BRAIN INJURY HELP LINE
1-866-412-4755
Aging
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
The Pennsylvania Department of aging funds Area Agencies on Aging. The Department offers advocacy, planning, training, research and the administration of federal and state funds. Most of the services and benefits are provided through the states 52 Area Agencies on Aging.
http://www.aging.state.pa.us
Children
Special Kids Network
A free, statewide network for families, like yours, with children who have special needs or disabilities. They can connect you with a broad range of resources and support services in your community.
800.986.4550
www.health.state.pa.us/skn
Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
www.pde.psu.edu
If problem cannot be resolved for children in grade or high school, contact -
Richard Brown
Phone: 717.783.6906
email: ribrown@state.pa.us
Education
Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. PaTTAN supports the Department of Education's efforts to lead and serve the educational community by offering professional development that builds the capacity of local educational agencies to meet students' needs. PaTTAN's primary focus is special education. However, services are also provided to support Early Intervention, student assessment, tutoring and other partnership efforts, all designed to help students succeed.
6430 Flank Drive, Suite 600
Harrisburg, PA 17112
800.360.7282
717.541.4960
Website: www.pattan.k12.pa.us
Education
Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education
A Bureau of the Department of Education provides consultation for special education. It is staffed by persons trained in law pertaining to IEP's for the brain injured. The Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) has defined TBI for special ed and this group can advise school districts on services needed for students who have suffered TBI .
800.879.2301
General
Accessible PA
Accessible PA is an online disability resource for Pennsylvanians which combines the latest information on programs and services in one convenient site for people of all ages with disabilities, as well as their families and support providers.
www.accessiblepa.state.pa.us
General
Pennsylvania Home Page
General information on Pennsylvania.
http://www.state.pa.us/
Health & Human Services
Health & Human Services Portal
Your one-stop online guide to services, programs, agencies, and organizations in Pennsylvania, that are ready to help you. Contains quick links to the Departments of Aging, Health, Insurance and Welfare. Also lists all of the toll free numbers for state programs.
www.helpinpa.state.pa.us
Human Rights
Human Rights Commission
Investigates complaints of discrimination and monitoring bias-related crimes and tension within our communities.
Riverfront Office Center,
1101-1125 S. Front Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2515
Voice: (717) 787-9784 / Text Telephone (TT/TTY): (717) 787-7279
www.phrc.state.pa.us
Insurance Denials
Attorney General's Health Care Unit
Filing a complaint with the Attorney General may not preserve your appeal rights, pursuant to ACT 68 or Medicare. To preserve your rights, you must file a complaint or grievance appeal directly with your health plan or in conformance with the terms of your coverage. The Office of Attorney General does not give legal advice. If you have a problem with your HMO or Point of Service plan, you should "Take the Proper Steps", as follows:
1. Call your managed care plan member services department. Always call your managed care plan member services department first. Give them a chance to solve the problem. Many problems are solved at this level in an informal manner.
2. File a formal complaint or grievance with your plan. If your phone call to the plan does not solve your problem, call the plan again and tell them that you want to file either a formal complaint or a formal grievance.
3. File a complaint with the Attorney General's Health Care Section.
Office of Attorney General
Health Care Section
14th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
877.888.4877
Insurance
Pa Insurance Department
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department administers the laws of the Commonwealth as they pertain to the regulation of the insurance industry and the protection of the insurance consumer. The Department monitors financial solvency, licenses insurance companies and producers, reviews and approves rates and forms, and coordinates the takeover and liquidation of insolvent insurance companies and the rehabilitation of financially troubled insurers. The Department also investigates and enforces state laws and regulations pertaining to insurance and responds to consumer inquiries through its three regional offices. The Department provides the public with information and educational brochures regarding various types of insurance.
877.881.6388 (Consumer Services Hotline)
Insurance
Pa Health Choices Hotline
(For Help in choosing a Medicaid HMO or PCP)
800.440.3989
TDD 800.618.4225
Managed Care
Pa Bureau of Managed Care
The Department of Health reviews, approves, licenses and monitors the quality of care provided to consumers by health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other managed care systems. The Department promotes innovation in the health care marketplace by encouraging the development of alternative health delivery systems. It identifies problems associated with cost, quality and access within the managed care industry and initiates solutions with consumers and providers.
