cut-offs. Most consider the family's income and size when computing eligibility. Some verification of income is required. A W2 form, pay stub, and Social Security or 551 check or deposit is sufficient. The physician must submit a written request for the drug. Some companies have an application form. Others just need a letter from the prescribing physician attesting to the patient's need. It generally takes four to six weeks to process an application. After an application is approved, a threemonth supply of drugs is sent to the physician's office. A new application must be made every . three months. In Chatham and Effingham counties a program called MedBank assists doctors in filling out application forms. It also provides a short term supply of medicine while the drug company application is being processed. Medbank requires a, referral from a community service organization or physician. Its hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. The phone number ,is (912) 356-2898. Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). ADAP is a state-administered drug reimbursement program that provides HIV medications to low income, uninsured and under-insured individuals. Funds are provided by the federal Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act76 and the state of Georgia. ADAP helps uninsured patients, as well as patients with insurance that does not cover prescription drugs, excludes HIV as a pre-existing condition, or excludes a specific HIV drug. Financial eligibility is set at 30Q percent of the 185 federal poverty guideline. Eligibility is based on gross income, but deductions are allowed for outstanding medical bills. Medical eligibility is based on HIV infection, CD4 count and viral load. People with CD4 counts below 500 are medically eligible no matter what their viral load. HIV infected individuals with CD4 counts above 500 may be eligible depending upon their viral load.. Georgia's ADAP pays for FDA approved anti- retrovirals. It covers up to three drugs per month. Drugs are provided through the Grady Hospital Pharmacy and local public health departments. At present, the drugs covered include: delavirdine (Rescriptor), didanosine (ddl, Videx), indinavir (Crixivan), lamivudine (3TC, Epivir), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Inviarse), stavudine (d4T, Zerit), zalcitabine (ddC, HIVlD) , and zidovudine (AZT, RetroVir). HIV infected people needing drug assistance should apply to ADAP as soon as possible. In Georgia, as elsewhere, the demand for ADAP drugs outstrips available funding. The waiting list for ADAP services is presently six months. How- ever, people on the waiting list are generally able to obtain drugs through the Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs described in this section. . To apply for ADAP contact the local public .health department or the statewide AIDS hotline: 1(800) 551-2728. For more information, contact Libby Brown, Ryan White Drug Reimbursement Coordinator, 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 10th Floor, Room 400, Atlanta, GA 30303, (404) 657-3129. 1 42 U.S.C. 139Sdd. 2 /d. 291. 3 O.C.G.A. 31-8-40-46 to 31-8-46. 4 42 U.S.C. 139Sdd(c). EMTALA also protects those with money who cire denied emergency care for other reasons. 5 42 U.S.C. 139Sdd(a). 6 /d. 1395dd(e)(1)(A). 7 /d. 139Sdd(e)(I)(B). 8 /d. 1395dd(b)(I);/d. 1395dd(e)(3)(B). 9 42 U.S.C. 1395dd(e)(3)(a) and (B). IO/d. 1395dd(c)(l)(ii). II/d. 1395dd(c)(I)(B); /d. 1395dd(c)(2). 12 42 U.S.C. 1395dd(b)(2). 13 Jd. 1395dd(d)(2)(A). 14/d. 1395dd(a)(1). IS/d. 291; 42 C.ER. pt. 124. 16 The Hill Burton community services regulations are codified at 42 C.F.R. 124.601 to 124.601. 170.C.G.A. 31-8-40 to 31-8-46. 180.C.G.A. 31-8-42. 19/d. 200.C.G.A. 31-8-45; Id. 31-8-44. o 21 O.C.G.A. 31-8-44. 22Jd. 31-8-46(b). 23/d. 31-8-46(c). 24 For details on Medicaid eligibility, see Chapter 1. 25 O.C.G.A. 31-8-43(c); /d. 31-8-41 (1). When a county pays for care, the woman becomes liable to the county for a part of the cost. Women with countable incomes below the federal poverty line are charged $100. Women with ,incomes between 100 and 125 per cent of the federal poverty line are responsible for a higher co-payment. O.c.G.A. 31-8-43.1 (a)( 1). The hospital must apply for county payment by notifying the county Health care AdVisory Officer in writing. The county officer must make an eligibility determination within 60 days and notify both the patient and the hospital. Id. 31-8-43(c). 26 O.C.G.A. 31-1-12. 27 Williams v. Hospital Authority of Hall County. 119 Ga. App, 626,168 S.E.3d 336 (1969). 28 GA. CoNST. art. III. 9, para. 6; O.c.GoA. 31-8-150. Georgia law also authorizes two other programs to fund indigent health care. the Hospital Care for the Indigent Program, O.C.G.A. 31-8-1 to 31-8-11, and Hospital care for Non-Resident Indigents, O.C. G.A. 31-8-30. Neither program has ever been funded. 29 See Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 350-6-.02. 30/d. 350-6-.03(10)(c). 31/d. 350-6-.03(3)(e)(8). . o 32 See/d. 350.6.03(4) and (10)(c) (eligibility not limited by county of residence). 33 Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 350-6-.03(3)(e)(1l) . Hospitals design their own primary care plan. However, DMA expects the plan to target one or more of the following groups: pregnant and postnatal women, infants and children. the chronically ill and disabled, homeless, and migrants. 34 Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 350-6-.03(12); Marjorie P. Smith, COmmissioner of Department of Medical Assis- tance. Memo: Indigent care 'Ih1st Fund (lCTF) - State Fiscal Year 1991 (OCtober 3,1996). 35 Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 350-6-.03(3)(e)(4). 36 Ga. COmpo R. & Regs. 350-6-.03(3)(e)(8). 37 Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 350-6-.03(3)(e)(5). 38 Ga. Comp~ R. & Regs. 350-6-.03(12); Marjorie P. Smith, COmmissioner of Department of Medical Assis- tance. Memo: Indigent care 'Ih1st Fund (ICTF) - State Fiscal Year 1997 (OCtober 3,1996). 39 42 U.S.C. 291. 40 The Hill Burton uncompel)sated care regulations are codified at 42 C.F.R. 124.501 to 124.517. . 41 42. C.F.R. 124.501 (b)(l). Federal regulations set a quantitative annual standard of compliance requiring uncompensated care equal to the lesser of three percent of the facility'S operating cost for the last fiscal year or 10 percent of all federal assistance received by the facility, adjusted for inflation. /d. 124.503(a). o 42 DeJarnette V. Hospital Authority of Albany, 195 Ga.189, 197-98.23 S.E. 2d 716, 722 (1942) (states 186 .0 owes duty to the indigent sick which can be delegated to counties and cities). 43 See Williams v. Hospital Authority of Hall County, 119 Ga. App. 626,168 S.E.2d 336 (1969); D.C.G.A 31-7-84 (hospital authority authorized to levy tax to provide medical care and hospitalization to the poor). 44 D.C.G.A. 31-7-75.1. 45 D.C.G.A. 36-12-1; Dejarnette 195 Ga. at 196-98, 23 S.E.2d at 722. 46 D.C.G.A. 31-3-1 to 31-3-16. The departments are operated by county boards of health in cooperation with the state Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health. D.C.G.A. 31-2-1 (a). 47 D.C.G.A. 31-3-4(a)(6). 48 42 U.S.C 254c; 42 C.ER. SIc. 49 42 U.S.c. 254b; 42 C.F.R. 56. 50 42 C.F.R. 51c.l07(b)(5) . .51 Federal money is prOVided by the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant which prOVides federal funding to support health services to mothers and children, particularly those with'low income or limited access to health services. 42 U.S.C. 701 to 702c; 42 C.ER. 51 a; 45 C.F.R. 96.1. 52 D.C.G.A. 37-2-1 (c). 53/d. 37-2-5 to 5.2. 54 D.C.G.A. 37-2-5.2.. 55/d. 37-2-5. 56/d. 37-2-5.2 57/d. 37-2-5.2. 58/d. 37-2-1(b). 591d. 37-2-6. 60 Id. 37-2-11. 61 Catanzano v. Dowling, 60 F.3d 113, 117 (Cir. 1995) (determinations of Medicaid eligibility by home health agencies constitute state action subject to due process protections); Grijalva v. Shalala, 946 F.Supp. 747, 752 (D.Ariz. 1996) (HMDs enrolling Medicare recipients must comply with due process requirements); Daniels v. Wadley, 926 F.Supp. 1305 (M.D.Tenn. 1996) (HMDs paid by state Medicaid program and subject to state regulation must comply with due process require- ments). 62 Baker-Chaput v. Overseers of the Poor, 406 F.Supp. 1134 (D.N.H. 1976) (due process requires that local benefit program be administered pursuant to written and ascertainable standards). 63 Fields v. Pittman, 571 F.Supp. 32 (N.D.Ga. 1983) (participant in Fulton County Supportive Living Program entitled to due process protections when terminated from program). 64 D.C.G.A. 37-3-1 (12). Substance abusers who are a danger to themselves and others may also be civilly committed. However, treatment programs generally eschew forced treatment of substance abusers. 65 D.C.G.A. 37-3-81 (c). , 66 D.C.G.A. 37-3-20; Parham v. ,.R., 442 U.S. 584 (1979); Zinerman v. Burch, 494 U.S. 113 (1990). 67 Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 290 to 290-4-7-.06. 68 D.C.G.A. 37-3-48; /d. 37-4-108. 69 D.c.GA 37-2-5.2(9). 701d. 37-2-5.2(9). 71 These services description are from Division of Mental Health Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse, (7/30/98). 72 D.C.G.A. 37-3-161; /d. 37-2-9. 73 The Ryan White Act has four tides. ntle I and II are designed to serve cities and states with high infection rates. ntle II support outpatient HIV early intervention servcies. TItle IV support services to children with HIV and their families. 74 D.C.G.A. 17-15-1 to 17-15-14; Ga. Compo R. & Regs. 143-1-.02. 75 D.C.G.A. 15-11-112. 76 42 U.S.C. 300ff. 187 Additional Sources of Free and Reduced-Cost Care* o o Watson, sidn~y D.. 1999. A Georgia Advocates Guide to Health care funded by Health Law section of the State Bar of Georgia and Mercer University Law school. . . 188 o (Clarke) 345 North Harris St. Athens, GA 30601 (706) 542-8600 (Clay) 201 Wilson Sf. Fort Gaines, GA 31751 (912) 768-2355 (Clayton) 675 Forest Parkway Forest Park, GA 30050 (404) 363-6780 (Clinch) 101 -A South College St. HomerviIle, GA 31634 (912) 487-2199 (Cobb) 1650 County Farm Rd. Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 514-2300 (CiffeC) 1111 W. Baker Hwy. Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 389-4450 (Colquitt) 214 West Central Moultrie, GA 31776 (912) 89f-71oo (Columbia) 6420 Pollards Pond Rd. Appling, GA 30802 (706) 541-1318 (Cook) 204 N. Parrish Ave. Adel, GA 31620 (912) 896-3030 (Coweta) 137 Jackson St. Newnan, GA 30263 (770) 254-7400 (CrawJord) 301 McCrary St. Roberta. GA 31078 (912) 836-3167 (Crisp) . 111 24th Ave. East Cordele, GA 31015 (912) 276-2680 (Dade) First and Poplar St. ltenton, GA 30752 (706) 657-4213 (Dawson) 54 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-2611 (Decatur) 928 West Sf. Bainbridge, GA 31717 (912) 248-3055 (DeKalb) 445 Winn Way Decatur, GA 30031 (404) 244-2200 (Dodge) 505 Plaza Dr. Eastman. GA 31023 . (912) 374-5576 (Dooly) 204 West Union St. Vienna, GA 31092 (912) 268-4725 (Dougherty) 1710 S. Siappy Boulevard Albany, GA 31706 (912) 430-6200 (Douglas) 6770 Selman Dr. Douglasville. GA 30134 (770) 949-1970 (Early) 329 S. Flowers Dr. Blakely, GA 31723 (912) 723-3707 (Echols) 149 Hwy 94 East Statenville, GA 31648 (912) 559-5103 (fffingham) 802 Highway 119 South Springfield. GA 31329 (912) 754-6484 (Elbert) '27 West Church St. Elberton, GA 30635 (706) 283-3775 (Emanuel) Hwy. #56. North Swainsboro. GA 30401 (912) 237-7501 (Evans) 4 N. Newton St. Claxton, GA 3041 7 (912) 739-2088 189 (Fannin) Industrial Boulevard Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3023 (Fayette) 140 W. Stonewall Ave. Fayetteville. GA 30214 (706) 461-1178 (Floyd) 315 West 10th St. Rome. GA 30165 . (706) 295-.6771 (Forsyth) 428 canton Hwy. Cumming~ GA 30130 (770) 781-6900 (Franklin) 6955 Georgia Hwy. 145 So. Carnesville, GA 30521 (706) 384-5575 (Fulton) 99 Butler St. SE Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 730-1211 (Gilmer) 50 Southside Church St Ellijay, GA 30540 (706) 635-4363 (Glascock) 601 Main St West Gibson, GA 30810 (706) 598-2061 (Glynn) 1609 Newcastle St. Brunswick. GA 31520 (912) 264-3961 (Gordon) 310 N. River St. Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 629-0188 (GratlY) 1030 Fourth St.. SE cairo. GA 31728 (912) 377-2992 (Greene) 1031 Appalachee Rd. Greensboro. GA 30642 (706) 453-7561 /Gwinnett) 197 Crogan St. Lawrenceville, GA 30246-0897 (770) 339-4260 (Habersham) 185 SCoggins Dr. Demorest, GA 30535 (706) 778-7156 (Hall) 430 Prior St., SE Gainesville, GA 30503 (770) 531-5600 (Hanrock) 451-A Boland St. Sparta. GA 31087 (706) 444-6616 (Haralson) Van Wert St. Buchanan, GA 30113 (770) 646-5542 (Harris) Hwy 116 E. Hamilton. GA 31811 (706) 628-5037- (Hart) 64 Reynolds St. Hartwell. GA 30643-1169 (706) 376-5117 (Heard) Hwy.27 Franklin. GA 30217 (706) 675-3456 (Henry) 66 Spring St. McDonough. GA 30253 (770) 954-2250 (Houston) 2010 Kings Chapel Rd. Perry, GA 31069 (912) 987-1717 200 carl Vinson Parkway Warner Robins. GA 31088 (912) 542-2050 (Irwin) 107 W. Fourth St. OCilla. GA 31 774 (912).468-5196 (Jackson) 260 Lee St. Jefferson, GA 30549 . (706) 367-5204 (Jasper) 366 Greene St. Monticello, GA 31064 (706) 468-6850 (JdfDavis) 501 S. Cromarte St. . Hazelhurst, GA 31539 (912) 375-2425 (JfiJerson) Hwy. # I, North Louisville, GA 30434 (912) 625-3716 (Jenkins) . 414 Hendrix St. Millen, GA 30442 (912) 982-2811 (Johnson) 120 Hilton Holton Dr. Wrightsville. GA 31096 (912) 864-3542 (Jones) 2 Forest Ave. Gray, GA 31032 (912) 986.-3164 (Lamar) 118 Academy Dr. Barnesville. GA 30204 (770) 358-1483 (Lanier) 205 W. Murrell Lakeland, GA 31635 (912) 482-3294 (Laurens) 2121 Bellevue Rd. Dublin, GA 31021 (912) 272-2051 (Lee) 112 Park St. Leesburg, GA 31 763 (912) 759-3014 (LibeT1J') Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2173 (Linroln) 176 N. Peachtree St. Lincolnton. GA 30817 (706) 359-3154 (Long) Thornton Dr. Ludowici, GA 31316 (912) 545-2107 (Lowndes) . 206 S. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31604 (912) 333-5255 190 (Lumpkin) 110 W. Hill St. Dahlonega. GA 30533 (706) 864-3814 (Maron) 100 Chatham Oglethorpe. GA 31068 (912) 472-8121 (Marion) Baker Street Buena Vista. GA 31803 (912) 649-5664 (McDz!ffie) 307 Greenway St. Thomson. GA 30824 . (706) 595-1740 (Mdntosh) , 103 Jefferson St Darien. GA 31305 (912) 437-4561 (Meriwether) Court Square. P.O. Box 159 Greenville. GA 30222 (706) 672-4974 (MI7Ier) 250 W. Pine St. Colquitt. GA 31737 (912) 758-3344 (Mitchell) 88 W. Oakland Ave. camilla, GA 31730 (912) 336-2055 (Monroe) 106 Culloden Rd. Forsyth, GA 31029 (912) 994-5329 (Montgomery) 215 W. Broad St. Mt. Vernon. GA 30445 (912) 583-4602 (Morgan) 259 North Second St. Madison. GA 30650 (770) 342-1726 (MUTTay) 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Hwy. Chatsworth. GA 30705 (770) 695-4585 (Muscogee) 2100 Comer Ave. Columbus, GA 31902-2299 (706) 321-6300 o o o (Newton) 5220 Hwy. 278, NE Covington. GA 30209 (770) 786-4502 (Oglethorpe) 109 S. Boggs Street Lexington, GA 30648 (706) 743-8181 . (Paulding) 451 jimmy campbell Pkway Dallas. GA 30132 (770) 443-7881 (Peach) 406 E. Church Street Fort Valley, GA 31030 (912) 825-6939 (Pickens) 1412 E. Church'St jasper. GA 30143 (706) 692-2821 (Pierce) 253 carter Ave. Blackshear, GA 31516 (912) 449-2032 (Pike) 222 Gwyn St. Zebulon, GA 30295 (770) 567-8972 (Polk) 125 East Ware St Cedartown, GA 30125 (706) 749-2270 (PulaskI) 301 N. Lumpkin St Hawkinsville, GA 31036 (912) 783-1361 (Putnam) 103 N. Washington St. Eatonton, GA 31024 (706) 485-8591 (Quitman) Main Street Georgetown, G'A 31 754 (912) 334-3697 (Rabun) 465 W. Savannah St Clayton, GA 30525 (706) 782-4227 (Randolph) 410 N. Webster St Cuthbert, GA 31740 (912) 732-2414 (Richmond) 843 Broad St. Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-4214 (Rockdale) 1329 Portman Dr., Suite 0 Conyers, GA 30207 (770) 785-5936 (Schley) 327 Hwy 26 W Ellaville, GA 31806 (912) 937-2308 (Screven) 416 Pine St. Sylvania, GA 30467 (70~) 564-2190 (Seminole) 904 N. Wiley Ave. Donalsonville, GA 31745 (912) 524-2577 (Spalding) 1007 Memorial Dr. Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 227-5528 (Stephens) 222 N. Boulevard Toccoa, GA 30577 (706) 282-4507 (Stewan) Hwy 275 Lumpkin, GA 31815 (912) 838-4859 (Sumter) 208 Rucker Street Americus, GA 31709 (912) 924-3637 (Talbot) Hwy41 N. Thlbotton, GA 31827 (706) 665-8561 (Taliqferro) 109 Commerce St., NW Crawfordville, GA 30631 (706) 456-2316 (Tattnall) 200-B S. Main St. Reidsville, GA 30453 (912) 557-6791 (Taylor) Hwy 137 W. Butler, GA 31006 (912) 862-5472 191 (Telfair) 713-A Telfair Ave. McRae, GA 31055 (912) 868-7404 (Terrell) 969 Forrester Dr. Dawson, GA 31742 (912) 995-8435 (Thomas) 440 Smith Ave. Thomasville, GA 31792 (912) 226-4241 (ITfi) 305 E. 12th St. TIfton, GA 31794 (912) 386-8373 (Toombs) 126 W. Grady St. Lyons, GA 30436 (912) 526-8108 (Towns) 41 River St. Hiawassee, GA 30546 (706) 896-2265 (lreutlen) 619 Third St. Soperton, GA 30457 (912) 529-4217 (lroup) 107 Medical Dr. laGrange, GA 30240 (706) 845-4085 (1Umer) 745 Hudson St. Ashburn, GA 31714 (912) 567-4357 (lwiggs) 105 N. Ash St. jeffersonville, GA 31044 (912) 945-3351 (Union) 55 HugheS St., Suite A Blairsville, GA 30512 (706) 745-6292 (Upson) 605 W. Gordon St. Thomaston, GA 30286 (706) 647-7148 (Walker) 603 Villanow St. laFayette, GA 30728 (706) 638-5577 (Walton) 1404 S. Madison Ave. Monroe, GA 30655 (770) 207-4125 (Ware) 604 Riverside Dr. Waycross, GA 31501 . (912) 283-1875 (Warren) 510 Legion Dr. Warenton, GA 30828 (706) 465-2252 (Washington) 201 Morningside Dr. Sandersville, GA 31082 (912) 552-3210 (Wayne) 240 Peachtree St. Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 427-2042 (Webster) Washington St. Preston, GA 31824 (912) 828-3225 (Wheeler) 414 Kent St. Alamo, GA 30411 (912) 568-7161 (White) 1241 Helen Hwy:, Unit 210 Cleveland, GA 30528 (706) 865-2191 (Whi!field) 808 Professional Boulevard Dalton, GA 30720 (706) 226-2621 (Wilcox) 420 Second St. Rochelle, GA 31079 (912) 365-2310 (Wilkes) 204 Gordon St. Washington, GA 30673 (706) 678-2622 (Wilkinson) 125 High Hill St. Irwinton, GA 31042 . (912) 946-2226 (Wilkinson) 209 Elam St. Gordon, GA 31031 (912) 628-5353 (Worth) 1012 W. Franklin St. Sylvester, GA 31791 (912) 777-2150 for free and sliding scale medical services: (Baker. Calhoun. Colquitt. Decatur, Dougherty. Early. Grady. Lee. M111er, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell Thomas) Albany Area Primary Health Care 804 14th Ave. Albany, GA 31701 (912) 888-6559 (Clarke) Athens Neighborhood Health center 675 College Ave. Athens, GA 3060~ (706) 546-5526 (All Counties) central Health center 201 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 659-0117 (Emanuel) East Georgia Healthcare Center, Inc. 316 North Main St. Swainsboro, GA 30401 (912)' 237-2638 (Lumpkin. Dawson, Forsyth) Georgia Highlands Medical services 260 Elm St. Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 887-1668 (Fannin) Georgia Mountains Health Services Morganton Family Practice Hwy 76 Morganton, GA 30560 (706) 374-6806 (Johnson. Washington, Jdt'erson, Laurens) Johnson Center for Community Health 508 West Elm St. Wrightsville, GA 31096 (912) 864-2600 192 (Hart. Madison. Elbert, Oglethorpe) Northeast Health Systems, Inc. 11 Charlie Morris Rd. Colbert, GA 30628' (706) 788-3234 0 (All Counties) Oakhurst Community Health center 770 Village Square Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (404) 298-8998 (Coweta, Fayette, Spalding, Pike, Lipsom. Monroe, Lamar, Heard, Men'wether) Palmette Health Council, Inc. 507 Park St Palmetto, GA 30268 (770) 463-4644 (Dade, Walker. Chatooga) Primary Health Care center of Dade 13750 North Main St. ltenton, GA 30752 (706) 657-7575 (Wilcox. Irwin. Ben H17l) South central Primary Health Care, Inc. 357 cargile Rd. Ocilla, GA 31774 (912) 468-9160 0 (Muscogee) South Columbus Community Health center 804 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31901 (706).322-0959 .(Dekalb. Cobb. Fulton, dayton) Southside Healthcare, Inc. 1039 Ridge Ave., SW Atlanta, GA 30315 (404) 688-1350 (Stewart, Webstcr, Quitman, Sumter) Stewart-Webster Rural Health 220 Alston St. Richland, GA 31825 (912) 887-3324 (Hancock. Warren, McDl!ffie, Talio/eTTo, Glascock) lri-County Health System, Inc. 140 Norwood Rd. Warrenton, GA30828 (706) 465-3253 (Atkinson, Ware) McKinney Community Health center 0 218 Quarterman St. Waycross. GA 31502 (912) 287-9140 (Fulton. Dekalb) West End Medical Centers 34 Peachtree St.. NW One Park Tower Building, Suite 780 Atlanta. GA 30303 (404) 524-6793 (Chatham) Westside-Urban Health centers 115 East York St. Savannah. GA 31401 (912) 944-6080 Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Care For free and below cost hospital and primary care paid for by the Indigent Care Trust Fund: (Appling) Appling General Hospital 301 East Tollison St. Baxley. GA 31513-0326 (912) 367-9841 (Bacon) Bacon County Hospital 302 South Wayne St. Alma. GA 31510-2997 (912) 632-8961 (Baldwin) Oconee Regional Medical center 821 North Cobb St. Milledgeville. GA 31061-0690 (912) 454-3505 (Barrow) Columbia Barrow Medical center 316 North Broad St Winder. GA 30680-0768 (770) 867-3400 (Ben Hill) Dorminy Medical Center 200 Perry House Rd: Fitzgerald. GA 31 750-1447 (912) 424-7100 (Bibb) Medical center of central Georgia 777 Hemlock St. Macon, GA 31208-6000 (912) 633-1000 (Bulloch) Bulloch Memorial Hospital 500 EastGrady St. Statesboro. GA 30458-5243 (912) 764-6671 . (Burke) Burke County Hospital 351 Liberty St. Waynesboro. GA ~0830-9686 (706) 554-4435 (Candler) Candler County Hospital 400 Cedar Rd. Metter. GA 30439-0597 (912) 354-9211 (Camden) Camden Medical center 2000 Dan Proctor Dr. Saint Marys. GA 31558-3799 (912) 576:'4200 (Catoosa) Hutcheson Medical center 100 Gross Crescent Ft Oglethorpe, GA 30742-3669 (706) 858-2000 (Chatham) Memorial Medical center 4700 Waters Ave. Savannah. GA 31403-3089 (912) 350-8000 (Clarke) Athens Regional Medical center 1199 Prince Ave. Athens, GA 30606-2793 (706) 549-9977 (Clinch) Clinch Memorial Hospital 524 carswell St. Homerville. GA 31634-0516 (912) 487-5211 (CQ./fee) Coffee Regional Medical center 1101 Ocilla Rd. Douglas. GA 31533-3617 (912) 384-1900 (Colquitt) ColqUitt Regional Medical center 3131 Thomesville Hwy. Moultrie. GA 31776 (912) 985-3420 (Cook) Memorial Hospital and Manor 706 North Parrish Ave. Adel. GA 31 71 7-4294 (912) 896-2251 (crisp) Crisp Niegional Hospital 902 7 St. North Cordele. GA 31010-5007 (912) 276-3100 (DeKalb) Children's Hospital at Emory University 1405 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30322-1101 (404) 325-6000 (Dodge) Dodge County Hospital 715 Griffin St. Eastman, GA 31023-4309 (912) 374-4000 (Doo/y) Dooly Medical center 1300 East Union St. Vienna, GA 31092 (912) 268-4141 (Dougherty) Phoebe Putney Memorial HOS~~1 4173 Ave. Albany, GA 31702-1828 (912) 883-1800 (EarlY) Early Memorial Healthcare Complex 630 COlumbia Rd. Blakely. GA 31723-1798 (912) 723-4241 (Elbert) Elbert Memorial Hospital Four Medical Dr. Elberton, GA 30635-1897 (706) 283-3151 (Emanuel) Emanuel Medical center 117 Kite Rd. Swainsboro, GA 30401-0879 (912) 2379911 (Evans) Evans Memorial Hospital, Inc. 200 North River St. Claxton, GA 3041 7 (912) 739-2611 193 194 (Thomas) John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital Gordon Ave at Mimosa Dr. Thomasville, GA 31799-1018 (912) 228-2000 (7J/t) TIft Genera\~ospital 901 East 18 St. TIfton. GA 31793 (912) 382-7120 (Toombs) Meadows Regional Health System 1703 Meadows Lane Vidalia, GA 30474-1048 (912) 537-8921 (lToup) West Georgia Medical Center 1514 Vernon Rd. La Grange, GA 30240-1567 (706) 882-1411 (Upson) Upson Regional Medical Center 801 West Gordon St. Thomaston. GA 30286 (706).647-8111 (Ware) Satilia Regional Medical Center 410 Darling Ave. Waycross. GA 31502 -0 139 (912) 283-3030 (Wayne) Wayne Memorial Hospital 865 South First St. Jesup. GA 31545-0408 (912) 427-6811 (Wheeler) Wheeler County Hospital Third St. Glen',ood, GA 30428-0398 (912) 523-5113 (Whi[field) Hamilton Medical center 1200 Memorial Dr. 