Health Care

The Living Well Alabama workshop is a six-week self-management workshop that meets once a week, for two and a half hours. Each workshop is facilitated by two trained leaders following an evidenced-based curriculum developed by Stanford University.

The interactive, evidenced based workshop was developed by Stanford University and teaches participants real-life skills for living a full, healthy life. Participants learn how to take small steps towards positive changes and healthier living. The workshop will build participant confidence and improve their ability to manage day-to-day life.

Topics covered include:

  • Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
  • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
  • Techniques to learn better breathing
  • Using guided imagery and relaxation techniques
  • Appropriate use of medications
  • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
  • Nutrition and healthy eating practices
  • How to evaluate new treatments

The Alabama Medicaid Agency, which began operations on January 1, 1970, is a state/federal program that pays for medical and long-term care services for low-income pregnant women, children, certain people on Medicare, disabled individuals and nursing home residents. The individuals must meet certain income and other requirements.

 

Help with Prescription Drugs: NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs that help people who cannot afford medications and healthcare costs. More than 1.3 million patients, family members, healthcare professionals, social workers, and patient advocates use NeedMeds each year. They also publish information about resources for specific diseases. Their phone number is (978) 281-6666.

The Kaiser Family Foundation has developed a tool that illustrates health insurance premiums and subsidies for people purchasing insurance on their own in new health insurance exchanges (or “Marketplaces”) created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Beginning in October 2013, middle-income people under age 65, who are not eligible for coverage through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare, can apply for tax credit subsidies available through state-based exchanges.

Additionally, states have the option to expand their Medicaid programs to cover all people making up to 138% of the federal poverty level (which is about $33,000 for a family of four). In states that opt out of expanding Medicaid, some people making below this amount will still be eligible for Medicaid, some will be eligible for subsidized coverage through Marketplaces, and others will not be eligible for subsidies. (The state of Alabama has elected not to expand their Medicaid program)

With this calculator, you can enter different income levels, ages, and family sizes to get an estimate of your eligibility for subsidies and how much you could spend on health insurance. As premiums and eligibility requirements may vary, contact your state’s Medicaid office or exchange with enrollment questions.

The Vision of Family Voices of Alabama is that every child and youth with a disability receives family-centered care. The resource link has a Healthcare Notebook that helps both individuals with disabilities & their health care providers. It is a great tool that has been provided to some clinics at Children’s. The mission of Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Are you or someone you know living with a mental illness? NAMI can help! Their website is full of resources and support groups for you or your loved one.