Care Management
The National MS Society is committed to addressing the challenges of persons living with MS, in part by providing timely customized response to the needs of individuals and families. The goal of care management is to help those people living with MS who need more than information and counsel to manage the effects of the disease on their lives.
The goal of this level of service is to maintain and/or enhance independent living capabilities and quality of life for people whose health and safety are compromised by limited knowledge and understanding about the program and benefits available to them. The chapter provides time-limited care management to locate, establish, and coordinate community resources and benefit programs (including those provided by the chapter) for both the person with MS and his/her family members.
You and your Care Manager will agree together on specific goals for your life and situation. You will work together to identify new resources to help you manage your life with MS and determine specific steps that can be taken to make things better. At the end of the process we hope you will feel that your life is easier and more manageable than it was before.
For information about on-site Care Management and other crisis services offered at the New York City - Southern New York Chapter, click here.
Community Resources
As a service and courtesy, the National MS Society wants to inform you of the following vendors that provide services you may be interested in. However, we want to be clear that the NYC - Southern NY Chapter does not endorse these services or products provided. Be advised that should you provide your name or information to any of these outside organizations, you may receive information from them or their commercial partners in the future. These are not National MS Society programs or partners.
ACCESS NYC
ACCESS NYC is a free service that identifies and screens for over 30 City, State, and Federal human service benefit programs. Their database includes programs for families with children, employment and training programs, financial assistance programs, food and nutrition programs, health insurance programs, and housing programs.
https://a858-ihss.nyc.gov/ihss1/en_US/IHSS_homePage.do
The Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY)
The Center for Independence of the Disabled (CIDNY)'s offices in Manhattan and Queens provide benefits counseling, direct services (e.g. housing assistance, transition services for youth with disabilities, employment-related assistance, healthcare access, benefits assistance, and peer support groups), information and referrals, and recreational activities. There are no charges to consumers for CIDNY's services.
http://cidny.org/cidnyweb/index.jsp
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
HPD protects the existing housing stock and expands housing options for New Yorkers as it strives to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of housing in New York City. HPD has made a decisive shift away from City ownership of properties and has developed innovative community revitalization initiatives that promote private investment and productive public-private partnerships. HPD works with its governmental, community, non-profit and for-profit partners to strengthen neighborhoods, increase the availability of well-maintained, affordable housing and enable more New Yorkers to become homeowners. Click on the link below to view their currently lottery list for apartments and homes for sale.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/apartment/lotteries.shtml
Health Information Tool for Empowerment (HITE)
The Health Information Tool for Empowerment (HITE) is an online directory of health and social services specifically for low-income, uninsured and under-insured New Yorkers. With the click of a mouse, HITE connects you to a broad array of health and support services.
http://www.hitesite.org/Default.aspx
Independence Care System (ICS)
Independence Care System (ICS) is a Medicaid managed long-term care plan licensed by New York State for individuals with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. Their mission is to provide their members with the health and social supports they need to live full and satisfying lives at home, in their own communities. ICS has a unit dedicated to people living with MS and works in collaborations with the New York City Chapter of the MS Society.
http://www.icsny.org/index.html
Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver Program (NHTD)
The NHTD waiver uses Medicaid funding to provide supports and services to assist individuals with disabilities and seniors toward successful inclusion in the community. Waiver participants may come from a nursing facility or other institution (transition), or choose to participate in the waiver to prevent institutionalization (diversion).
http://www.health.state.ny.us/facilities/long_term_care/waiver/nhtd_manual/index.htm
1-800-LIFENET (1-877-AYUDESE en Español)
1-800-LIFENET, a confidential, toll-free 24-hour mental health help line for New York City residents, is operated by the Mental Health Association of New York City in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. LIFENET assists people who are experiencing a crisis. LIFENET has authorized linkages with the 23 mobile crisis teams and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This unique, life-saving authority allows LIFENET to provide a prompt response to callers in urgent need of psychiatric assistance.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cis/cis_lifenet.shtml
Access-A-Ride (AAR)
MTA New York City Transit Access-A-Ride (AAR) provides millions of trips a year for eligible customers in New York City. AAR also provides service within a three-quarter-of-a-mile corridor beyond fixed-route service across the New York City borderline to nearby areas of Nassau and Westchester Counties. Some people use AAR occasionally, while others use it on a regular basis. AAR does its part to make New York City accessible to everyone.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm#what_is
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-mandated case management program that arranges for services and support for physically and/or mentally impaired adults who are at risk of harm. APS seeks to promptly resolve the risks faced by eligible clients with service plans that will enable these individuals to live independently and safely within their homes and communities. Prospective clients may be referred by anyone.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/html/directory/adult.shtml
Application for MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard for People with Disabilities
The subway and bus fare in New York City is $2 per ride. Reduced fare is half fare ($1) or less with Reduced-Fare MetroCard discounts. If you are 65 years of age or older or have a disability that qualifies, you are eligible.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/fare/pdf/disabled.pdf
Barrier Free Living (BFL)
Celebrating over 25 years, Barrier Free Living (BFL) is dedicated to helping New Yorkers with disabilities live independently in the community. BFL provides a range of services and linkages to other community resources through our various programs, enabling individuals to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their living dignified, secure lives. They specialize in programs for domestic violence, homelessness, and disability advocacy.
