HORRY COUNTY RESOURCE DIRECTORY - City of North …

1 HORRY COUNTY RESOURCE DIRECTORY 2008 2009 WACCAMAW REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS This RESOURCE DIRECTORY is a project of the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG) sponsor of the Waccamaw Area Family Caregiver Support Program. WRCOG provides this information without cost to the users and does not endorse any of its listings. Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging WRCOG is the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the Older Americans Act Program in the Region.

2 The AAA s principal function is to plan a comprehensive and coordinated system of delivering services for senior citizens. The services provided include: Transportation Congregate meals Home-delivered meals Health promotion Homecare Family caregiver assistance Information, referral and assistance services LTC Ombudsman services ICARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance & Referral for Elders The Family Caregiver program provides support, information, education, and services to family caregivers throughout the Waccamaw region. The regional caregiver advocate works directly with caregivers to provide them with information and services that help to make their job as caregivers a successful and rewarding experience while relieving many stressors involved in being a full time caregiver.)

3 The Regional Information, Referral and Assistance program (I/R&A) provides a one-stop approach to provide I/R&A services to seniors and their caregivers throughout the region. This program along with an Internet accessible statewide I/R&A database serves as the access point for informational services. The Long Term Care Ombudsman program seeks to improve the quality of life and quality of care of the residents of long term care facilities, both in nursing homes and assisted living centers. The LTC Ombudsman investigates and works to resolve problems or complaints affecting long term care residents, educates facility staff about residents rights and other issues, provides information about long term care and related services, educates the community about the needs of long term care residents, and visits long term care facilities to talk to residents and monitor conditions in the facility.

4 Information Resources Staff Area Agency on Aging Kim Harmon Human Services Director 1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 (843) (843) Fax Jennifer Gray Family Caregiver Advocate1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 (843) (843) Cell (843) Fax Brenda Blackstock I/R&A Specialist 1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 (843) (843) Fax Toll Free Tasia Stackhouse Regional LTC Ombudsman 1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 (843) (843) Cell (843) Fax Danita Veeter Aging Program Coordinator 1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 (843) (843) Fax Information/Referral Assistance Our Information/Referral Assistant Specialist is trained to understand the sensitivity in nature of the inquirer s needs and can confidentially help identify appropriate resources and or services that could possible meet your needs.

5 In addition, she can offer assistance or support and advocate on your behalf to access services when necessary. The Information/Referral Assistance Program is designed to help inquirers easily access information and offer options, reducing time and frustration in locating services. Insurance Counseling Assistance & Referral for Elders I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance & Referral for Elders) & SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), are the local and national programs through Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments, that provides free unbiased counseling and assistance, (via telephone or face-to-face), with your health insurance questions.

6 Certified trained counselors at WRCOG provide up to date, accurate information on appropriate health insurance for seniors, including Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap and Supplemental Insurance Policies, Medicaid, Insurance Claims & Appeals and Long Term Care Insurance. Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments A Community Helping Organization for SC Healthy Connections Choices SC Healthy Connections Choices is a program that helps South Carolina Medicaid members and newly eligible members enroll in health plans that suit their families needs.

7 When members enroll, they choose a health plan and a doctor or clinic. SC Healthy Connections Choices enrollment packets are sent daily to every new Medicaid member and to Medicaid members after they renew. Newly eligible members may select a health plan when they join Medicaid. How to enroll There are five easy ways for members to enroll: By mail complete the enrollment form and send it in By fax complete the enrollment form and fax it in By phone calling 1-(877)-552-4642 On line via the website ( ) In person, with a community enrollment counselor For more information about SC Healthy Connections Choices, visit the website at , call toll free 1-877-552-4642 or you can call Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments to speak with a Community Helping Organization Coordinator at (843) 546-8502 or toll free 1-888-302-7550.

8 Protect Yourself Against Fraud Never show anyone your medical or prescription records without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. If someone calls and tries to threaten or pressure you into something-simply hang up the phone. If someone comes to your door and says they are form Medicare or some other health care company shut the s shrewd to be rude! Do your homework and talk to your health care provider before buying or investing in internet cure-all or miracle products or services. Don t keep mail in your mailbox for more than one day.

9 People steal personal information right out of your mailbox. Rip up or shred your Medicare or other health care papers and other important documents before throwing them away. Crooks go through the trash! Treat your Medicare & Social Security numbers like credit cards. If someone offers to buy you Medicare or SSN, don t do s simply not worth it. Remember that Medicare doesn t sell anything. ALWAYS read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) a piece of mail stamped This is Not a Bill after you received medical services. If you believe that you have been a target of a senior scam or fraud, or know of a senior citizen who has been victimized, please call the Department of Consumer Affairs at 1-800- 922-1594 or the Lt.

10 Governor s Office on Aging at 1-800-868-9095. EXTRA HELP IS AVAILABLE Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some People with limited income and resources also are eligible for extra help to pay for the cost monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payment related to a Medicare Prescription drug plan. The extra help could be worth up to $3,600 per year. To qualify for extra help you must have: Limited income to $15,600 individual or $21,000 married couple Resources limited to $11,990 individual or $23,970 married couple Even if you annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help.