ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY DAY CENTER: On May 22, 2013, Angie Griffith will be speaking at the Alzheimer's Family Day Center from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The topic of her speech is "Paying for Long Term Care: What are the Options?" The Center is located at 2812 Old Lee Highway, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22031.

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Source: Reprinted from the May 2013 newsletter of Sheri R. Abrams, Attorney at Law, Needham Mitnick & Pollack, PLC 
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In addition, for the first time consumers will be able to fill out one simple application and see their entire range of health insurance options, including plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and tax credits that will help pay for premiums.

The Marketplace consumer application can be submitted starting on October 1st and can be found here.

The online version of the application will be an interactive experience that shortens the application process based on individuals' responses. The paper application was simplified and tailored to meet personal situations based on important feedback from consumer groups.

Consumers can apply online, by phone or paper when open enrollment begins October 1, 2013.

There will be clear information provided about how to complete the application, and how to access help in applying and enrolling in coverage.

This consumer-focused approach will facilitate the enrollment of millions of Americans into affordable, high quality coverage while minimizing the administrative burden on states, individuals and health plans.

For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, click here.

The pass may be obtained two ways, either at a federal recreation site where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged or through the mail.

To obtain a pass you must have identification to verify that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, which could include:

A U.S. State or Territory issued Drivers License, Identification or Birth Certificate; or

A U.S. Passport or Passport Card; or

A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

You must also have documentation that you have a permanent disability, which could include:

A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that you have a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and stating the nature of the impairment; or

A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the Veteran's Administration, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive Federal benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability; or

Proof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or

A document issued by a State agency such as the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation agency benefits or services as a result of medically determined blindness or permanent disability.

Showing a State motor vehicle department disability sticker, license plate or hang-tag is not acceptable documentation.

Obtaining a Pass Through the Mail:

To obtain an Access pass through the mail, you must complete an application, provide a photocopy of proof of citizenship or residency, documentation of disability and pay the processing fee. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free).

Obtaining a Pass in Person:

If you apply for an Access Pass at a Federal recreation site you do NOT need to fill out an application. When you arrive at the recreation site, the officer providing the Pass will verify your documentation of disability and that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident by checking your ID. You will then be issued the Pass. The Pass is free if obtained in person, and there is no processing fee. Before making a trip to obtain a Pass, be sure to contact the site to ensure that they have Passes available.

For more information and an Application, please click here.