Our April '23 Newsletter

April '23 News, Updates & Events

In this Issue:

President's Message

2023 Parent University Class 4: Government Benefits - April 13,12-1

Catch up on Parent U Class 3 Now

IL ABLE Casting Call...Hurry!

Illinois Medicaid Waiver Program Changing Timesheet Process

What's New at Protected Tomorrows?

Upcoming Events

President's Message

Dear Clients & Friends,

Happy April! I don't know about you, but the very word "April" makes my heart lift.

I love the longer days, the warming temperatures, and the crocus and daffodils shooting up in my garden. (My dogs' muddy paws are another story, but they love April, too...longer walks!)

April (the true start of Spring in Chicago) is the month of hope and rebirth. Think about it: Easter, Passover and Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, all take place in April.

April is also Autism Awareness Month, and that gives me hope, too. We still have much to learn about this complex disorder, but awareness, acceptance and inclusion are all good places to start.

Of course, it's easier to be hopeful about the future when you've planned it. That's what we're for. Take advantage of our Parent University webinars and other resources. And please ask for help if you need it.

There are many reasons to be hopeful and grateful--and I wish you both. Happy April!

Warmest regards,

Mary Anne Ehlert

2023 Parent University Class 4: "Government Benefits: What You Need to Know"

Thursday, April 13, 12-1PM CDT

Join us for one of our most in-demand classes of the year!

When it comes to government benefits, it seems the rules are ever-changing. In this webinar, we'll cover SSI, SSDI, DAC, Medicaid and Medicare. You’ll learn:

How to avoid making mistakes when applying for and utilizing these benefits
The role they may play in your child’s future financial security
How to track and leverage these benefits to the fullest
What happens to these benefits if something happens to you
How Medicaid Waiver Payments fit in

Can’t attend, but want the info? Register anyway, and we’ll provide you with a link to the recorded video.

For Zoom security, when you register, you’ll receive an email with a link to class and a passcode—which you’ll be asked to enter when you log-on. (To avoid disruption, we'll close the class at 12:05. If you’re late, you'll be able to watch the video later.)

Missed Class 3, "Taxes, Taxes, Oh No"?

View It Free until April 26!

If you missed last month's Parent University class, "Taxes, Taxes, Oh No!", you can watch it for free—but only for a short time. The video will be available with our compliments until April 26; just use the coupon code 2023pu3taxes.

Learn how to integrate tax planning with your financial and special needs plans...which government benefits are taxable...how the Secure Act 2.0 may impact you...and how to claim certain deductions.

We'd like to thank our March guest speakers for generously sharing their expertise and time:

Marie Stark, Stark & D'Aprile, CPAs, P.C. - mstark@wsbcpas.net
Benjamin (Benji) A. Rubin, Rubin Law, P.C. - benji@rubinlaw.com
Jeanine Geraci, Protected Tomorrows, Inc. - jgeraci@protectedtomorrows.com

To use the Coupon Code

Click on the link below to access the class in our store
Add the class to your cart
Type in the above code at checkout
Click “Apply coupon”

Watch Here

IL ABLE Casting Call: Apply by April 7!

Modeling/Acting Opportunity for Superstars with Disabilities

Does your child enjoy acting, modeling or simply being center stage? IL ABLE is seeking actor/models with disabilities to represent the diversity of disability in Illinois. All ages, genders, races, ethnicities and disability types are invited to apply. The images will be featured in advertisements and promotional materials created by IL ABLE.

But don't delay. You must submit your application no later than April 7 (sorry for the late notice; we just learned about it ourselves).

Photoshoots will be held in the Chicago area, and actor/models will receive $300 upon completion of their participation. (Not all applicants will be selected to participate.) For more information and to complete the application, click here.

Illinois Medicaid Waiver Programs Changing Timesheet Process

EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) is a tech-based system that verifies home healthcare visits. It’s a federally-mandated Medicaid requirement. Illinois’ Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) has been gradually incorporating EVV into its programs for some time.

Throughout 2023, EVV will be implemented for those receiving Personal Care Services (PCS) under the Adults with Developmental Disabilities and the Children with Developmental Disabilities Support Waivers. If your child receives these services, the state will likely be contacting you with more information.

In the meantime, you can read more about the program at:

https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=66961, and
https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/Pages/ElectronicVisitVerification.aspx (includes helpful slides and videos)

What's New at Protected Tomorrows?

There's always something happening at Protected Tomorrows--stay in the loop!

Say Hello to Barbara Gier

If you’ve known Protected Tomorrows for a while, you probably already know Barb! Barb joined us in 2014 as an Accountability Coach, bringing 30 years of customer service experience in the insurance industry with her.

A fierce advocate for her son John, who has Cerebral Palsy, she knows firsthand what special needs families face--and she's passionate about helping clients secure the services they need. (We’re happy to report that John now lives independently in the community—a credit to both Barb and John!)

Mary Anne In the News: Getting the Word Out

There are more than 555,000 kids with disabilities in Illinois alone, and many of their families are hungry for resources and information. That’s why we’re always grateful when local publications help us get the word out about Protected Tomorrows.

Check out this nice article in Country magazine (including a very cute illustration of Mary Anne...with wings! (It’s a lovely magazine, but the article is on page 70 if you don’t want to leaf through it.)