The Department also administers a consumer grievance program and ensures that each licensed HMO has an approved process in place to handle member complaints and grievances. When an HMO member is dissatisfied with the way their insurer has handled their complaint or grievance, a toll-free number, answered by Department of Health staff is available to provide additional information and/or assist them in obtaining resolution.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Bureau of Managed Care
Health & Welfare Building, Room 912
7th and Forster Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 787-5193 or toll-free 1-888-466-2787
Medical Assistance
Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP)
Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid) is a federal and state funded program. It is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law.
Office of Medical Assistance Programs
Health & Welfare Building
Room 515
PO Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA. 17105-2675
717.787.1870
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/OMAP/
Medicare
Department of Aging
555 Walnut St., 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919
717.783.1550
800.638.6833
Email: aging@state.pa.us
Prescriptions
Pennsylvania Patient Assistance Program (PA PAP)
Helps individuals obtain free prescription drugs from the companies that make them. Offers assistance to people with little or no prescription coverage and who are 55 or older or adults with disabilities (of all ages). PA PAP has no income guidelines, however the participating drug manufacturers do. Call for information and assistance in applying.
1.800.955.0989
Recreation
Pennsylvania Recreation & Leisure Services for Persons with Disabilities
PA's Recreation & Leisure help line is nearing the final stages of development. When the line is operational, persons who have disabilities and are seeking information about recreation and leisure resources may call the toll-free number, 1-877-986-4550 (Voice) or 1-877-986-5432 (TTY). Callers will be connected to an Information Specialist in one of six regional offices. This professional and friendly staff is ready to provide callers with support, up-to-date information, and referrals to organizations that provide recreation and leisure services for individuals with disabilities. The helpline is intended for persons of all ages and disabilities.
Contact: 1-877-986-4550 (Voice) or 1-877-986-5432 (TTY).
Rehabilitation
Head Injury Program
The Head Injury Program (HIP) pays for head injury rehabilitation services for people who qualify. The goal of the program is to help individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) live independently in their homes and communities. Enrolled individuals may receive no more than 12 consecutive months or $100,000 for rehabilitation services as specified in the rehabilitation service plan, followed by a maximum of six consecutive months or $1,000 for case management to assist in transitioning out of the HIP. Services are provided in residential facilities; day facilities (outpatient); and other home and community-based settings.
866.412.4755
Social Programs
The Office of Social Programs (OSP) is one of several program offices within the Department of Public Welfare. The OSP is comprised of the Deputy's Office, the Bureau of Home and Community Based Services, the Bureau of Supportive Social Services, the Bureau of Program Management, and Personal Care Home Licensing. OSP administers the following programs.
Attendant Care Program
The purpose of the Pennsylvania Attendant Care Program is to enable individuals with physical disabilities to perform activities of daily living. Consumers have ultimate control of their attendant care services including the right to recruit, hire, train, supervise, pay and, if necessary, terminate their attendants.
Who is Eligible? Pennsylvania residents ages eighteen (18) through fifty-nine (59) inclusive who are mentally alert and have physical disabilities.
COMMCARE Waiver
The COMMCARE Waiver is a Home and Community-Based program developed for individuals with a medically determined diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). COMMCARE prevents the institutionalization of individuals with TBI and helps them to remain as independent as possible. Persons over age 21,who require a Special Rehabilitative Facility (SRF) level of care are eligible.
Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities (CSPPPD)
The Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities (CSPPPD) provides services to people with severe developmental physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or similar conditions. Individuals must have an other related condition which manifests at least three substantial functional limitations in the areas of mobility, communication, self-care, learning, self-direction, or capacity for independent living.
Independence Waiver
The Independence Waiver is a Home and Community-Based waiver program that provides services to persons with physical disabilities to allow them to live in the community and remain as independent as possible. Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older with severe physical disability requiring a nursing facility level of care are eligible.
Who is eligible? Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older with a severe physical disability requiring a nursing facility level of care. The disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities: mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and learning.
OBRA Waiver
The OBRA Waiver is a Home and Community-Based waiver program that provides services to people with developmental physical disabilities to allow them to live in the community and remain as independent as possible.
Who is eligible? Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older with a severe developmental physical disability requiring an Intermediate Care Facility / Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care. The disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities: mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and learning
OSP Contact Information
DPW, PO Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675
717.787.3438
866.412.4755
www.dpw.state.pa.us
Keyword search on Office of Social Programs
Social Security
Social Security Benefits Counseling
(one provider is contracted for each PA region)
717.763.0968
Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's (OVR) is to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to secure and maintain employment and independence.
OVR CENTRAL OFFICE
1521 N. 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717-787-5244 Voice
800-442-6351 Voice
717-787-4885 TTY
866-830-7327 TTY
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