'Dalton. GA 30722 (706) 278-2105 (Worth) Baptist Hospital of Woith County Hospital 807 South Isabella Sylvester. GA 31 791 -2540 (912) 776-6961 These hospitals are neiv to the Indigent Care lTust Fund in 1999: (Brooks) Brooks County Hospital 903 North Court Street Quitman, GA 31643 (912) 263-4171 (Calhoun) Calhoun Memorial Hospital 209 Academy St. S.E. Arlington, GA 31713-0496 (912) 725-4272 (Charlton) Charlton Memorial Hospital 1203 North Third St. Folkston, GA 31537-0188 (912) 496-2531 (Cobb) Cobb Memorial Hospital 521 Franklin Springs St. Royston. GA 30662 (706) 245-5071 (Douglas) Columbia Parkway Medical center 1000 Thornton Road Lithia Springs, GA 3b057-0570 (770) 732-7777 (Fulton) Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital 35 Butler Street. S.E. Atlanta. GA 30303-3032 (404) 616-6600 (Habersham) Habersham County Medical center Highway 41 Demorest. GA 30535-0037 (706) 754-2161 (Hancock) Hancock Memorial Hospital 453 Borland Street Sparta. GA 31087-0490 (706) 444-7006 (Haralson) Higgins General Hospital 200 Allen Memorial Drive Bremen. GA 30110-0655 (404) 537-5851 (Henry) Henry General Hospital 1133 Eagles' Landing Pkway Stockbridge. GA 30281-5099 (770) 389-2200 (JdJerson) Jefferson Hospital 1067 Peachtree St. Louisville, GA 30434-0528 (912) 625-7000 (Monroe) Monroe County Hospital 88 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Forsyth. GA 31029-1068 (912) 994-2521 (Murrqy) Murray Medical center 770 Old Elijay Road Chatsworth, GA 30705-1406 (706) 695-4564. (Polk) Polk General Hospital 424 North Main Street Cedartown. GA 30125-2698 (770) 748-2500 (Putnam) Putnam General Hospital Greensboro Highway Eatonton. GA 31024-4330 (706) 485-2711 (Screven) Screven County Hospital 215 Mims Road Sylvania. GA 30467-2097 (912) 564-7426 (Wilkes) Wills Memorial Hospital 120 Gordon Street Washington. GA 30673-0370 (706) 678-2151 195 For hospitals that . received federal Hill Burton funds and . continue to be . obligated to provide free and below cost care: Grady Health System 80 Butler St., SE Atlanta, GA 303553022 (404) 616-4307 SaintJoseph's Hospital 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30342-1764 (404) 851-7001 Medical College of Georgia Hospit~ and Clinics 1120 15 S1. Augusta. GA 30901-3157 (706) 721-0211 Marion County Hospital Hwy. 41 North Buena Vista, GA 31803 (912) 649-2331 Miller County Hospital 209 North Cuthbert St. Colquitt. GA 31737-0007 (912) 758-3385 Elbert Memorial Hospital 4 Medical Dr. Elberton, GA 30635-1897 (706) 283-3151 Taylor Regional Hospital Macon Hwy. . Hawkinsville. GA 31036-1297 (912) 783-0200 Mountainside Medical Center 1266 East Church St. Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 692-2441 1Y Cobb Health Care System 521 Franklin Springs St. Royston, GA 30662 (706) 245-5034 Memorial Medical center, Inc. 4700 Waters Ave. Savannah. GA 31403-3089 (912) 350-8000 For Hill Burton hospitals with community service obligations: (Appling) Appling General Hospital 301 East Tollison Street Baxley. GA 31513-0326 (912) 367-9841 (Baldwin) Central State Hospital Broad Street Milledgeville, GA 31062-0001 (912) 453-4128 (Bartow) Columbia Cartersville Medical Center 960 Joe Frank Harris Pky Cartersville, GA 30120 (770) 382-1530 (Ben Hill) Dorminy Medical Center 200 Perry House Road Fitzgerald. GA 31 750-1447 (Bibb) Medical center of Central Georgia 777 Hemlock Street Macon. GA 31208-6000 (912) 633-1000 (Bleckley) Bleckley Memorial Hospital 408 Peacock Street Cochran, GA 31014-0536 (912) 934-6211 (Bulloch) Bulloch Memorial Hospital 500 East Grady Street Statesboro. GA 30458-5243 (912) 7,64-6671 (Burke) Burke County Hospital 351 Liberty Street Waynesboro, GA 30830-9686 (706) 554-:-4435 (Butts) Sylvan Grove HosPital 1050 McDonough Road Jackson, GA 30233-1599 (710) 715-7861 (Calhoun) Calhoun Memorial Hospital 209 Academy Street, S.E. Arlington, GA 31113-0496 (912) 725-4272 196 (Candlj 0 Tanner Medical center - Villa Rica 601 Dallas Road . Villa Rica, GA 30180-0638' (770) 459-7100 (Catoosa) Hutcheson Medical Center 100 Gross Crescent Circle Ft Oglethorpe. GA 30742-3669 (706) 858-2000 (Chatham) Memorial Medical Center, Inc. 4700 Waters Avenue . Savannah, GA 31403-3089 (912) 350-8000 Saint Joseph's Hospital, Inc. 11 705 Mercy Boulevard Savannah, GA 31419-1791 (912) 925-4100 (Qarke) Athens Regional Medica"Center 1199 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 30606-2793 (706) 549-9977 (Clinch!) Clinch Memorial Hospital 524 carswell Street Homerville, GA 31634-0516 (912) 487-5211 (Cobb) Wellstar Cobb Hospital 3950 Austell Rd. Austell. GA 30106-1121 (770) 732-3586, o Promina Kennestone Hospital 677 Church Street Marietta, GA 30060-1208 (770) 793-5000, (Coffee) Coffee Regional HosPital 1101 OCilla Road Douglas, GA 31533-1248 (912),384-1900 (Colquitt) Colquitt Regional Medical center 3131 Thomasville Highway Moultrie, GA 31776-0040 (912) 985-3420 (Decatur) , Memorial HoSpital and Manor 1500 East ShotweD St. , Bainbridge, GA 31717 (912) 246-3500 . o (DeKalb) DeKalb Medical Center 2701 North Decatur Road Decatur. GA 30033 (404) 501-1000 (Dougherty) Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital 417 Third Avenue Albany, GA 31702-1828 (912) 883-1800 (Douglas) Douglas General Hospital 8954 Hospital Drive Douglasville. GA 30134-6445 (404) 949-1500 (Early) Early Memorial Healthcare Complex 630 Columbia Road Blakely. GA 31723-1798 (912) 723-4241 (Elbert) Elbert Memorial Hospital Four Medical Drive Elberton, GA 30635-1897 (706) 283-3151 (Emanuel) Emanuel Medical Center 117 Kite Road Swainsboro. GA 30401-0879 (912) 237-9911 . (Floyd) Floyd Medical center 304 Thrner Mceall Blvd Rome, GA 30162-0233 (706) 295-5500 (Franklin) Cobb Memorial Hospital 521 Franklin Springs St. Royston. GA 30662-3934 (706) 245-5071 (Fulton) Grady Health System 80 Butler Street, S.E. Atlanta. GA 30355-3022 (404) 616-4307 Southwest Hospital & Medical center 501 Fairburn Road. S.W. Atlanta. GA 30331-2099 (404) 699-1111 Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, N.E. Atlanta. GA 30342-1764 (404) 851-7001 South Fulton Medical Center 1170 Cleveland Avenue East Point, GA 36344-3600 (404) 305-3500 Northside Hospital 1000 Johnson Ferry Rd. NE Atlanta. GA 30342-1611 (404) 851-8000 (Glynn) Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center 3100 Kemble Ave. Brunswick. GA 31521 (912) 264- 7000 (Gordon) Gordon Hospital 1035 Red Bud Road Calhoun. GA 30703 (706) 629-2895 (Grao/) Grady General Hospital. 1155 Fifth Street. S.E. Cairo. GA 31728-3142 (912) 377-1150 (Gwinnett) Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital 3215 McClure Bridge Road Duluth. GA 30096 (770) 497-4800 (Habersham) Habersham County Medical Center Highway 441 Demorest. GA 30535-0037 (706) 754-2161 (Hall) Northeast Georgia Medical center, Inc. 743 Spring Street, N.E. Gainesville. GA 30501-3899 (770) 535-3553 (Haralson) Higgins General Hospital 200 Allen Memorial Drive Bremen, GA 30110-0655 (404) 537-5851 (Houston) Perry Hospital 1120 Morningside DriVe Perry, GA 31069-1104 (912) 978-3600 (Jackson) Banks Jackson Commerce Medical Center 70 Medical center DriVe Commerce, GA 30529-9989 (706) 335-1 000 197 (Lowndes) South Georgia Medical Center 2501 North Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31603-1727 (912) 333-1000 (Lumpkin) Chestatee Regional Hospital 1111 Mountain Drive Dahlonega. GA 30533 (706) 864-6136 (Meriwether) Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Highway 27 Warm Springs. GA 31830-0268 (706) 655-5001 Georgia Baptist Meriwether Hospital 5995 Spring St. Warm Springs, GA 31 830 (706) 655-3331 (Miller) Miller County Hospital 209 North Cuthbert Street Colquitt. GA 31737-0007 (912) 758-3385 (Mitchell) Mitchell County Hospital 90 East Stephens Street Camilla. GA 31730-0639 (912) 336-5284 (Morgan) Morgan Memorial Hospital 1077 South Main Street Madison, GA 30650-0860 (706) 342-1667 (Murrqy) Murray Medical center 770 Old Elijay Road Chatsworth. GA 30705-1406 (706) 695-4564 (Muscogee) The Medical center, Inc. 7I0 center Street Columbus. GA 31902-9051 (706) 571-1155 (Newton) Newton General Hospital 5126 Hospital DriVe. N.E. Covington, GA 30209-3294 (770) 253-2330 . (Paulding) Wellstar Paulding Hospital 600 West Memorial Drive Dallas, GA 30132-1397 (770) 445-4411 198 (llaxo Wellcome, Inc. 1-800-722-9294 Hocchst Marion Roussell Inc. 1-800-221-4025 Janssen Pharmaceutica 1-800-544 -2987 Knoll Pharmaceutical Company 1-800-524-2474 Lederle Laboratories (See WyethAyerst Laboratories) 1-800-424-3727 or 1-703-706-5933 Eli Lilly and Company 1-800-545-6962 The Liposome Company Inc. 1-800-335-5476 Merck and Co., Inc. 1-800-994-2111 Sanofi Pharmaceuticals 1-800-446-6267 Schering Laboratories/Key Pharmaceuticals 1-800-521-7157 . Searle 1-800-542-2526 Serono Laboratories, Inc. 1-617-982-9000 Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1-800-999-NORD Smithkline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 1-800-546-0420 Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1-800-788-9277 3M Pharmaceuticals 1-800-328-0255 Savannah center 44-B Lee Boulevard Savannah. GA 31405 (912) 351-0116 Administrative Office 100 Edgewood Ave. Suite 1604 Atlanta. GA 30303 (404) 688-9305 First Line (404) 659-HELP Health Talk (404) 688-9901 Outside Atlanta 1- (800) 622-0242 Femin~ Women's Health center 580 14 St., N.W. Atlanta. GA 30318 (404) 874-7551 or 1-800-877-6013 Novartis Pharmaceuticals 1-800-257-3273 Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 1-703- 706-5933 Ortho Biotech, Inc. 1-800-553-3851 Ortho Dermatological 1-800-797-7737 Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. 1-800-797-2737 Parke-Davis 1-908-725-1247 Pasteur Merieux Connaught 1-800-822-2463 PflZer Inc. 1-800-646-4455 Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc. 1-800-242-7014 Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1-800-448-4878 Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. 1-610-454-8110 Roche Laboratories Jnc. 1-800-285-4484 Roxane Laboratories 1~800-274-8651 Sandoz Pharmaceuticals (See Novartis Pharmaceuticals) 1-800-257-3273 Zeneca Pharmaceuticals 1-800-424 -3 72 7 family Planning for free and reduced cost .familylIanning services an information: County Public Health Department See page /88Jor listing if addresses and phone numbers. Planned Parenthood of Georgia Atlanta Downtown center 100 Edgewood Ave.,Suite 1604 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404 )-688-9300 Cobb center 61 7 Roswell St. Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 424-1477 Gwinnett center 950 Indian Trail. Suite 5 D Lilburn. GA 30047 (770) 381-2664 199 NOTES o \ o o 200 .I Support services computer and Related Technology Arkenstone, Inc. Arkenstone, Inc., is a leader in helping people who are blind, visually impaired or dyslexic access information more effectively. 1800-444-4443 or 1-408-245-5900 or www.arkenstone.org. ({)gnitive Concepts, Inc. Cognitive Concepts, Inc. developed Earobics, an education auditory development and phonics awareness program. Earobics teaches the listening skills that make your child a better reader. listener and learner. 