SOAR Works... (in Arizona)

Transcription

1 SOAR Works... (in Arizona)

2 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI has an income/resource test Benefits based on need Must pass income/resource threshold No waiting period Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) of $721 is maximum payment ($1,082 Couple) AHCCCS (Medicaid) eligible with SSI

3 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits are based on an individual s or insured worker s work history Payments vary according to the amount paid into Social Security via FICA taxes 6-month waiting period for cash benefit 24-month waiting period for Medicare

4 What is SOAR? SOAR stands for: SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery An approach that increases access to the Social Security Administration s (SSA) disability programs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) For people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have a serious mental illness (or exhibit symptoms), and/or have serious physical illnesses that affect their ability to work at a substantial gainful level

5 How is the SOAR Model different? Case managers actively assist applicants, maintaining contact and acting as their representative Emphasis on obtaining approval on initial application and avoiding appeals Collaboration with local agencies, medical providers, and SSA/DDS Focus on thoroughly documenting the disability and its effect on functioning, reducing the need for consultative exams

6 SOAR Outcomes (2013) 19,008 persons experiencing or at risk for homelessness have been approved on initial application 65% approval rate overall Compared to 29% for all applicants Compared to 10-15% for unassisted applications from people who are homeless Approvals were received in an average of 100 days Appeals can take a year or more; many people give up and do not appeal

7 SOAR Outcomes (2013) The Top 8 States: Served more than 4,000 persons 89 percent approval rate on initial applications Approval rates are highest in places where more SOAR critical components are implemented It s time AZ joined this grouping!!!!

8 Arizona SOAR Outcomes (2013) SOAR-Assisted Initial Application Decisions Approvals Approval Rate Average Days to Decision % 128 SOAR-Assisted Appeals Decisions Approvals Approval Rate Average Days to Decision % 60 (Years of Data 3)

9 How does SOAR receive their outcomes? Online Application Tracking (OAT) Web-based program that allows case managers to keep track of their outcomes Free Easy to use Accessible from any web browser Nothing to download HIPAA compliant No personal identifying information is collected

10 Critical Components Serving as the appointed representative Collecting and submitting medical records Electronically submitting applications and medical evidence whenever possible Collaborating with physicians for assessments and medical information Collaborating with SSA and DDS Submitting a Medical Summary Report

11 Serving as the Appointed Representative SSA-1696: Appointment of Representative Permits communication with SSA and DDS about the applicant s file Case Manager receives copies of all applicant communication from SSA and DDS The most important tool for working with someone who is experiencing homelessness Neither the agency or the Case Manager is liable for the decision made by DDS It is NOT the same as the Representative Payee SOAR providers should check waiving fees from all sources

12 Collecting/Submitting Medical Records in the Beginning of the Process Expedites the claim Supports clinical diagnoses that the claimant may or may not even know they have May assist the claimant in having supported documentation of major life events that may connect to additional resources to end their homelessness (i.e. Housing, Employment)

13 Electronically Submitting Applications and Medical Evidence Saves Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) time, effort, and money during the disability process. Helps expedite the claim.

14 Collaborating with Physicians for Assessments and Medical Information Developing relationships with medical providers: Obtain free/low cost medical records Sign the Medical Summary Report (MSR) Coordinate evaluations Coordination of Care

15 Collaborating with SSA and DDS The Phoenix DT SSA office assigns a specific claims representative to assist with all SOAR applications. SSA flags all homeless applicants to expedite processing. DDS contact actively assists with disability applications when needed. DDS and SOAR work together to ensure the applicant attends any medical/psychological consultative examinations.

16 Submitting a Medical Summary Report Critical component of the SOAR model Provides a vivid picture of the individual for the DDS examiner who never sees them Provides a clear link to the functional impairment

17 Submitting a Medical Summary Report Often takes place of the SSA-3373 Function Report Helps to avoid the limited space and checkboxes of these forms Considered medical evidence when co-signed by a physician or psychologist Gets submitted with the complete SOAR application

18 Social Security Work Incentives Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) A user-friendly online tool that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, healthcare, and employment az.db101.org/ Other states need to know and understand Social Security Work Incentives we have DB101 to do the work for us.

19 Q & A

20 How to get SOAR-Trained? What used to be only offered in-person is now offered in an interactive Online Course. The SOAR Online Course takes approximately hours to complete, so we want to make sure that those most likely to do SOAR applications complete the training. In-depth, step-by-step explanation of SSA s disability determination process and SSI/SSDI application forms Self-directed learning, work at your own pace

21 How to get SOAR-Trained? Sample reports, letters, forms and other tools Practice case provides an opportunity for active learning. Includes completion of a SOAR SSI/SSDI application packet, submitted to the SOAR Technical Assistance Center for review and feedback 16 CEUs from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) upon successful completion

22 SOAR Online Course Trainings March, 2014 October, 2014 Number of AZ Staff Who Have Completed the Online Course Completed March, 2014 September, 2014 October,

23 SOAR Online Course Trainings FFY2014 Q2 - FY2014 Q4 Number of AZ Staff Who are Enrolled in the Online Course Enrolled March, 2014 September, 2014 October, Please Note: There are also 18 staff members who are in the tracking system who have said they will be taking the online course soon. 23

24 How to get started? For tracking purposes, for anyone who will be taking the online course, please provide your SOAR State Lead (Adam Robson) with the following information: Full Name Title Organization Phone Number Address

25 How to stay involved in SOAR? AZ SOAR State Steering Committee Contact Adam Robson if interested in becoming a member. AZ SOAR Local Steering Committee Contact Adam Robson if interested in becoming a member. SOAR Refresher Trainings For those who have completed the Online Course SOAR T/A Center The Arizona SOAR contact is Pam Heine (pheine@prainc.com) Anyone can contact the SOAR T/A Center for any SOARrelated questions or concerns

26 Thank You Adam Robson Housing & Employment Admin. ADHS / DBHS 150 N. 18 th Ave. #280 Phoenix, AZ Adam.Robson@azdhs.gov Ruben Soliz Housing & SOAR Manager Lodestar Day Resource Center 1125 W. Jackson St. Phoenix, AZ RSoliz@hsc-az.org Loren Gallegly SOAR Case Manager Lodestar Day Resource Center 1125 W. Jackson St. Phoenix, AZ (602) LGallegly@hsc-az.org Billie Armenta District Manager Social Security Administration 250 N 7th Ave, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ (866) Billie.Armenta@ssa.gov