UPDATES |
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There will be a period of time on Sunday, September 21, 2014, when your Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) card will not work for cash or food purchases, or to withdraw cash. This EBT downtime will begin around 12 am on Sunday, September 21, 2014, and could last until 5 pm that day. You will need to plan your cash and food purchases and cash withdrawals accordingly. The downtime is necessary while New York State changes EBT vendors. After the conversion, your current EBT card will continue to work, and there is no need to replace your card. There will be no impact on your ability to access your medical benefits. https://otda.ny.gov/ Success Starts With School Breakfast: A healthy breakfast can help all students get ready to learn and succeed—that’s why schools across New York provide breakfast for free or at a reduced price. Contact your NOEP Coordinator today to learn about what’s available at your child’s school. It’s free and confidential. http://hungersolutionsny.org/hunger-nys/solutions-hunger/child-nutrition-programs Health Exchange: Staff at CSCGW was very pleased to have been a part of the launching of the NY State of Health, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obama Care. Due to our successful history as contracted facilitated en-rollers, we were again selected to contract as health navigators. This was a very exciting time for us. By March 31st, we were able to help and assist over 300 enroll into Qualified Health Plans (QHPs), Medicaid and Child Health Plus (CHP) ACA News: While Qualified Health Plan (QHP) general enrollment will not begin again until November 2014, individuals may still obtain coverage through Medicaid, which is always open for enrollment or in a QHP during a Special Enrollment Period with a “Qualifying Life Event” (QLE). QLEs are situations such as: Loss of previous coverage, Loss of minimal essential coverage, Change of eligibility for tax credits, Marriage, Births, Change of status such as becoming a U.S. citizen or lawfully present individual, Relocation to or within NY, Violation of the health plan. Please speak with one of our Navigators to discuss all QLEs. Medicaid Alert: Currently, under the NYSOH Medicaid beneficiaries receive coverage for 12 uninterrupted months regardless of a change in income during that period. However, for individuals who may not wish to be on Medicaid for a full 12 months due to financial earnings, there will be a new question option that may allow Medicaid for fewer months. Please call CSCGW to speak to our IPA Navigators regarding Medicaid. Food Programs Update: CSCGW is extremely proud to announce that we have been selected as a Nutrition Outreach Education Program (NOEP) partner through the Hunger Solutions New York. NOEP primary focus is increasing participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger, stretching the monthly food budgets of all who meet program guidelines. Participants use an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to buy food from local stores and farmers’ markets. NOEP works to increase participation in the School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program, which provide nutritious meals to school-aged children Tiered Engagement Network (TEN) Partner with the Food Bank NY: TEN is an effective network of community-based organizations in high-need areas that work together to in-crease access to food and other anti-hunger services including: nutrition education; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits; public health insurance; school meals; and free tax preparation. Organizations who participate in TEN partner with one another to make high-quality referrals to make these services more widely available to their clients. Since 2013 CSCGW has been what is known as an anchor site for the TEN network. This means that we receive referrals from various soup kitchens, food pantries and other community based organizations with the borough of Brooklyn for the many services we provide We are proud to extend our services to those in need who cannot access assistance otherwise. This has also been a wonderful opportunity to connect with
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