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New SOAR Tools
Continuing Disability Review FAQs
The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center has put together a frequently asked questions document on Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), associated with the 2014 Webinar, SOAR Representation with CDRs. Questions in the FAQ document include "what is 'Medical Improvement'?," "can you continue to receive benefits during an appeal?," and "when do benefits terminate?" Read the full FAQ document.
SSA's New "All" Evidence Rule: What does this mean for the SOAR Practitioner?
A new Social Security Administration (SSA) ruling clarifies existing regulations that require claimants and/or their authorized attorney or non-attorney representatives inform SSA about, or submit, all evidence known to them that relates to the applicant's disability claim. This article discusses the purpose of the ruling, outlines key requirements, and presents a few scenarios which a SOAR practitioner may encounter. Read the full article.
Sample Medical Summary Reports
The SOAR TA Center has collected examples of well-written, successful Medical Summary Reports (MSRs) from SOAR providers across the country for the SOAR community to use as extra guidance. We have collected MSRs representing applicants with varying illnesses, including intellectual disabilities, anxiety-related disorders, and personality disorders. Read the samples. If you have any questions about the SOAR TA Center's new tools, contact us at soar@prainc.com.
Sharing Our Successes
Secondary Story Headline
The Alabama Disability Determination SOAR Team, composed of Cynthia Childress, Ophelia Collins, and Brad Stanley, was included in SSA's annual " Deputy Commissioner's Citation Awardees." The team was recognized for their quality public service in 2014, "which has contributed to improved communications to agencies that serve the homeless populations." Learn more about the Deputy Commissioner. Congratulations, Alabama -- this is an incredible achievement!
Secondary Story Headline
Maryland's Behavioral Health Administration's Office of Adult and Specialized Behavioral Services and the University of Maryland Training Center held their second annual Maryland SOAR Conference on June, 18, 2015. The day featured talks and workshops on a range of SOAR-related topics, including reviewing brain injury and disability, highlighting the role of the MSR, navigating the Consultative Examination process, and understanding the Reconsideration and Appeals process. The conference provided participants with the opportunity to meet representatives from the SOAR TA Center and Disability Determination Services, and to hear inspirational testimonies from individuals who have successfully obtained benefits through the SOAR process. A key aspect of the day was recognizing the amazing work performed by Maryland's SOAR community. Margaret Flanagan, Baltimore City, became the second inductee to Maryland's SOAR Hall of Fame, and Victoria Frazier, Amy Baker, and Carmela Amankwaah, all of Health Care for the Homeless and Community Case Management Services, were among those honored for their achievements. Congratulations, Maryland! What an exciting meeting!
 Maryland State & Local Leads
Federal Updates
National Disability Forum Meeting -- Date Change
The National Disability Forum will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 1:00--3:00 p.m. Eastern Time at the International Trade Commission Building, Main Hearing Room, 500 E Street Southwest, Washington, D.C. 20254. Individuals wishing to attend should register no later than July 10, 2015 if they are interested in participating in the July 15, 2015 meeting. Telephone conferencing will be available for participants not attending in person. Read the full announcement.
Coverage of Housing-Related Activities and Services for Individuals with Disabilities
The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services have released an informational bulletin that provides states with assistance in designing their Medicaid benefits, and clarifies the circumstances under which Medicaid reimburses housing-related activities. This bulletin is also intended to help states design benefit programs that acknowledge the social determinants of health, and contribute to a holistic focus on improvement of individual health and wellness. Read the full bulletin.
Statement by HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell on the Affordable Care Act
The June 25, 2015 Supreme Court decision confirms that the Affordable Care Act's tax credits are available to all eligible Americans no matter where they live. Americans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can continue to rely on the security and peace of mind that come with affordable, quality health care coverage. Read the full press release.
Funding Corner
2015 Community Innovation Awards
Connect 4 Mental Health (C4MH) will issue four awards to United States-based community programs exhibiting innovative work in the four C4MH pillars -- early intervention, creative use of technology, continuity of care, and service integration (one winner in each pillar). Winners will be implementing approaches that support individuals living with serious mental illness and their families, and that also may positively impact the communities in which they live. Each of the 2015 Community Innovation Award winners will receive a $10,000 award and access to a one-on-one mentorship program featuring exemplary community-based programs with expertise in the four C4MH pillars. Learn more and apply by July 17, 2015 here.
Recent Stories from the SOAR Voices Blog
Paying it Forward with SOAR
Peer support has used SOAR as a lifeline for individuals who seem to feel as if there is little hope in them ever getting back on their feet. SOAR allows me to give individuals hope that there is a special program with a team of individuals collaborating to help them be successful in the SSI/SSDI process. Prior to SOAR, people were frustrated, feeling as if SSI/SSDI was not obtainable for them, as many of them applied and had been rejected, even with the help of case managers. Read the full blog.
Poverty Is Bad For Mental Health - No, Really, It Is!
Spoiler Alert: Readers of this article will learn that research proves it is difficult to recover from behavioral health disorders if you have no money! Read the full blog.
Liaison Spotlight: Abigail Lemon
Get to know SOAR Project Associate, Abigail Lemon, in this new blog. Find out what states she works with, her favorite travel story, and her favorite SOAR success story! Read the full blog. Do you have a blog you would like to share on SOAR Voices? E-mail us at soar@prainc.com.
Upcoming Events
Leadership Academy 2015 Dates
July Webinar -- Save the Date
We will be hosting our next webinar on July 22, 2015! Join us to learn about the relationship between SOAR and employment. Stay tuned for the webinar description and registration link.
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Paying it Forward with SOAR
Poverty Is Bad For Mental Health - No, Really, It Is!
Liaison Spotlight: Abigail Lemon
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