Navigating the Benefits Maze

By Kathryn Buck - PHCentral Editor

Navigating The Benefits Maze
Rick Perry, of A.C.C.E.S.S., Discusses "Navigating The Benefits Maze" with DelVal Support Group
 

Philadelphia, Saturday January 9, 2000 -- Rick Perry, Senior Disability Specialist, with Olsten Health Services’ "A.C.C.E.S.S." Program, met for over two hours with The Delaware Valley (Philadelphia region) PH Support Group, to offer guidance and help in dealing with benefits such as Social Security and Health Insurance. About 35 patients and caregivers attended, coming from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Washington (State). Jim Cline, Olsten rep from southeastern PA, assisted Cass Carlin, leader of the DelVal Group, in organizing the meeting. Jane Severs of Olsten’s Harrisburg office also attended.

Mr. Perry demystified the applications procedures for obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI), and gave meaning to COBRA, High Risk Insurance Pools, and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.) The last of these is quite new, and very good news for those worried about keeping or obtaining private health insurance.

Above all, Perry emphasized that finding one’s own way through the State and Federal Disabilities systems is very likely to end up in a rejected application. Well more than half of all applications for these programs are initially disapproved, and subsequently approved upon appeal, delaying receipt of deserved benefits by several years. It is more efficient, he said, to use A.C.C.E.S.S., which he represents, and it is best to obtain their help early in the process.

A.C.C.E.S.S. is a unit of Olsten Health Services, and is located in Tampa Florida. The group consists of seven members, all of whom have extensive training or education in areas related to benefits and entitlements. Their services are offered free of charge. Any PH patient may request their assistance.

Perry closed his talk by explaining that PH patients are a "special interest group" from a political standpoint, and will receive benefits in some proportion to the amount of pressure that they exert upon the political system. Letter-writing campaigns do "count", he said, which surprised some of those in attendance.

The talk was quite well-received, judging by the number of questions asked and the enthusiastic applause. Mr. Perry’s manner was informal, and his insider’s knowledge of "the system" was both entertaining and informative.

Those wishing to contact A.C.C.E.S.S. may call toll free: 888-700-7010.

January 12, 2000

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