Your experiences and preferences with health insurance could earn you $75.

John Snow, Inc., a health care research and consulting organization, is conducting a family focus group to learn opinions about children’s health insurance. Focus group participants will help answer key questions related to enrollment and administrative simplicity, benefits, costs, and provider choice and networks.

The focus group needs individuals who:

• have health insurance
• have a child 18 or under on private insurance or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
• have an approximate household income between 23,000-90,000

Individuals selected to participate will receive $75 cash. Participants will meet for discussion on March 5, 2015, in the evening, at EverThrive (located at 1256 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642)

For more information, or to see if you are eligible, call (877) 204-2830.

 

Kidde recalls disposable plastic fire extinguishers due to failure to discharge.

On February 12, 2015 the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of several disposable Kidde brand fire extinguishers. A faulty valve can cause the extinguisher to not fully discharge. Owners of the affected models are urged to replace them. Visit the recall summary for complete details on affected models.

A new adult day program is being planned but needs at least 8 participants to start.

Leisure in Full Effect (LIFE) is a year-round adult day program offered by the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association. This day program will offer independent living skills, socialization, community integration, and recreation and leisure.

A pre-admission (and then annual) assessment will help determine if you qualify for the program. General requirements are age 22+ or high school graduates who require 1:4 staff to participant support to be successful in the program.

LIFE program plans

• Monday – Friday
• 9:00am – 3:00pm
• 48 weeks per year
• choose to attend 2, 3, or 5 days per week
• Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe, IL 60022

LIFE is anticipated to start Monday, August 15, 2015 but needs a minimum of 8 participants. If you’re interested, visit the LIFE webpage for more information.

 

New affiliation agreement allows for seamless care.

The Shriners and UI Health created an affiliation that allows patients easier access to doctors. This UI Health article details how patients will benefit from the new arrangement. For example, Shriners will see children until age 18. Many of these young adults can now seek care with the same doctor at UI Health.

University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana (UIUC) received a federal grant to fund master’s degrees for students who plan to work with children with disabilities and their families.

It’s known as the PCRP Project – Preparing Culturally Responsive Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Personnel. The program is run by the UIUC Department of Special Education.

Students in the program study young children’s social-emotional development. The master’s program aims to prepare these students to provide culturally responsive and evidence-based services.

For more information, view the PCRP program flyer.

Did you know tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other infectious disease?

The American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month each February. The campaign aims to help people understand why dental care is so important. A healthy mouth helps children eat, speak, learn, and play without pain.

To read more facts and recommendations, read the full article on the Altarum Institute website.

It’s that time again to get out and bowl for kids’ sake.

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts a bowling event to raise money for their program. This year, the Illinois Capital Region is offering several dates for the 2015 Super Bowl in Springfield. To join in the fun, recruit a team and raise pledges. You’ll enjoy bowling, food, drinks, prizes, and more.

View the flyer for details.

Get the official press release about Social Security office hours.

In the past, offices had to cut back hours due to budget cuts. The fiscal year 2015 budget will allow offices to expand their current hours, but the post points out many services do not require an in-person visit. Read the press release.

Offer comments on Illinois’ plan to transition into new Medicaid rules.

The federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) issued new rules affecting Home and Community Based Waivers. This includes the Home Care Program operated by Specialized Care for Children.

Information about the new rules can be found on Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ webpage New Federal Requirements for Residential and Non-Residential Home and Community-Based Settings.

Illinois is required to submit a statewide transition plan to CMS to explain how it will implement the new rules. The plan will also be posted on the webpage.

Illinois is also required to gather public input about the transition plan. If you would like to offer verbal or written comments, or attend a public listening forum or webinar, view the New Medicaid Rules Apply to Home & Community Based Waiver Settings flyer [PDF] for details.

Update as of 4/13/15: the transition plan has been submitted. Read our updated post.

 

2015 schedule released for monthly parent empowerment calls.

The Illinois Department of Human Services hosts empower calls each month. These educational calls are for Illinois parents who have a child with an emotional and/or behavioral concern. A variety of topics aim to give parents information they need to advocate for and support their children.

Calls occur from 12:00pm – 1:00pm on the follow dates

To join a call, dial (800) 260-0702, then enter the access code for the date and topic you are joining.