Phone: 800-253-7154
Fax: 301-593-9433
Email: SHIPresourcecenter@air.org
SHIP National Resource Center
10720 Columbia Pike, Suite 500
Silver Spring, MD 20901

June 16, 2008

This Week’s Hot Topics:

1. SHIP Corner — Community Health Centers Offer Opportunity to Reach LIS Population
2. SHIP Promotional Profiles — NH Profile Available Online at SHIPtalk
3. 14th Annual SHIP Director’s Conference
4. CMS Communication
5. Updates, Resources and News
6. Open Door Forums

Volunteer Spotlight

In the Spotlight: Gerald Mattingly, Connecticut
Gerald Mattingly a volunteer for CHOICES (the Connecticut SHIP) has volunteered since he retired three years ago. He is stationed four hours per week at the Shelton Senior Center where he provides information about Medicare and Medicaid programs, troubleshoots Medicare Part D problems and assists with applications for various benefit programs. 

Gerald took training in Benefits Check Up and participated in several Benefits Check Up outreach events sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging and AARP. Currently, Gerald is focusing his efforts on the Senior Medicare Patrol project and has set up workshops to talk with seniors about fraud, scams and safety alerts. 

He has been such an asset to the CHOICES program, the staff recommended Gerald to the Executive Director of the Agency on Aging as a possible Board member. He was vetted and interviewed by the nominating committee of the Board and is now an active member of the Board of Directors of the Agency on Aging in addition to his other volunteer activities. He has become an expert on long term care retirement programs and counsels individuals about the Partnership for long term care.

Beverly Kidder, Director of Aging Resource Center, Agency on Aging of South Central CT nominated Gerald.

Congratulations to Gerald!

Nominations
Is there a volunteer you would like to spotlight in the Weekly Digest? Do you have a volunteer who consistently demonstrates high customer/client service? Is there a volunteer you’d like to see recognized for their accomplishments?

If so, we’d love to hear from you! Send us a brief write-up on the volunteer including the following information:

• Your SHIP office name, city and state
• Your full name and title
• Volunteer’s full name, title and counseling location
• How long the volunteer has been volunteering for your SHIP
• Approximate hours a month he or she volunteers
• Three to five sentences about what makes that person a great volunteer (significant accomplishments, awards, etc.)

Photos of the volunteer are optional. Photos must be:

• JPEG format
• 72dpi with a minimum width of 200 pixels

Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Send your write-up and optional photo to SHIPresourcecenter@air.org.

Share Your News and Announcements

Please send us your news items and announcements, such as recent awards, recognitions, news releases, media coverage and staff changes. Feel free also to submit story ideas and suggestions. Send your submissions to SHIPresourcecenter@air.org.

Welcome New SHIP Directors

Please join the SHIP network in welcoming the following new SHIP Directors:

• Marcia Meeks, West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, www.wvseniorservices.gov.
• Rena T. Sarauw, Virgin Islands State Health Information Assistance Program (VISHIP), http://ltg.gov.vi/vi-ship-medicare.html.

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SHIP Corner — Community Health Centers Offer Opportunity to Reach LIS Population

SHIP Corner is a feature in the Weekly Digest designed to showcase the best practices, successful initiatives, and significant achievements of the state SHIP offices in areas such as program design, partnerships, outreach, tools and resources. Check back here for regular new features. The features will also be available on SHIPtalk.org.

Community Health Centers Offer Opportunity to Reach LIS Population
A unique community-based partnering opportunity between SHIPs and community health centers (CHCs) to reach low-income beneficiaries has recently been identified by CMS and their national partners including Administration on Aging (AoA), n4a, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).

HRSA and NACHC have offered the CHCs as trusted, community-based partners that SHIPs, AAAs and other CMS partners can partner with to help reach and serve low-income beneficiaries. There are more than 1,200 community health center organizations in the 50 states and all U.S. territories providing vital primary care to more than 17 million Americans with limited financial resources. The CHCs focus on meeting the basic health care needs of their individual communities and serve the homeless, residents of public housing, migrant farm workers and others with emergent and chronic health care needs, but limited resources to secure treatment through traditional channels.

Potential to Reach Untapped LIS Beneficiaries 
CHCs are located in many communities with a high density of low-income beneficiaries. 40 percent of health center patients lack any insurance, and 45 percent receive coverage under government insurance programs. It is estimated that approximately seven percent of the people served by CHCs are Medicare beneficiaries. There is great potential that many of the other individuals served at the CHCs are likely to have family members who are Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes. 