1-888-3288199 or www.cogcon.com. Don Johnston, Inc. Don Johnston, Inc. goes beyond traditional learning products to bring you solutions for mobility disabilities and those who struggle with reading and writing. 1-800-9994660 or www.donjohnston.com. Edmark. Edmark develops and markets accessible educations solutions to suit a wide range of students. One such solution, Visual Voice Tools, is a collection of seven "tools" that helps students and adults develop fine control of their voices. 1-800-362-2890 or www.edmark.com. "Empowered by IBM" Program/Special Offering for Customers with Special Needs. As part of its continued commitment to support people with disabilities, IBM announces its "Empowered by IBM" program. With this plan, customers with special needs can take advantage ifreduced pricing on selected IBM ThinkPad notebook computers and Aptiva personal computers. Offered by IBM Special Needs Systems. this program represents IBM's hope to prOVide greater computer accessibility for persons who have disabilities and to eInpower them to succeed at new levels. IBM AccessDos - a set of utilities to enhance keyboard access. IBM Home Page Reader - a self-voicing browser that orally communicates web-based information just as it is presented on the computer screen. IBM Screen Magnf/iei/2 - a software tool that enlarges text and image displayed by programs running from the OS/2 Desktop. IBM Screen Reader/2 - a software tool. complete with access to the Internet, that converts screen information into speech for people with visual, impairment who use OS/2. IBM Screen Reader/DOS - a screen text-tospeech conversion tool for people who are visually impaired who use DOS. IBM Speech Viewer IIIJor Windows - a clinical, multimedia tool designed to increase the efficience of speech modification for people who are speech/ language/hearing impaired. IBM ViaVoice- this powerful speech recognition solutions converts speech-to-text for persons who have mobility impairments and may assist people with learning disabilities like dyslexia. Customers with specials need can simply call 1800-426-7630 for details about pricing and specific solutions. Please refer to the priority code "EMPOWER." For more information about IBM products for people with disabilities, please visit their web site at http://www.ibm.com/sns or call the Independence Series Information Center at 1-800-4264832 or 1-800-426-4833 (TIT) for further information. To purchase IBM hardware and software products call 1-888-426-5800 and refer to the priority code "EMPOWER." . Henter Joyce, Inc. Henter Joyce, Inc. offers software that allows people who are blind or visually impaired computer to access to a whole world of information. 1-800-336-5658 or www.hj.com. Inspiration software, Inc. Inspiration Software offers solutions that support visual mind mapping to enhance thinking skills for use in education and business. 1-508-297-3004 or www.inspiration.com. 203 ~--_._- ~~~~~~~~- Little Planet Publishing. Little Planet Publishing develops and markets reading and writing programs for kids and teachers. Little Planet offers tools that introduce reading and language in an engaging environment that allows children to work collabor~t!vely as they develop language art skills. 1-800-974-2248 or www.littleplanet.com,. Microsoft Accessibility and Disabilities. Provides information and tools that can help . people with dis?bilities remove barriers and make the world more accessible. Offers information about accessibility, Microsoft products, keyboard and product assistance and accessi.bility aids and resources. http://www.microsoft.com/enable/ Apple Computer. Disability Resources. This site' provides information about technology arid learning resources for people with special needs. Apple has a menu of services which are linked to this site including resource sheets for specific disabilities, and cutting edge assistive technology products sucbas voice recognition and a Macintosh specifically designed for people who are disabled. Other features include a software library which includes freeware and shareware specific to the needs of users with disabilities. This site is 100% accessible. Hnp:l/www.apple.com/education/k-12/disabilityl o o o 204 Financial Planning for Individuals with Disabilities For many people with disabilities and their families, the struggle to obtain sufficient resources to provide necessary services and supports in the present is so challenging that little thought or effort has been given to planning for the future. For many people with disabilities. Supplemental Social Security Insurance (551) and/or Medicaid or other government funded sources are often the primary sources of funds. Losing these resources could be devastating. But many families also have some assets that they would like to see benefit their family members with a disability. With good planning. people with disabilities and their families can allocate resources to assist the person with a disability to have a high quality of life while maximizing governmental benefits that may be available for support. In Georgia, there are basically three different ways to structure future financial supports for a person with a disability: Gifts and outright bequests A person can make gifts directly to a person with disabilities during his/her lifetime or include provisions in his/her will or trust for the transfer of assets to the individual after the person dies. These gifts become "available assets" for any governmental agency providing need-based benefits such as 551 or Medicaid and as such. may not go very far or last very long because these agencies require the individual's assets to be spertt for the individual's care. If a person with a disability has difficulty with or is not able to manage financial matters, a direct gift or outright bequest can create additional problems or make the individual with disabilities a target for financial abuse. Creating an Intervivos Special Needs Trust This is a good way to manage and protect the assets of a person with a disability without affecting the person's eligibility for governmental assistance such as 551, Medicaid or other government funded programs. A well written trust document can protect assets in a manner that makes them available to provide for additional needs of the person with a disability and which will supplement, not take the place of, government benefits. Through receiving supplemental resources from a trust, added to what can be provided by government benefits, a person with a disability can enjoy a better standard of living. . Establishing a trust may also eliminate court intervention by preventing the need for the court to appoint a guardian to manage the person's assets. Generally. to be cost effective. most individual Special Needs Trusts must be relatively large, generally starting at around $100.000. If you are interested in setting up a Special Needs Trust, you may need the assistance of a team of experienced advisors which might include an attorney. an accountant and possibly a financial consultant. 1\vo places to inquire about more information on setting up a Special Needs nust are Smith Barney:s Estate and Trust Services Group and,the Affiliated nust Companies which can be reached at their Financial Management Account Client Service Center at (800) 227-4238 and Frank M. Pearson, Attorney at Law at (912) 489-4226. The Georgia Community Trust This is another method to provide for a family member with a disability. Through this method a person can leave assets to the nust and earmark them for the intended beneficiary. These assets can be used to enrich the life of the beneficiary without forcing him/her to forfeit basic care he/ she may be receiving through public assistance can programs much like the individual trust described above. Assets be used for such things as supplemental education, private rehabilitation, recreation, entertainment. and medical and diagnostic treatment beyond Medicaid benefits. Under Georgia law, a community trust must be sponsored by a non-profit corporation for an eligible beneficiary with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities whether the impairment is congenital or acquired by accident, injury. 205 age. or disease. prohibit expenditures that will result in the indi- The Georgia Community Trust, the only com- vidual with the disability being disqualified from munity trust in the State. is founded and sponsored by Ridgeview Institute, Inc. The Mental Health Association of Metropolitan Atlanta and receiving public assistance. Due to the complicated nature of the various regulations, the expertise offered by the ltust distinguishes it from the o the Mental Health Association of Georgia are individual special needs trust created in the past. supporting sponsor organizations. Robert M. Fink. founder and CEO of Ridgeview Institute Individual Accounts serves as executive director of the trust without For investment and management purposes, the compensation. Georgia Community ltust is considered one trust 'fund. Individual beneficiaries have separate ac- 7rust BeTu!ftts counts to which net income is credited in propor- . The Trust supplements public assistance. It is ' tion to each beneficiary's contribution. These not intended to be the principal means of support , ,proportions change depending on expenditures for the person with a disability. Instead, it is aIIocated to individual beneficiaries. intended to supplement basic support programs to which the person with a disability may be en- ' Estate Planning with the trust titled. Examples include Medicaid, Supplem~ntal Each donor creating a trust account appoints a Security Income (551), and certain benefits co-trustee, usually a family member, to 'advocate available through the State of Georgia. ' for the beneficiary with a disability and request It provides continuity. The Trust is an ongo- , funds to cover particular expenses. ing entity, not affected by the health or weII-being of anyone individual. Even if parents have FeesJor enrollment someone else to depend on, another child for Though not for profit. the ltust is intended to example, who is willing to administer a trust for a eventuaIIy be self-supporting, with operating brother or sister with a disability, parents worry about what will happen if the brother or sister-predeceases the child with a disability, or moves, or for any other reason can no longer administer expenses met through fees. Until the fees are sufficient to fund the operating expenses, Ridgeview Institute wiII contribute the necessary funds. Fees for establishing and maintaining a o the trust. trust account are: FinanciaIIy, the Trust may be more affordable Initial enrollment fee: a one-time $300 fee paid than most individually managed bank trusts. To by the person who will transfer assets to the Trust. be cost effective, most bank trusts must be Consultation fee: a $400 fee to cover consulta- 'relatively large, generaIIy starting at around tion to the co-trustee. This fee is first charged one $100,000. The fee charged'by the Trust is usuaIIy year after assets are transferred to the ltust and is substantially less than that charged by banks for charged annuaIIy against each beneficiary's ac- ' an individuaIIy managed trust. Using the ltust, count. families. who might otherwise be unable to do so because of the limited amount of funds they can How Expenses are Paid commit to a trust, gain the experience and profes- The Expenditure Committee of the Trustees sional investment advice of the ltust's investment reviews all requests to ensure that only expendi- advisor, '.C. Bradford & Co. tures permitted by the various public assistance The Trust preserves the right of the individual programs are authorized by the Georgia Commu- with a disability to public assistance since the nity Trust. Income and principal may only be used assets in the Trust are not considered in applying to provide non-eash benefits for special needs of the income and resource tests for public assis- the person with a disability beyond the basic \ tance. support offered by Medicaid and Supplemental The Trust preserves the family assets for Security Income (551). When these requirements other members of the family. 