http://www.bflnyc.org/Home1.asp
NYC Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
The Disability Rent Increase Exemption program (DRIE) was enacted in 2005 to protect eligible renters who have disabilities from being priced out of their apartments as rents increase.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/property/property_tax_reduc_drie.shtml
NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities works hand-in-hand with other City agencies to assure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and that City programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/mopd/html/home/home.shtml
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Disability Parking Information
Reserved parking for people with disabilities ensures safe and equal access to goods and services, access which most of us take for granted. This website presents information on how to obtain license plates and parking permits that allow individuals with severe disabilities to use specially-marked parking spots.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/mopd/html/home/home.shtml
New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded program that issues heating benefits to supplement a household’s annual energy cost. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency. Additionally, HEAP offers a furnace repair and/or replacement benefit for households with inoperable heating equipment. HEAP may help you pay for: Electricity, Propane, Natural Gas, Wood, Oil, Kerosene, Coal, or any other heating fuel.
http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/
Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits under two programs: The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Your adult child also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a disability that started before age 22.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_disability.htm
Law Help/NY
LawHelp/NY is an online tool for helping low-income New Yorkers solve their legal problems. It is the only comprehensive source of legal referral information in the state and includes: free legal service organizations with their contact & intake information, “Know Your Rights” and self-help resources covering 15 areas of law, extensive links to social service, advocacy and government organizations, and information about the Court system. Law Help/NY also has a Spanish language mirror website as well as legal rights resources in more than 30 languages.
http://lawhelp.org/NY/
EarnBenefits Online
If you work in New York City and your paycheck doesn't cover all your expenses, EarnBenefits Online will help you learn about government and non-government programs and services that can help you make ends meet. Topics covered include Health & Nutrition, Children & Families, Tax Credits, Housing & Utilities, Community Resources, Careers & Training, and Needed Documentation for Benefits.
http://newyork.earnbenefits.org/
GreenPath Debt Solutions
GreenPath Debt Solutions is a nationwide non-profit consumer credit counseling service that has been helping people resolve financial problems, achieve financial goals and get relief from debt since 1961. Their compassionate, professional credit counselors are committed to helping you solve your financial problems and achieve your financial goals. Through debt counseling, debt management and financial education, they work with you to explore options and help you select the debt relief strategy that’s best for you. GreenPath also offers free debt counseling services either over the phone or in person.
http://www.greenpath.com/
Medicare Rights Center
The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives. The Medicare Rights Center offers comprehensive services to help people with Medicare and their caregivers fully understand the options and sources of support that are available to them. Trained counselors are available to answer questions, explain benefits, address problems, and work with clients who wish to apply for Medicare Savings Programs.
http://www.medicarerights.org
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers. Based on your answers to questions, this tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible and tell you more information about how to qualify and apply. Best screens for Medicare, Social Security Disability, Social Security Retirements, Social Security Survivors, Special Veterans, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
http://connections.govbenefits.gov/ssa_en.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=gbcc_page_home&_nfls=false
Partnership for Prescription Assistance New York (PPARxNY)
PPARxNY is a program that connects qualified, low-income people with discount prescription drugs, direct from the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Their mission is to increase awareness of and enrollment in existing patient assistance programs for those who may be eligible. PPARxNY offers a single point of access to public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Search their database to see if any assistance programs are available for your prescription.
http://www.pparxny.org
Patient Assistance Programs
Pharmaceutical companies that offer financial assistance for MS medications for those who are eligible, they do not represent therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. For specific information and advice, consult a qualified physician.
patient assistance programs