“SHIPs have a reputation of being a community-based helping hand that is readily accessible by beneficiaries in need. Community health centers play that same role with two million patients that they serve in community-based centers each year. Both SHIPs and community health centers focus on the communities and the needs of the beneficiaries they serve, and have a tremendous potential to work well together in reaching and serving people with limited incomes,” said Dana Thomas, NACHC.

Next Steps: Linking SHIPs and CHCs
A partnership opportunity between the SHIP network and the community-based CHCs could yield an effective outreach to potentially LIS-eligible beneficiaries. SHIP and AAAs Directors who are engaged in LIS outreach and LIS application assistance are encouraged to view the linked contact list of CHCs in the top 100 LIS target ZIP codes and identify CHCs in their areas as potential partners.

“There’s a very natural partnership between SHIPs and community health centers and we’ve really not seen a full use of the potential benefits yet,” Thomas said.

In addition, HRSA is currently cross matching the data provided to SHIPs at the SHIP Conference of their state’s list of the top LIS targeted ZIP codes (i.e., the ZIP codes with large potentially LIS-eligible folks and low SHIP penetration rates) with the HRSA ZIP code database of CHCs to identify CHCs that are located in overlapping ZIP codes. This information will be sent directly to state SHIP directors so that they can build or strengthen existing partner relationships with the CHCs located in their target LIS areas. SHIP Directors can expect this information to be sent to them later this month.

The July 8 MMA Forum call will feature a presentation from Dana Thomas, NACHC and Samara Lorenz, HRSA on how CHCs can help the SHIP Network reach people with limited incomes

CMS believes that SHIPs can jumpstart efforts to reach Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for LIS and Medicare Savings Programs by contacting community health centers and forming partnerships to reach beneficiaries and their families with information about these important benefits. SHIP directors should watch for additional information in upcoming Weekly Digest articles, MMA Forum calls, and on SHIPtalk.org.

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SHIP Promotional Profiles — NH Profile Available Online at SHIPtalk

The SHIP Resource Center has developed a SHIP Promotional Profile template, and the program specialists have been working with their assigned SHIP Directors to create each state’s SHIP Promotional Profile.

The SHIP profiles were created for SHIPs to use as promotional pieces. The profiles can aid in ongoing state and local educational and outreach efforts to promote SHIPs to Medicare beneficiaries, other state agencies and programs and residents in the states. SHIP profiles also can be used as “leave behind” pieces when approaching potential partner organizations. A standard template was used to create a unified look for all of the profiles — part of a branding effort for the SHIP network.

The SHIP Resource Center encourages SHIPs to review their promotional profile each quarter and provide timely updates and information to the Resource Center in order to keep the profiles current.

Newly Posted Profile
The New Hampshire Promotional Profile is completed and available in PDF format on SHIPtalk. To view the profile visit http://www.shiptalk.org/Content/PromotionalProfiles.aspx.

Profiles Now Available in Public View
The SHIP Promotional Profiles are now accessible to both registered and non-registered SHIPtalk users. All completed profiles are available in public view. To view the profiles visit http://www.shiptalk.org/Content/PromotionalProfiles.aspx.

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14th Annual SHIP Director’s Conference

2008 SHIP Director’s Conference — New Attendance Record Set
The 2008 SHIP Conference was held May 27-30, 2008, at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD. For the fourth consecutive year, the conference set a new attendance record as 325 attendees, including state and local SHIP staff, partners and CMS representatives, participated in the event. Presentations from SHIP staff and their partners dominated the agenda, as the conference focused primarily on the innovations and successes of SHIPs as the grantees continue to strive to improve SHIP outreach and assistance efforts. 

The keynote address was delivered by CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems who thanked the SHIPs for their continued efforts and outlined the work for the coming year, including a strong emphasis on LIS outreach, along with eliminating Medicare Advantage marketing abuses and outreach challenges around the durable medical equipment (DME) competitive bidding program. 

Conference presentations and materials are still accessible at http://www.meetinglink.org/ship08/agenda.aspx and materials from the conference will soon be displayed on SHIPTalk.org. The 15th Annual SHIP Conference is scheduled for May 26-29, 2009, at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD.