5ince the assets may are met, the person with a disability retains his/her not be used for the support of the individual with a disability, the assets may not be exhausted during the lifetime of the individual and can be o eligibility for public assistance. If you are interested in setting up a ltust account, or if you would like more information about ' transferred to other family members. the Georgia Community Trust, contact Robert M. The expenditure committee of the Trust will Fink. Executive Director; Ridgeview Institute. 3995 206 South Cobb Drive. Smyrna. GA 30080. Telephone: (770) 431-7070. Fax: (770) 431-7072. E-mail: rfink@mindspring.com . Other resources on financial planning include: -Financial Security for Families with Special Needs, a publication available free of charge through Exceptional Parent magazine & Prudentiallnsurance Company of America. Contact Exceptional Parent magazine at 555 Kinderkamack Rd .. Oradell. NJ 07649-1517. Telephone (800) 372-7368. - Russell. M., Fcc. R.. Grant, A. & Joseph S. PlanningJor the Future: Providing a Meaning Life Jar a Child with a Disability qfter Your Death (4 th cd. Rev. 1996) Evanston. IL: American Publishing Company. Available through the Exceptional Parent Library at (800) 535-1910. Web Site: National Institute on Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities. Interactive Web site where families can ask questions of experts. Http://sonic.netlniIp. Roger A. St.Lifer. MAce, LUTCF. Account representative for MetLife. Estate analysis for families with special needs children. 11 17 Perimeter Center West. Atlanta. GA 30038. (770) 396-6572 ext 1031. (770) 396-6574 Fax Merill Lynch: Merrill LYnch has the financial specialists and resources to help you develop arid carry out your financial plan. The Financial Foundation Report allows you to assess your current financial situation and, with the help of your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant. establish priorities and implement appropriate strategies to help you meet your financial objectives. "Families of Children/Loved Ones With Disabilities Program" Get More Information: 1-800-MERRILL (Ext. 4528) http://www.plan.mI.com/specialneeds/ 207 Legal Assistance* o For free legal assistance for those with little income: Atlanta Legal Aid (Administrative Q/fice) 151 Spring St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2097 (404) 524-5811 (Clayton) 1000 Main St. Forest Park, GA 30298 (404) 366-051 7 (404) 366-0586 (Cobb) 32 Waddell St. Marrietta, GA 30090 (404) 528-2565 (Dekalb and Gwinnett) 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120 Decatur, GA 30030-5434 (404) 377-0701 (Fulton) 151 Spring St. Northwest Atlanta, GA 30303-2097 (404) 524-5811 Georgia Legal services (Administrative Qffice) 1100 Spring St., NW. Suite 2oo-A . Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 206-5175 . 1-(800) 255-0056 (Baker. Ben Hill Calhoun, Clay. . Crisp, Decatur, Dooly. Dougherty. Ear{y, Grady. Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph. Seminole. Terrell 1Umer, Wl1cox and Worth) 111 West Oglethorpe Blvd Albany, GA 31701 (912) 430-4261 1-(800) 735-4271 (clients only) (Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jdl'erson, Jenkins, Lincoln, . McDz!fJie, Richmond. Screven, Taliqferro, Wa"en, Washington and Wilkes) 811 Telfair St., Suite 202 Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 721-2327 1-(800) 248-6697 (clients only) (Camden, G{ynn and Mdntosh) 1311 Union St. Brunswick, GA 31520 (912) 264-7301 1-(800) 498-9508. (clients only) (Chattahoochee, Harris, Lee, Macon, Manon, Meriwether; Muscogee, Pike, Schley. Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, 'Troup, Upson and Webster) 1214 First Ave. Columbus, GA 31902 (706) 649-7493 1-(800) 533-3140 (clients only) (Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Mu"ay. Walker and Whirfield) 107 King St. Dalton, GA 30720-2004 (706) 272-2310 1-(800) 822-5391 (clients only) (Bartow, Carroll Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd. Gordon. Greene, Haralson, Heard. Henry. Morgan. Newton. Paulding, Polk, Rockdale. Spalding and Walton) . 1100 Spring St. N.W. Suite 2oo-B Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 894-7707 1-(800) 822-5391 (clients only) o D.. Watson, Sidney 1999. A Georgia Advocates Guide to Health Care. funded by Health Law Section of thc Statc Bar of Gcorgia and Mcrcer university Law School. . . 208 (Bryan, Bulloch, Candler; Chatham, {/fingham, Emanuel Evans, Liberty, Long, Tatmall and 1bombs) 10 Whitaker St., 2nd Floor Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 651-2180 1-(888) 220-8399 (clients only) (Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier; Lowndes, Thomas and 1Jfton) 114 North Toombs St. Valdosta. GA 31601 (912) 333-5232 , 1-(800) 546-5232 (clients only) (Appling. Atkinson. Baron, Brantlt:Y, Charlton, Clinch. Cersons and children. Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic 20 Roszel Road Princeton. NJ 08540 6091452-0606; 609/987-8116 Fax Book Orders: 800/221-4792 Website: www.rfbd.org Lends textbooks recorded on 4-track tapes (special tape players required) for all academic levels.- from kindergarten to graduate school- andin most subject areas. Also provides non-profit sale of books recorded on computer disk (E-text), including computer manuals and reference books. There are two membership options - 'Institutional and Individual. SChools and agencies may purchase a Institutional Membership to serve a certain number of students. For Individual Members, there is a one-time $50 application fee and a $25 annual membership fee. If a textbook has not been recorded, RFB&D will consider recording it upon receipt of two copies of the . book. The copies will be returned. o canine Assistance Atlanta Champions (Chapter of Canine COmpanions for Independence) P.O.. Box 547511 Orlando. FL 32854-7511 407/834-2555 To serve the needs of people with disabilities by prOViding trained service, hearing and social dogs and by prOViding continuing support to ensure the success of the work team. o 222 Southeastern CCI Training center Canine Assistance, Inc. Mary Wofford 3160 Francis Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770/664-7178; 770/664-7820 Fax Canine Assistance trains dogs to assist children and adults who have physical disabilities. While seIVice functions are important, the most impressive skill of the CA dogs is social rather tl)an physical in nature. The dogs remove many barriers faced by people with disabilities when trying to gain acceptance in society. Canine Assistants charges no fee; rather, it relies on the generosity of those who recognize the indepen- . dence, well-being or education of one benefits all. Children and Families Earth Angels Becky Roper, Executive Director P.O. Box 508 Murrayville, GA 30564 770/531-0480 Earth Angels is a non-profit agency that prOVides assistance to persons with disabilities who cannot afford or get insurance or other services to assist. Earth Angels assists in the purchase of AT devices such as computers, environmental control and home health care eqUipment. They also assist individuals with housing issues such as rent and cost of transportation services. FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress) Lucy Cusick, Executive Director P.O. Box 941445 Atlanta, GA 31141 770/270-5072; 770/270-5072 Fax A support network for parents of children with disabilities or chronic/terminal illnesses. FOCUS provides support through support meetings, a newsletter, family activities, in-hospital visits and bereavement support. Some financial assistance is available. Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International John B. Hipp, Executive Director 235 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 675 Atlanta, GA 30303 404/420-5990; 404/420-5995 Fax To fund research related to the cause, treatment and cure of diabetes. No direct services are prOVided to individuals with diabetes. Children's Advocacy center for Banks, Barrow and Jackson Counties (The Tree House) TIna Grubbs P.O. Box 949 Winder, GA 30680 (770) 868-1900 Provides personal support to new families, emotional preparation for parenthood and to increase awareness of available resources. Children's Hopes and Dreams Foundation Vic Franklin, Founder 280 Route 46 Dover, NJ 07801 973/361-7366 Fulfills dreams of children ages 4-17 with life-threatening illnesses. Families are included. No geographic boundaries. Also has a worldwide pen-pal program that matches children with the same sex and age to other children with an illness, disability or condition. The pen-pal program is in 39 countries and territories and is for children ages 5-17. Children's Wish Foundation International Jacque Niles, Senior Wish Coordinator 8615 Roswell Road, Suite 301 Atlanta, GA 30350 770/393-9474; 800/323-9474 Fulfills wishes of terminally ill children up to the age of 18 from the United States and Europe. Children's Wish Foundation of Orlando, Inc. Joel Jones 5600 Diplomat Circle, Suite 150 Orlando, FL 32810 407/629-6621 Grants wishes of children 17 years or younger who have life-threatening illnesses. Serves primarily florida and eastern US. Coordinates groups in England and Canada to bring children to Central Florida. It is a private foundation relying on donation. Georgia Parent Support Network Sue Smith, Executive Director 620 Peach~ee Street NE, Suite 3OO-E Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 875-6801 E-mail: gpsn@mindspring.com Georgia Safety Network 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 220 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 588-3180 FAX (404) 521-0487 A statewide coalition of nonprofit organizations and individuals who advocate sensible, compassionate and effective policies to ensure equitable social and economic security for aU Georgians. Focuses on welfare reform work to assist the state's most vulnerable children and families to lead healthy, productive lives. Georgians for Children Laurie Iscaro 3901 Maple Drive, Suite 114 Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 365-8948, (800) 543-7772, Fax (404) 365-9009 e-mail: sharon@georgians.com A multi-issue legislative and budgetary platform developed by a statewide coalition committed to leading positive change for children and their families. Seeks to improve the collective advocacy efforts among organizations, individuals and the community. 