CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?? Here are our stories of struggling with health care. We ALL have stories, they just need to be heard. So, over the past two months, we’ve rallied other community members to join us in sharing our own personal stories to advocate for health care for all! Together, we will be heard! What’s your story? Join us by sharing your personal health care story on social media using hashtag #CanYouHearUsNow and be sure to tag Disability Rights & Resources!
The Living Well Alabama workshop is a six-week self-management workshop that meets once a week, for two and a half hours. Each workshop is facilitated by two trained leaders following an evidenced-based curriculum developed by Stanford University.
The interactive, evidenced based workshop was developed by Stanford University and teaches participants real-life skills for living a full, healthy life. Participants learn how to take small steps towards positive changes and healthier living. The workshop will build participant confidence and improve their ability to manage day-to-day life.
Topics covered include:
- techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
- appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
- techniques to learn better breathing
- using guided imagery and relaxation techniques
- appropriate use of medications
- communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
- nutrition and healthy eating practices
- how to evaluate new treatments
The Alabama Medicaid Agency, which began operations on January 1, 1970, is a state/federal program that pays for medical and long-term care services for low-income pregnant women, children, certain people on Medicare, disabled individuals and nursing home residents. The individuals must meet certain income and other requirements.
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services provides a range of health care services to Jefferson County residents over 18 years of age who have resided in Alabama for at least one year and in Jefferson County for at least 30 days. They are located at 1515 6th Ave. South in Birmingham. Visit the enrollment office between 7 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday to meet with an Enrollment Counselor, or call (205) 930-3377. Medical appointments can be made by calling (205) 930-3350. The Primary Care Clinic offers preventive medical services, such as routine physical exams, PAP and HPV testing, TB skin testing, vaccinations, and health education, and plays an important role in helping patients manage diabetes, hypertension, COPD, arthritis, and other chronic health conditions. Cooper Green Mercy also operates an Urgent Care clinic, Specialty Clinics, Behavioral Health, Rehabilitation Services, Clinical Laboratory, Radiology, Coumadin Clinic, Diabetes Clinic, Chronic Disease Management, Nutrition and Weight Management, and Women’s Health and Wellness.
Help with Prescription Drugs: NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs that help people who cannot afford medications and healthcare costs. More than 1.3 million patients, family members, healthcare professionals, social workers, and patient advocates use NeedMeds each year. They also publish information about resources for specific diseases. Their phone number is 978-281-6666.
The Kaiser Family Foundation has developed a tool that illustrates health insurance premiums and subsidies for people purchasing insurance on their own in new health insurance exchanges (or “Marketplaces”) created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Beginning in October 2013, middle-income people under age 65, who are not eligible for coverage through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare, can apply for tax credit subsidies available through state-based exchanges.
Additionally, states have the option to expand their Medicaid programs to cover all people making up to 138% of the federal poverty level (which is about $33,000 for a family of four). In states that opt out of expanding Medicaid, some people making below this amount will still be eligible for Medicaid, some will be eligible for subsidized coverage through Marketplaces, and others will not be eligible for subsidies. (The state of Alabama has elected not to expand their Medicaid program)
With this calculator, you can enter different income levels, ages, and family sizes to get an estimate of your eligibility for subsidies and how much you could spend on health insurance. As premiums and eligibility requirements may vary, contact your state’s Medicaid office or exchange with enrollment questions.