SHIP Steering Committee Elections
Six state SHIP Directors were voted into vacancies in the SHIP Steering Committee for the Regions 3 & 4, 5 & 7, 6 & 9, 9 & 10 and two at-large positions. These representatives are:

Marcia Meeks (WV); Regions 3 & 4: AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA and WV
Gretchen Margraf (OH); Regions 5 & 7: IA, IL, IN, KS, MI MN, MO, NE, OH and WI
Darren Hotton (UT); Regions 6 & 8: AR, CO, LA, MT, ND, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT and WY
Pamela Cunningham (HI); Regions 9 & 10: AK, AZ, CA, GU, HI, ID, NV, OR and WA
Liz Tredennick (CO); At-large
Tom Hoy (SD); At-large

Current members of the Steering Committee:
Marion Aspinall (MA)
Pamela Cunningham (HI)
Darren Hotton (UT)
Tom Hoy (SD)
Tobi Johnson (WA)
Gretchen Margraf (OH)
Marcia Meeks (WV)
Buffie Saavedra (NM)
Liz Tredennick (CO)

The Steering Committee will vote on a Chair and Co-chair on June 18, 2008 and results will be published in the Weekly Digest.

Presentation Materials
SHIP partners not able to attend the conference may view the agenda and download presentations from the conference Web site at http://www.meetinglink.org/ship08/agenda.aspx.

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CMS Communication

Medicare Updates Its List of Recognized Sources to Help Make Coverage Decisions for Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs
CMS last week announced additional updates to the information it uses in determining which drugs may be covered under Medicare Part B when used to treat patients undergoing cancer treatment through chemotherapy. To view the press release click here.

Medicare Launches Outreach Effort to Help Beneficiaries With New Program That Lowers Costs for Durable Medical Equipment
Competitive Bidding Program Provides Access to High Quality Products and Services Available From Medicare-Contract Suppliers
Nearly four million people with Medicare living in 10 communities across the nation will receive information about a new program that will lower their costs for certain medical equipment and supplies by changing how Medicare pays for these items. CMS will begin mailing letters on the new program, which begins July 1, to beneficiaries later this month. To view the press release click here.

Medicare Announces Additional Funding for Health Insurance Counseling Programs for 2008
$15 Million to Continue Helping Beneficiaries Learn About Medicare
CMS recently announced that an additional $15 million will be distributed to State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) to help people with Medicare get more information about their health care choices. To view the press release click here.

Medicare Updates Its List of Recognized Sources to Help Make Coverage Decisions for Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs
CMS recently announced changes to ensure that the most up-to-date information is used to determine which drugs may be covered under Medicare Part B to treat patients undergoing chemotherapy. To view the press release click here.

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Updates, Resources and News

Prevention Corner
What Makes Your Head Hurt? Tension Is the Most Common Culprit

If you suffer from headaches, you’re not alone. Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. They can be simply distracting or completely debilitating. Many headaches fade away without treatment. Some are easily remedied. Still others are stubborn and recurring. But only rarely do headaches warn of a serious illness.

About 95 percent of headaches are primary headaches, meaning they’re not caused by an underlying medical condition. Other headaches, called secondary headaches, arise from medical disorders like swollen sinuses, head injury or tumors.

A headache may feel like a pain in the brain, but it’s not. The brain itself lacks pain-sensitive nerve cells. Instead, most headaches originate in the network of nerves and nerve-rich muscles and blood vessels that surround your head, neck and face. These pain-sensitive nerve cells can be activated by stress, muscle tension, enlarged blood vessels and other triggers. Once stimulated, the nerve cells transmit messages to the brain, causing you to feel pain.

NIH scientists are working to better understand what causes headaches and how they can be treated. Some researchers are looking at complementary and alternative therapies like acupuncture, which has shown promise in some studies, although results have been mixed. Most people can relieve headache pain by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax and taking pain relievers. If these approaches don’t work, your doctor may have more suggestions.

Headache Relief

• Tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Stress management, relaxation exercises or a hot shower may also help.
• Migraine headaches can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Migraines often recur but may be prevented with prescription drugs. Avoid food and drinks that can trigger migraines, including caffeine, alcohol and processed meats. Relaxation techniques may reduce the occurrence and severity of migraines.
• Cluster headaches can be treated or prevented with prescription medications. Nasal sprays that numb the nose and nostrils may also help. Doctors also recommend avoiding alcohol if you’re susceptible to cluster headaches.

