Family Voices Indiana

FV Indiana shares the following information from our partners at the Indiana State Department of Health: This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu. For children younger than 5 years of age and those with chronic health conditions, like asthma and neuro-developmental disorders, getting the flu vaccine is especially important to avoid serious flu complications like pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization and even death. Please join us in encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. Remember the flu ends with you! Here is the CDC website describing the focus for the week. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/NIVW/daily_materials.htm In addition, there is more information at www.flu.gov and www.cdc.gov/flu .

FV Indiana shares the following to keep our members informed. Please note that this new limit only impacts those 21 or older. It may be helpful to refer to this memo or the contact information below for more information and to resolve questions. Effective January 1, 2011, new limits will be imposed on Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies. A limit of twenty-five (25) therapy visits for each type of therapy per rolling 12-month period will apply to all members age twenty-one (21) or older. A “visit” is defined by the type of therapy and date of service. For example, a member receives physical therapy from a provider during a one-hour visit. That member receives physical therapy services defined with procedure codes 97116, 97140, 97530, and 97532 during the visit. This is counted as one “visit” toward the member’s limitation. Prior authorization (PA) will no longer be required for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy ser-vices for members age twenty-one or o

FV Indiana is thrilled to share that founding board member and State Coordinator, Mary Jo Paladino, has received the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities’ Distinguished Leadership Award. Mary Jo Paladino is the mother of six children (three of whom have a disability) so she has had the joy of experiencing many transitions. She has worked in early intervention since 1989 in Colorado and Indiana. She is currently consulting with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana University School of Medicine on a Community Integrated Systems of Services grant with a focus on transition and Medical Home. She has used her experience as a parent to support many other parents in navigating complex systems of care. Throughout her career she has been both a professional serving the field of disabilities and a parent advocate. She is passionate about children with disabilities accessing the most appropriate services and resources to maximize their potential. Mary Jo is a

FV Indiana recognizes the implementation of the Affordable Care Act requires lots of learning about the new rules and systems families will need to navigate. In order to support our members we share the following resources: www.healthcare.gov Official government site that provides information on finding insurance options, prevention, comparing care quality and understanding the new law along with FAQs. www.healthcare.gov/center/brochures/index.html A new series of brochures to help Americans understand the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and how it is improving consumer protections, lowering costs and increasing coverage. " Say Ahhh! A Children's Health Policy Blog " by the Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families staff. Provides timey updates and explanations of key issues. FV Indiana finds this blog to be a very readable source!