223 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----- - - IGds. Inc. john Campbell. President 9300-D Old Keene Mill Road Burke, VA 22015 703/455-5437 Grants unfulfilled wishes to gravely ill children 16 and younger anywhere in US. Make-A-Wish Foundation of America 100 West Clarendon. Suite 2200 Phoenix, 'AZ 950i3 8001722-WISH Founded in 1983, this foundation grants special ~'ishes to children under the age of 18 who have terminal illnesses or life-threatening medical conditions. Although most wishes involve special vacations. trips or meeting celebrities, assistive technology can be provided if it is the wish of the child. Average cost of fulfilling a wish is $3,700 with an additional averag~ $1,500 worth of in-kind contributions donated per wish. March of Dimes - Georgia Chapter Community Services Director #2 Northside 75, Suite 100 . Atlanta. GA 30318 404/350-9800 To improve the health of babies by reducing low birth weight and infant mortality through coalition building with public health education, professional education and community services.' My Special Friends Carolyn Peacock 1290 Green Street Conyers. GA 30012 (770) 785-9595 Advocacy for children's rights under ADA'- community child care based on parent's income and caters to children with special needs. Southeast Georgia Office 11 South Mulberry Street Statesboro, GA 30458 912/489-1904; 800/582-8563 0 Anne Clifton. SE GA Coordinator Parents in Motion Lawana Shook Meade Housell 78 Mahaffey Street Fax Jefferson. GA 30549 (706) 367-3694, (706) 367-4169 www.parentsinmotion.org Support and advocacy for adults with disabilities and for parents of children (of any age) with any type of disability. Offers specialized training for adults and a work site for people with disabilities. Starlight Foundation 12424 Worship Boulevard, Suite. 1050 Los Angeles, CA 90064 800/274-7827; 310/207-2554 Fax Grants wishes to critically. chronically or terminally ill children ages 4-18. serves the US. UK, Australia and canada. May request information by mail or leave a message and request a return phone call. Sunshine Foundation Megan Murphy. Director 2001 Bridge Street Philadelphia. PA 19124 215/535-1413; 800/767-1976 0 . Grants wishes to .children ages 3-21 with chronic diseases, terminal illness or chronic disabilities. There is a maximum amount that can be funded. Limit one wish per child. Application must be completed. Deaf and.Hard of Hearing Parents Educating Parents and Professionals (PEPP, Inc.) .Linda Shepard. laVerne Bomar, Co-Directors 66'13 East Church St., Suite 100 . Douglasville. GA 30134 770/577-7771; 770/577-7774 Fax e-mail: peppaC@bellsouth.net Web site: www.peppac.org We (PEPP) prOVide training and information to families of children and youth (3-21) with disabilities. Association of Late Deafened Adults Robin TItterington 1741 Lee S1. Decatur. GA 30035 404/284-6862 Fax; 706/289-159611Y e-mail: robinjt@mindspring.com ALDA prOVides information. suppott and a network of friends for deafened adults. ALDA publishes a newsletter and other items and sponsors a yearly convention. Parent to Parent of Georgia Cathy Spraetz, Executive Director 2900 Woodcock Boulevard, Suite 240 Atlanta, GA 30341 . 770/451-5484; 800/229-2038; 770/458-4091 Fax To assist families of children and adults with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through support and information. Other locations: Southwest Georgia Office P.O. Box 71206. '141 N.. Slappy Boulevard Albany, GA 31708-1026 912/438-5600; 800/583-4953 Ann Lipscomb: SW GA Coordinator Atlanta Black Deaf AdvoCates 8362 Bridgewater Place Riverdale. GA 30296 770/472-7857 Affiliated with the National Black Deaf Association. Georgia Association of the Deaf Ray Williams 307 Cindy Lane Statesboro, GA 30461 912/764-778911YlFax e-mail: williamser@juno.com 224 o Advocating for the well-being of the Deaf/hard of hearing community since 1910. GAD is involved in every facet of the lifespan from infants to senior citizens. including the social. cultural. emotional. physical. language. employment, education. mental and psychological impacts of hearing loss on individuals. Georgia Association of the DeafBlind Mark Gasaway. President PO Box 450343 Atlanta. GA 31145 170/270-1537 TTY; 170/388-9809 Voice e-mail: gasaway2@aol.com GADB provides education to the public on how to communicate with people who are DeafBlind; promotes advocacy for individuals who are Deatl3lind; provides training for support service providers; and holds, meetings and socials for anyone who wishes to participate and learn about Deaf-Blindness. GABell PO Box 52293 Atlanta. GA 30355 e-mail: roushhouse@mindspring.com GABel! is the state chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, an international non-profit organization comprised of parents. professionals, individuals with hearing loss and other interested persons. GABel! publishes a newsletter and is committed to broadening the educational. vocational and personal opportunities for people with hearing impairments in Georgia. Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. Jennifer Whitcomb 4151 Memorial Drive. Suite 103-B Decatur. GA 30032 404/292-5312; 800/541-071 0; 404/299-3642 Fax e-mail: jadvocate@aol.com The Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired. Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to offer a wide range of psycho/social services to enable persons with hearing impairment to maximize their potential. All services are designed to enable persons with hearing impairments to develop independence with dignity and respect. Georgia Lions Lighthouse (see listing under Blind and Visually Impaired) Georgia Peach Cochlear Implant Club Richard Bowman. President 2610 Rocky Dr. SW Rocky Face. GA 30740-9094 706/278-1472; 706/278-0003 e-mail: rbowman@alltel.net A statewide support group for cochlear implant recipients, candidates. their families. and professionals; affiliated with the Cochlear Implant Club International. Sponsors an annual Southeastern regional cochlear implant family retreat. publishes a newsletter. and holds regular educational and social meetings. Georgia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 4151 Memorial Drive, Ste. I11-B Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 299-9500 VrnY, (404) 299-0303 Fax A non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization whose purpose is to bridge communications between the deaf. hard of hearing. deaf-blind and hearing communities by ensuring the development of effective utilization of professional interpreters. Hear Now Joanita Stelter, Public Relations Officer 9745 East Hampden Avenue. Suite 300 Denver. CO 80231-4923 303/695-1797; 800/648-4327; 303/695-7789 Fax Website: www.leisurelan.com-hearnow/ e-mail: Jostelter@aol.com Hear Now is a national non-profit organization that prOVides assistance to persons with hearing impairments who have limited financial resources. Hear Now raises funds to prOVide hearing aids, cochlear implants to children and adults who are legal U.S. residents. Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Atlanta Hears SHHH Chapter Connie Stratigos PO Box 501124 Atlanta. GA 31150 170/992-9707 e-mail: CSI21033@juno.com SHHH-Augusta Group Carrie Welter 505 Henderson Dr. Augusta, GA 30909 706/738-2796 e-mail: welter@csranet.com SHHH-Rome Ron Vickery 404 Benton Dr. Rome, GA 30165 706/802-1761 e-mail: ron-vickery@USA.net Website: http://members.tripod.coml-GACracker/ Chapters.htm A non-profit educational organization dedicated to the well-being of people of all ages and communication styles who do not hear well. SHHH emphasizes education. advoca~ and self-help; it is the largest international consumer organization of its kind. .General Disability AAMR - Georgia Chapter Janet P. Deal 440 Winn Way. P.O. Box 1648 Decatur. GA 30031 State chapter of National Association for People with mental retardation. their families and advocates. 225 Advocacy Alliance Catherine Stefanavage, Regional Director 675 Clearwater Place. Lawrenceville, GA 30044 (770) 995-0420, Fax (770) 237-9998 AID Atlanta 1438 W. Peachtree St. NW, Ste. 100 Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 872-0600 Albany ARC Annette Bowling, Director P.O. Box 71026 Albany, GA 31707-0018 (912) 888-6352, Fax (912) 438-7416. Appalachian Community Enterprises (ACE) Grace Fricks, Director Cleveland, Georgia 30528 (706) 348-6609, Fax (706) 219-4976 A non-profit organization, provides technical assistance arid develops community support to further the partnership of hurnan services with citizens of Northeast Georgia. Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities 1687 Thllie Circle, NE, Suite 110 Atlanta, GA 30329 404/321-0877; 404/320-6663 Fax Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD) advocates on the behalf of persons with mental retardation" and developmental disabilities and their families. AADD focuses on advocacy for the best possible quality of life, increased presence and participation in the community and the prevention of mental retardation and other birth defects. AADD provides both community education "and direct services. Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities 828 West Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 304 Atlanta, GA 30308-1 146 404/881-9777 ext.207; 404/881-9777 Fax e-mail: Gfs@aadd.org Website: www.aadd.org Georgia Family Support Program prOVides services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families so their family members with developmental disabilities can remain in the community and participate fully. Services include outreach services, supported employment, mental retardation waiver services (MRWP) and recreation services. Atlanta Citizen Advocacy, Inc. 1020 Dekalb Avenue, Suite 12 Atlanta. GA 30307 (404) 523-8849 center Directors Association of Georgia Phillip Jay, President P.O. Box 436 Fitzgerald, GA 31750 (912) 426-5205, Fax (912) 426-5208 Chatham ARC 121 1 Eisenhower Drive Savannah. Ga 31406 (PO Box 13622) Citizen Advocacy Athens-Clarke, Inc. 524 Hill Street Athens, GA 30606-3032 . (706) 549-0063, Fax (706) 549-5656 Provides protection and advocacy for people who have developmental disabilities by initiating and supporting one-on-one citizen advocacy relationships. For Citizen Advocacy groups in other areas of Georgia, call the Georgia Advocacy Office at (404) 885-1234. Coastal center for Developmental Services Box 13662 Savannah. GA 31416 (912) 352-3050; (912)351-9814 DD InSite This is an electronic developmental disability resource for Georgia. Developed by the Center for Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) at Georgia Tech, DD InSite makes available on the world wide web a large and every-grOWing library of resources for people with "developmental disabilities, their families, professionals." and others. Thpics include: Assistive technology, functional and medical disabilities, service providers, education resources, discussion groups, and other resources. This web site has links to other prominent Georgia DD resources. Web Site: http://www.atlanta.arch.gatech.edu/ddinsite/ DeKalb County Developmental Disabilities Council o Sonia Kuniansky 440 Winn Way, Suite 326 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, GA 30031 (404) 508-7796, Fax (404) 508-7795 disAbUity LINK Tony Boatright. Executive Director " 755 Commerce Dr., Suite 415 Decatur, GA 30030 404/687-8890,404/687-9192; 800/239-2507 404/687-8298 Fax A non-profit organization that provides advocacy awareness and information to consumers and their families. to advocate for assistive technology, to build interest and understanding of the need for assistive technology through consumer partidpation and legislation efforts. Advocate and work for the development of a funding source(s) for purchasing assistive technology devices for persons with disabilities. Easter seals of North" Georgia Donna Davidson, PresidenUCEO 3035 North Druid Hills Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404/633-9609; 404/633-2740 Fax Georgia Easter Seal Society's mission is to help people with disabilities to achieve independence through rehabilitation services, technical assistance. disabiliry prev~ntion, advocacy and public education. o 226 Easter Seal society of West Georgia Darlene Middleton PO Box 5789; 1115 Brown Ave. Columbus, GA 31906 Extra Special People (ESP) Martha Wyllie Watkinsville, GA (706) 769-9333 Monthly newsletter and program of leisure activities and education for youth with disabilities and their families. Serves 13 counties. Friends of Disabled Adults and Children 4900 Lewis Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 770/491-9014; 770/491-0026 Fax Web site: www.foda.org FODAC is a non-profit organization offering a variety of services to persons of all ages with physical and' mobility impairments. FODAC is a mission ministry of Mount Carmel Christian Church in Stone Mountain. FODAC provides assistive technology services and devices at no-charge to any person with a need. All assistive technology is used/refurbished. Georgia ADA Exchange 4164 Admiral Drive Chamblee, GA 30341 (770) 451-2340 or 800-949-4232 VfITY Fax (770) 451-2340 Web site: www.georgiaadaexchange.org ADA information and technical assistance. Georgia ARC Network Julianna Koob, Executive Director 1000 Main Street Forest Park, GA 30297-1473 (404) 361-9311; Fax (404) 361-8933 . Working for a strong, unified advocacy in Georgia. Georgia Consumer Council Larry Fricks Division MHMRSA 2 Peachtree Street, NW. 23rd Floor Atlanta. GA 30303 (404) 657-2103 Advocacy. Peer Support. Employment Assistance, Ombudsman Georgia Council on Aging Maria Greene 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 18th Floor Atlanta. GA 30303 (404) 657-5342 Georgia Infirmary Day center for Rehabilitation 1900 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31405 .