Let your health care provider know if you have sudden, severe headaches. Get medical help right away if you have a headache after a blow to your head, or if you have a headache along with fever, confusion, loss of consciousness or pain in the eye or ear.

For the complete article, more information about tension, migraine and cluster headaches and resources, visit http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2008/June/docs/01features_02.htm.

This Prevention Corner tip brought to you by NIH News in Health.

Spring 2008 Issue of Maturity Health Matters: FDA Online Newsletter for Older Adults
The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) is pleased to share information about an online newsletter published by the HHS Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called Maturity Health Matters. This newsletter features information about FDA-regulated products for older adults, their families and caregivers. It focuses on FDA-approved products that help people live longer, more productive lives. 

You may view two of the most recent issues by visiting:

• Most current issue of Maturity Health Matters, spring 2008: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/maturityhealthmatters/issue8.html
• An issue is focused on men's health: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/maturityhealthmatters/issue7.html

Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
With excessive heat blanketing many parts of the country, it is important to be aware that, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die from heat waves each year than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Older individuals are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat stress. Because heat-related dates are preventable, people and communities need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death.

The following resources outline important steps that can be taken to respond to excessive heat events:

• http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/emergency/naturaldisasters/heat/index.html
• http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/index.htm#itdhpfehe

Satellite Broadcast: “Health Implications of Caregiving”
When: June 25, 2008, 1-2:30 p.m. (EDT)

Sponsors: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services New Freedom Initiative Subcommittee on Caregiving

Program: The presentations and discussion following will provide caregivers and caregiver agencies/organizations information on how caregiving impacts health. It will provide tips on self-care, approaches taken by several organizations to support family caregivers, and innovative programs that help caregivers take care of their own health.

Panelists: National Alliance for Caregiving, University of Pittsburgh, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United Hospital Fund, Prince George's County Health Department (MD), New Jersey Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Department of Veterans Affairs, University of Alabama

Target Audiences: Family caregivers, caregiver coalitions, service providers, disease-specific organizations, Area Agencies on Aging, State Units on Aging, Departments of Health, geriatric case managers, senior centers, Tribal Organizations, aging advocacy groups, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, discharge nurses, research organizations, others with interest in helping family caregivers.

For more information and to register, please go to: http://www.blsmeetings.net/caregivers/index.cfm.

Save the Date: 2008 ADRC National Meeting
The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) National Meeting, October 1-2, 2008, in Boston, Massachusetts, will be open to non-grantees for the first time this year. Anyone interested in Aging and Disability Resource Centers, single-point-of-entry-systems, and aging and disability program partnerships are welcome to attend.

Events will be held at the Westin Boston Waterfront. The National Meeting will immediately follow NASUA's Home and Community-Based Waiver Conference. The call for presentations is now open. Please see the 2008 National Meeting Page http://www.adrc-tae.org/tiki-index.php?page=NationalMeeting08 for more information. Registration for the 2008 ADRC National Meeting will open in July. Check the ADRC-TAE Web site http://www.adrc-tae.org/ for the most up-to-date information.

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Open Door Forums

Open Door Forums provide an opportunity for live dialogue between CMS and the provider community at large, in order to understand contemporary program issues and then help find solutions. The forums also proactively engage beneficiary advocates — in discussions about the opportunities and challenges associated with supporting access, improving medical outcomes, lowering costs and improving quality within our programs.

For Forum Schedule updates, Listserv registration and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/.

Following is a list of upcoming CMS Open Door Forums:

The Ambulance Open Door Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at 2 p.m. EDT. Please dial in at least 15 minutes before call start time. Conference leaders will be Dr. Bill Rogers, Dr. Charlotte Yeh and Natalie Highsmith. To participate by phone dial (800) 837-1935 and enter conference ID 50236986. For an “encore” of this call, beginning two hours after the call has ended, dial (800) 642-1687 and enter conference ID 50236986. The recording will expire after three business days.

The Rural Health Open Door Forum is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2008, at 2 p.m. EDT. Please dial in at least 15 minutes before call start time. Conference leaders will be Terry Kay, John Hammerlund and Natalie Highsmith. To participate by phone dial (800) 837-1935 and enter conference ID 50237969. For an “encore” of this call, beginning on Monday, June 23, 2008, dial (800) 642-1687 and enter conference ID 50237969. The recording will expire after three business days.

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