THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING,
AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM
JULY 2003 NICA NEWS
GOLD RECORDS
William Grimes
NICA Volunteer William Grimes assisted in a successful appeal of a Medicare denial earlier this year. Bill, from Grand Island, volunteered to assist the beneficiary when her call came into the NICA hotline in October, 2002. Bill met several times with the beneficiary over several months, even assisting at the hearing with a Medicare Appeal Officer. The issue was finally resolved in May of 2003, with the successful reversal of a denial of a $510 ambulance claim. Great job, Bill!
Jim Bendorf
In May, a gentleman from Colorado contacted NICA Volunteer Jim Bendorf regarding his elderly parents. The son was unable to assist his parents from long distance regarding their concerns of insurance coverage. It was determined that the couple had both Medicare Part A & B and two different types of Medicare supplement policies dating back prior to 1990. Two interesting things happened during Jim's counseling sessions. It was determined that the couple was "over-insured" and they were able to drop one policy in an effort to save money. Jim also found out the couple was in need of additional assistance which they were eligible for through the Midlands Area Agency on Aging. Because of the good working relationship that Jim has established between the NICA program and the Area Agency on Aging, this couple is able to receive the assistance and guidance needed to continue their independent life-style.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
New Reporting Requirement for Volunteers!
While we know most NICA Volunteers are out doing great things in their community, there has been a new requirement instituted due to the reporting requirement at the federal level. Starting in 2003, all NICA volunteers are required to submit Client Contact forms and/or Public & Media Activity forms in order to remain as an active volunteer. An average of one form per quarter must be submitted by each volunteer to document counseling and outreach efforts. If a volunteer does not show any activity within a year, then status as a NICA volunteer will be terminated. This requirement is needed to help determine where our resources are best spent and to inform the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services what NICA efforts have produced. Remember - even a two-minute conversation over coffee can count as a contact. If you have any questions about this requirement, or would like ideas for outreach opportunities, please contact your regional representative. And, of course, there is no maximum!!
