winter 2014/2015 central valley: Programs & services in your community
open enrollment: what you need to know It’s winter, which means that, in addition to unpacking your sweaters and staying cozy, it’s also open enrollment time. This means evaluating your current health insurance plan for whether it still meets your medical needs and considering different coverage if it doesn’t. The three month Open Enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, the online health insurance shopping ‘portal’ through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ends February 15, 2015.
health insurance marketplace The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online health insurance shopping ‘portal.’ It allows individuals and families to compare available health plan options, submit an application for health insurance and cost help, and enroll in their chosen health plan. Details about price, benefits, quality and other features are presented to help you select the plan that best meets your needs.
What you should know about open enrollment Open Enrollment is the only time of year that people who are not already insured can apply for coverage and tax credits unless they qualify for a special enrollment due to certain circumstances (i.e. a job change, out-of-state move, having a baby, etc.). It is also the only
time current enrollees in a Marketplace plan can compare their current coverage to other options and enroll in another plan better suited to their needs and budget. Current enrollees in Marketplace plans are strongly urged to contact the Marketplace to verify or update their income, household size and other information to assure they receive the maximum tax credit and cost help for them and their family. Before enrolling in a new plan, people with MS should check to see if their prescription drugs and health care providers are covered. A good source of help comparing plan details for people with chronic illnesses is www.PuttingPatientsFirst.net. Visit www.healthcare.gov to register or switch plans. If you have questions about MS and the Health Insurance Marketplace, call our MS Navigators at 800-344-4867 for assistance. n
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central valley: Programs & Services winter 2014/2015
UPCOMING PROGRAMS Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visit our Calendar at www.nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/ norcal.
Online Newly Diagnosed Orientation Thursday, January 8th Thursday, March 12th 6:00pm - 7:30pm Online and over the phone Are you Newly Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you are facing. This web based program will be conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at UCSF and Director of Patient Program Development at UCSF’s MS Center. Dr. Crabtree will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an excellent opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons with multiple sclerosis. A phone and computer with internet access will be necessary to join this program.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Tuesday, February 3rd 6:30pm - 8:00pm National MS Society Central Valley Office 422 McHenry, Modesto Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. On a quarterly basis, this informative program, conducted by trained NMSS staff will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons with multiple sclerosis.
Rally in the Valley Saturday, March 14th 6:30pm Oakdale Golf & Country Club 243 N. Stearns Rd, Oakdale Join us as we come together in support of Walk MS Central Valley. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Walk MS, the National MS Society and resources available to those living with multiple sclerosis. We’ll have an appetizer buffet and live music. Bring your family, friends and teammates out for night of celebration, education and FUN! Tickets to this event are $10 per person and can be purchased online or at the door.
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
Central Valley Team Captains who bring the most guests in support of their team will win the night’s ticket proceeds towards their team’s Walk MS fundraising!
Yoga Class for People Living with MS Tuesdays 10:30am - 11:30am Accident and Injury Center 1419 Standiford Ave #1, Modesto Yoga combines breathing with movements that can alternately stimulate or calm the body. Many people with muscle tightness or decreased range of motion find that yoga practice brings noticeable improvement. Because yoga is relaxing and noncompetitive, it is especially recommended for people with MS. For more information, please contact instructor Richard Parenti, Spiritual Director for the Yoga Health Institute, at 209-380-5955. Learn more about Richard and the Yoga Health Institute at www.yoga-ehealth.com
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what’s happening in northern california See page 4 for the dates, times, and locations of our Mood and Cognition programs.
Bay Area • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, February
4th in San Francisco • Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life with MS, February 4th - March 4th in San Francisco • Walnut Creek Mix & Mingle Walk KickOff, March 3rd in Walnut Creek • Easing Make Up Application with MS, March 22nd in Pleasanton
North State
• AXS Mapathon, January 24th in Santa Rosa • • •
•
and March 14th in Petaluma Chico MS Soiree, January 30th in Chico Lagunitas Brews and Blues Against MS, March 30th in Petaluma One-on-One Newly Diagnosed Orientations in North State, Napa and Sonoma Area Adaptive Yoga for MS, Tuesdays in Santa Rosa
Sacramento
• Learning Your Options: An Update on MS
Treatments and Clinical Trials, January 20th in Carmichael • Free From Falls, January 29th - March 19th in Citrus Heights
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central valley: Programs & Services winter 2014/2015
• UC Davis Medical Center MS Support • •
• •
Group, February 4th in Sacramento In-Person Newly Diagnosed Orientation, February 5th in Carmichael 2nd Annual ReUseIt Clothing Drive, March 2nd - 15th in Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Rocklin, and Sacramento Sacramento Mix & Mingle Walk MS KickOff, March 4th in Sacramento The Topic People Don’t Want to Talk About: Bladder Problems in MS, March 18th in Sacramento
South Bay
• Tara Talks, January 8th in Salinas, 15th in • • • • • • •
Santa Cruz and 22nd in Monterey Partners of MS Support & Social, February 7th in Santa Clara Newly Diagnosed Orientation, February 10th in Santa Clara Wine Down Wednesday, February 18th in Los Gatos Crafting for a Cure for Kids, March 3rd in Santa Clara MS Awareness Fair, March 6th in Marina Stretching, Strength and Aquatics, March 31st - April 16th in Marina San Jose Sabercats, coming soon in San Jose
self-help groups MERCED COUNTY • Merced: MS Challengers - Susan: 209-
631-7279
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY • Manteca - Sue: 209-482-7034 • Stockton AM - Laurie: 209-915-1730,
Velma: 209-951-2264 • Stockton PM - Brenda: 209-951-0536, Mary: 209-334-5670 • Tracy - Linda: 209-833-6882
STANISLAUS COUNTY • Modesto - Marti or Jane: 209-521-8956 • Modesto: Women’s Coffee Talk -
Clarissa: 559-871-3180 • Turlock - Bill: 209-664-1427, Frances: 209-883-3526
ONLINE • “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708
WELCOME ANDREA! We are pleased to welcome Andrea Covolo, our Community Engagement Coordinator for the Central Valley. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from the University of South Dakota. She will be working to build relationships with members, healthcare professionals, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners that help promote the mission of the Society throughout the state. To reach Andrea, please call 209-214-6022 or email andrea.covolo@nmss.org