(912) 234-6694 Georgia Mountains nme for Community Coalition Linda Thagard PO Box 457 Sautee. GA 30571 (706) 878-1066; Fax (706) 8778-1068 e-mail: lthagard@stc.net Georgia Options. Inc. Mary Kissel. Executive Director 185 Ben Burton Circle Bogart, GA 30622 (706) 546-0009 Personal SupportlDay Habilitation Georgia PAS Corps/AmeriCorps - Athens Area Katie Ford. Director 850 College Station Road Athens. GA 30602-4806 (706) 542-3907; Fax (706) 542-4815 e-mail: kford@arches.uga.edu National service organization that provides personal assistants to people with disabilities. Recruits people interested in providing community service as PAS Corps/ AmeriCorps members. The Gilmore center Lucy Shaver, Executive Director 103 Civic Center Drive PO Box 1093 Thomaston, GA 30286 Residential services. supported living. supported employment. day habilitation Griffen Area Resource center Cary Grubbs. Executive Director 511 Hamilton Blvd., PO Box 835 Griffen. GA 30224 (770) 228-9919 Residential services, sheltered employment. supported employment, day habilitation Institute on Human Development and Disability: A University Affiliated Program The University of Georgia Zolinda Stoneman. Director 850 College Station Road Athens, GA 30602-4806 (706) 542-3457; Fax (706) 542-4815 Web site: http://www.uap.uga.edu For more information about the DiDO, see page 22. Jewish Family and career services Webb Spraett, Director 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30338-6210 (770) 677-9345; Fax (770) 677-9400 e-mail: wspraetz@jfcs-atlanta.org Learning Disabilities Assoc. of Georgia Vicki Hansberger. Executive Director PO Box 1337 Roswell, GA30077 (-770) 514-8088 For adult learning disabilities. (404) 688-7888 227 Marcus Center Whitney Fuchs, Director 1605 Chantilly Drive Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 727-9568 Residential services, respite services, service coordination Mayor's Action center T,Hl1eeka Hunter, Disability Affairs Coordinator, City of Atlanta 55 Trinity Avenue, SW, Suite 1920 Atlanta, GA 30335 Provides information and referral services, assistance with the Atlanta-Housing Authority and ADA compliance for people living within the City of Atlanta. Fax (912) 681-0910 Toll free anywhere (800) 229-2038 e-mail: info@parenttoparentofga.org Web site: www.parenttoparentofg~.org The support and information source for parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs. Partners in Policy Making Georgia Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Jerry Stedman . 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 3-210 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-2126 1tains people with disabilities, family members and friends to be effective advocates. Mi Casa Martha and Sonny Mahan, Owners 1449 Golf Link Drive Stone t\lountain, GA 30088 (770) 306-2327 Multicultural Coalition on Disability & Diversity William Holley Institute on Human Development and Disability University of Georgia 850 College Station Road Athens, GA 30602-4806 (706) 542-3964; Fax (706) 542-4815 Striving to broaden the understanding of diversity in disability beyond ethnicity to include other factors that directly affect the lives of people of color. Provides education, awareness and advocacy training. develops programs aimed at prevention. J National Cen,ter for Handicapped Rights James Cherry 625 Reds Circle Lilburn, OA 30247 (404) 921-5822, (404) 921-5823 Northeast Georgia Coalition of Disability Advocates (NEGA CODA) Sarita Reddy 748 Riverhill Drive Athens, GA 30606 (706) 542-6085; Fax (706) 542-4815 e-mail: sareddy@arches.uga.edu A coalition representing a variety of disability advocacy organization, as well as people with disabilities and their families and advocates in the ten-county area surrounding Athens-Clarke County. Parent to Parent of Georgia .Cathy Spraetz, Executive Director 2872 Woodcock Boulevard, Suite 230 Atlanta, GA 30341 Atlanta and local calling area (770) 451-5484; Fax (770) 458-4091 AlbJny calling area (912) 438-5600; Fax (912) 436-8744 Statesboro calling area (9121 489-1904; People First ~f Georgia Jenny Manders Institute on Human Development and Disability The University of Georgia 850 College Station Rd. Athens, GA 30602-4806 (706) 542-6086 . 1taining and support for self-advocates. REJ\CH 1815 Ponce de Leon Ave_, NE Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 320-6663; Fax (404) 373-0058 Star Choices John Chandler. Executive Director 170 College Street Macon, GA 30076 (912) 743-9801. Fax (912) 743-9806 r Supported living. supported employment, day habilitation Southwest Georgia Easter seal Society, Inc. Beth English 1906 Palmyra Road Albany, GA 31701-1598 (912) 439-7601; Fax (912) 435-6278 Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Mary Ward Cater 6098 Causey Chapel Road, SW Austell, GA 30001 (770) 941-2777. (770) 435-5363 Church group open to the community to support persons with disabilities -: focus on self advocacy. n:am Russel Power Lifting, Inc. JOe Russel 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 102-351 Atlanta, GA 30308 (770) 353-4940; Fax (404) 815-1659 e-mail: Jrussel@Juno.com . 1tains athletes with disabilities to prepare for regional, national and international athletics; perform inspirational/motivational sports demonstrations in order to educate [he community abou[ the abilities of people with disabilities. 228 o o o nme for Community Coalition. Lynn Thogerson 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 687-9891; Fax (404) 687-8298 Coalition for advocacy groups for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities or issues of substance abuse. Housing Access Georgia Rehabilitation AsSociation (GRA)lHabitat for Humanity Fund ' Ken Nance Division of Rehabilitation Services 404 S. Broad Street Rome, GA 30161-4698 706/295-6400 Norman Race Division of Rehabilitation Services 1604 C Vienno Hwy Americas, GA 31709 912/931-2516 GRA has made $1 ,000 available for its eight sub chapters to use in their efforts to partner with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. The purpose of this GRA/Habitat Fund is to prOVide matching funds to assist individuals with disabilities with housing acceSSibility, or in educating the community about the need for more accessiblelvisitable housing. Contact GRA for the location of nearest chapter. . Habitat for Humanity Information Specialist 121 Habitat Street Americus, GA 31709-3498 912/924-6935; 912/924-6541 Fax Website: www.habitat.org Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and to make decent shelter a ~atter of conscience and action. Needy and affluent people work together in equal partnership to build relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing. Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes with the help of the home owner, volunteer labor, management expertise and tax-deductible donations. Independent Living AcceSs of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc. Wayne Bristow, lteas. P.O. Box 8326, 1040 35th Street Columbus, GA 31904 706/324-4243; 706/322-1836 Fax To overcome attitudes and physical barriers to people with disabilities, educate the public on accessibility issues, enhance the independent liVing skills of people with disabilities, and to enhance their quality of life. AccessHaU County, Inc. Stephanie Wells, Executive Director P.O. Box 908484 Gainesville, GA.30501 770-532-7240; 770/532-4305 Fax Committed to prOViding an array of services to assist individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals and have the same opportunities and choices as all persons. Barrier Free Gwinnett, Inc. Abby Shirley, Director 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 32045 770/822-8830; 770/945-7009 Fax A nonprofit advocacy group that strives for inclusion of all people with disabilities into the community. Concrete Change 600 Dancing Fox Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 hnp://concretechange.home.mindspring.com e-mail: ConcreteChange@mindspring.com Living Independence for Everyone, Inc. (LIFE, Inc., of Savannah) Pamela Hodge, Executive Director . 17-21 ltavis Street Savannah, GA 31406 912/920-2414; 912/920-0007 Fax Life, Inc. is dedicated to empower ~ple with disabilities to achieve equal rights, equal opportunity and integration into our community. The organization embraces and adheres to the independent liVing philosophy that is based on the core concepts of customer control. self-advocacy, community change and cross-disability participation, and the core independent living services of information and referral, peer support, IL skills training and advocacy. Open Doors to the Handicapped, Inc. Bob Niederriter, Executive Director 165 Niederriter Road Vidalia, GA 304 74 912/537-1975 To promote advocacy, accesSibility awareness and independent liVing skills to people with disabilities and their families. . Statewide Independent Living Council Pat Puckett, Executive Director 3125 Presidential Parkway, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30340 (770) 452-9601, Fax (770) 452-9928 1TY (770) 452-7087 e-mail: silcga@mindspring.com 229 Mental Health Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc Delois SCott, Executive Director 246 Sycamore Street. Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30030 (SPO) 297-6146 National Mental Health Association of Georgia Cynthia Wainscott, Executive Director 100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 502 Atlanta. GA 30303 (404) 527~7175; Fax(404) 527-7187r NAMI-GA Don Daves. President 3125 Presidential Pkwy.. Suite 335 Atlanta. GA 30340 (770) 234-:0855 e~mail: NAMI-GA@namLorg Specific .Disability For an exhaustive listing of national organizations, associations. products and services, see Exceptional Parent Magazine's yearly Resource Guide. To subscribe call toll free at (S77) 372-7368 or look for these resource issues in your local library. Their web address is www.eparent.com. For back issues of the magazine or their resource guide call (800) 372-7368. Cost of the resource gUide is $12 plus shipping & handling. Acoustic Neuroma Association P.O. Box 12402 Atlanta. GA30355 (404) 237-8023 Arthritis Foundation-Georgia Chapter Lloyd Brown, V.P. Programs 550 Pharr Road, Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30305-3432 404/237-8771, 800/933-7023; 404/237-8153 Fax Website: www.arthritis.org . The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to support research for the cure and prevention of arthritis, and to improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis. ' Autism Society of America - Greater Georgia Chapter 2971 Flowers Rd . South, Ste. 140 . Atlanta, GA 30341 (404) 451-0954 Autism Society of America - central Georgia Chapter Contact LuAnn Ranalet' P.O. Box 404 Bonaire.GA 31005 (912) 9949-2926 Autism Society of America - Northeast Georgia Chapter Renee Feldman P.O. Box 48366 Athens, GA 30604 (706) 208-2066 Emory Autism Resource center 0 718 Gatewood Rd. Atlanta, GA 30322 . . (404) 727-8350 Provides statewide information and consultation related to individuals .with autism and prOVides services and supports for these individuals and their families. American Cancer Society , Athens Area (706) 549-4839 American Cancer Society-Southeast Division-Education Program Morgan Daven, Director Survivorship Initiates 2200 Lake Boulevard, Atlanta. Georgia 30319 404/816-7S00; 800/282-4914; 404/816-9443 Fax Provides resources, information and guidance to cancer patients and their families. Provides patient services as well as limited financial assistance. Brain Injury Association of Georgia Beverly Morgan. I&R Coordinator 1447 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 810 Atlanta. GA 30309 . 404/817-7577; 404/817-7519; 88S/334-2424 0 404/817-7521 Fax; 404/329-9390 TIT To improve the quality of life of people with brain injuries and their families and to help prevent traumatic brain injury. United cerebral Palsy of Greater Atlanta Diane Wilush. Executive Director 1665 Thllie Circle. Suite 100 Atlanta. GA 30329 (404) 329-9390 (VITIY) Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Georgia Chapter Maureen A. Fraser. Executive Director 2250 North Druid Hills Road. Suite 275 Atlanta. GA 30329 404/325-6973; 800/476-4483; 404/325-7921 Fax Seeks to find a cure or control for cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for patients liVing with cystic fibrosis through research. services include: resource directory. public and professional education, films. home healthcare/pharmacy services for patients and consumer gUides for young adults. Diabetes Association of Atlanta John Hinkle m. Executive Director 100 Edgewood Avenue. Suite 1004 Atlanta. GA 30303 404/527-7150; 404/527-7149 Fax 0 To improve the quality of life of the diabetic popula- tion in metro Atlanta through screening. 'detection, education and enhancement of service delivery by 230 coordinating service providers and other community resources. Down SyndromeAssociation of Atlanta ltacy Collins, President 16871\Jllie Circle, Suite 110 Atlanta, GA 30329 404/320-3233; 404/320-6663 Fax To promote awareness and create understanding of the potential of persons with Down Syndrome and "see the potential" through education, advocacy, sharing and supporting needs or individuals with Down Syndrome and their families through inclusion and community understand ing. Epilepsy Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter Johnnie Hall, Lynne Dowd 100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA 30303 404/527-7155; 800/527-7105 Provides counseling and patient information to the individual, family and community regarding epilepsy and its consequences, referral to other appropriate resources and employment assistance.. National Kidney Foundation - Georgia Chapter 2951 Flowers Rd. S., #211 Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 452-1539 Lekotek of Georgia Helene Prokesch, Executive Director 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 102 Atlanta, GA 30329 404/633-3430; 404/63-1242 Fax To include children with disabilities in family and community activities through play. Memberships are $120 per year. However, scholarships are available. There are four Lekotek sites in Georgia. . Eglestori Satellite, Egleston Children's Hospital 3790 Satellite Boulevard Duluth, GA 30136 404/497-9179 Contact: Kelly Lewis Marcus center Satellite, Emory University 1605 Chantilly Drive, Suite #150 Atlanta, GA 30324 404/727-9473 Contact: Ann Leverette . Rome Lekotek Satellite, Floyd Medical Center 1\Jrner McCall Boulevard P.O. Box 233 Rome, GA 30162 706/234-2884 Contact: Jo Orr Elaine Clark Satellite 5130 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Chamblee, GA 30030 770/458-3251 Contact: Joy ltotti Leukemia Society of America, InC-Georgia Chapter Cheryl Bradley, Patient Services Manager 2625 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 205 Atlanta, GA 30339 770/438-6006; 770/438-6563 Fax .The Chapter has a financial assistance program for persons with leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma and multiple myeloma for treatment and therapy with a maximum of $500 per year. Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.. Phyllis Keeler, Executive Director 150 Interstate North Parkway, NW, Suite 285 Atlanta, GA 30339-2203 770/952-389]; 770/952-1760 Fax Atlanta Chapter. Provide support and education for Lupus patients, and provide/distri.bute Lupus information to individuals, organizations and communities. Conducts fundraising for research. Muscular Dystrophy Association-Georgia Chapter Joanie Rosenbaum, Program Services Coordinator 2] 87 Northlake Parkway, Building 9, Suite] 16 1\Jcker, GA 30084 770/621-9800; 770/934-61 83 Fax Website: www.mdausa.org Muscular Dystrophy Association's primary mission is to find a treatment(s) or cure for neuromuscular disease. secondary to that is the provision of medical care, equipment and summer camp. National Multiple SClerosis Society-Georgia Chapter Sharyn Lane, Program Director 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 630 Atlanta, GA 30339 770/984-9080; 770/984-9352 Fax Chapter prOVides information and referral services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families. The Chapter is committed to helping people with MS by providing programs and services to help meet the following needs: knowledge of MS, physical health. emotional health, independent living, longterm care, employment and social support and accessibility. Osteogenesis Imperfeeta Council of Georgia Renee Peek 755 Commerce Drive, Suite 415 Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 687-8890 FAX (404) 687-8298 Supports peopl~ with 01 and their families. Advocate public awarness and educate mediCal professionals about 01. American Parkinson's Disease Association CAPDA) Nancy Watts, Coordinator, APDA Emory Clinic 1365 Clifton Road, NE . Atlanta, GA 30322 404778-5120; 404/778-3767 Fax ADPA prOVides information and makes referrals to people and family members. They prOVide educational materials and hold classes on issues about Parkinson's Disease. APDA's support groups help families deal with needs and concerns, and they prOVide a network to other chapters. 231 Georgia Association for Prader-Willi Syndrome 107 Chestnut Street ' Roswell, GA 30175 (770) 518-4795 Spina Bifida Association of Georgia, Inc. Shira M. Ledman. M.S.W.. Executive Director 3355 Northeast Expressway. Suite 207 Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 636-6212 e-mail: sbag@mindspring.com The Spina Bifida Association promotes the achievement of full potential for persons born with spina bifida. Georgia Speech-.La nguage-Hearing Association Raymond Penn. Executive Director PO Box 6708 Athens. GA 30604 (706) 613~0144. (800) 226-4724 e-mail: exdir@gsha.org National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) Bernadette Mauro 8300 Colesville Road, Suite 551 Silver Spring. MD 20910 301/588-6959; 800/962-9629; 301/588-941~ Fax Website: www.spinalcord.org e-mail: Nscia2@aol.com A membership organization that deals with the medical and social problems that result from spinal cord injury. Members have access to medical product discounts through agreements NSCIA has with Consolidated Products and services lburette Syndrome Association of Georgia Heidi Cohen, Director 5600 Roswell Road NE, North Building, Suite 285 Atlanta, GA 30342 404/250-4322 ., Provide information and services to persons with Tourette Syndrome and their families, and promote awareness, greater understanding and increased education about Tourette Syndrome among profession- als and the general public in order to facilitate an early, accurate diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, and sympa- . thetic appropriate treatment for those with the disorder. Supported Employment Briggs &. Associates Jennifer Briggs, Director 2215 Six Branches Drive Roswell, GA 30338 (770) 993-4559 The Gilmore Center (se~ listing page 227) Griffen Area Resource Center (see listing page 227) Star Choices (see listing page 228) Supported Employment Network Paul Bostrom 3079 Crossing Park, Suite 4 Noraoss, GA 30071 o Technology center for Rehabilitation 'lKhnology Joe Koncelik Georgia Jnstitute of Technology 490 10tu Street Atlanta. GA 30033-0156 (404) 894-4960; Fax (404) 894-9320 Friends of Disabled Adults (FODA) 4600 Lewis Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (770) 491-9014 Web site: http://www,foda.org Salvages mobility equipment, makes repairs and either loans or gives away the eqUipment. Make A Way COrporation 315 Whitehead Rd. Athens, GA 30606 (706) 353-1099 Specializes in wheelchair and vehicle modifications. o Transportation (Automotive) Assistance Chrysler COrporation Automobility Program P.O. Box 3124 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 800/255-9817 Provides a cash reimbursement when you buy or lease a new Chrysler Corporation vehicle. Chrysler Corporation will give you a cash reimbursement to help cover the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on the vehicle. Conversions to full size Ram Vans and Ram Wagons may reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000. Conversions to all other Chrysler Corporation cars, trucks and minivans qualify for a maximum reimbursement of $750. Vehicles must be bought or leased on a retail basis from a franchised Chrysler Corporation dealer to qualify for reimbursement. For the purposes of this program, adaptive equipment is defined as equipment needed by persons with a disability to drive, enter. exit and/or be transported safely in a motor vehicle. Factory optional eqUipment does not qualify for reimbursement. Ford Mobility Motoring Program P.O. Box 529 Bloomfield. MI 48303 800/952-2248 The Ford Mobility Motoring Program provides a o 232 check directly from your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer for up to $750 toward the exact cost of your adaptive equipment conversion when you purchase or lease an eligible new Ford or Lincoln-Mercury. Equipment without dear definition of intent may require a prescription from an accredited or licensed professional source. The Ford Mobility Motoring Program was created to make adapting your new Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle easier and more rewarding. This program provides up to $750 on-the-spot cash, a Ford Cellular Telephone and Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. General Motors Assistance Center p.o. Box 9011 Detroit, MI 48202 800/323-9935 General Motors, and GM dealers nationwide have designed the General Motors Mobility Program which includes a comprehensive information program, and add a reimbursement opportunity for assistive technology devices and services when the consumer purchases a new GM vehicle (Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac or GMC truck). The rebate program reimburses the buyerlowner up to $1.000 for veh ide mod ifications (i.e., lifts. hand controls. etc.) 233