October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As social workers, we understand how domestic violence pervades all aspects of society. Domestic violence is a serious problem in the United States, yet remains seriously underreported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone is physically abused by an intimate partner every 20 minutes. On an annual basis, this equates to over 10 million people. Domestic violence is a human and civil rights issue. It affects everyone, everywhere and disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color. NASW-NYS extends support to members and clients who have personally experienced domestic violence.

NASW-NYS would like to take a moment to spotlight social workers working with domestic violence. You are often the first receivers and supports for those trapped in domestic violence. You run shelters and manage grants. You attend to the needs of victims and families to help end the cycle of abuse, and help advocate for victims in courts and educate communities on domestic violence. You play a crucial role in helping victims start the process of rebuilding their lives. NASW-NYS applauds your hard work.

Social workers have long been important and critical voices in the fight to end domestic violence. As we pay attention to domestic violence each October, we challenge all social workers to continue to find ways that they can be impactful on this issue every day of the year.

NASW Resources

We can help end domestic violence

NASW Chief Executive Officer Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW, wrote this NASW News column about the White Ribbon Day Campaign, which challenges men to take active steps to end violence against women.

Women and Domestic Violence: Implications for Social Work Intervention

This NASW Practice Update highlights the health and mental health impact of domestic violence and the role social workers play in addressing domestic violence.

Domestic Violence and Women of Color: Complex Dynamics

This NASW Practice Perspectives looks at how domestic violence is addressed across different races and cultures.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey: Implication for Mothers’ and Childrens’ Exposure to Domestic Violence

This NASW Practice Perspectives looks at how women and children who are exposed to domestic violence may experience long-term health and mental health issues.

The Ultimate Betrayal: A Renewed Look at Intimate Partner Violence

by Tricia Bent-Goodley, PhD, MSW, LICSW

Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence

A person may be experiencing domestic violence (also known as interpersonal partner abuse) if some or all of these characteristics are present.

Please see the following statement provided by our partners at Health Assets Management, Inc. regarding your participation with Managed Medicaid and Child Health Plus plans in New York. NASW-NYS is a proud partner of Health Assets Management, Inc. and members receive discounted services and support in various areas of mental health practice management, including a free one-time consultation. Click here for more information. 

Dear Provider,

You may have received letters in the mail indicating “Action Required by December 1, 2017”.  These letters relate to your participation with Managed Medicaid and Child Health Plus plans in New York.

The government has mandated that all practices who offer services to Medicaid beneficiaries in Managed Care plans participate in the State’s Medicaid plan.

This affects Practices who treat Managed Medicaid beneficiaries, and Child Health Plus members.

Here are some important points

• Social Workers in NY cannot typically accept a Medicaid client who is not in a Managed Medicaid plan.  Getting a Medicaid provider number doesn’t mean that practices will be able to accept “Straight Medicaid”.

• In order to apply for a Medicaid provider number, you must be a Medicare provider.  It is a good idea for all practitioners to apply to be a Medicare provider if you have not already done so.  With the aging population, you will want to be available to see Medicare beneficiaries who either keep “Straight Medicare” or who opt for a Medicare Managed Care plan.

• If you “opted out” of Medicare, you must wait until your 2 year opt out period ends before you can apply to join.

• If you haven’t seen a Medicare patient in over a year, you should check your Medicare status to make sure you are still enrolled if you need to apply for a Medicaid number.  It is easy to reactivate your Medicare enrollment.

• This mandate does not apply to LMHCs since they are not eligible to apply to become Medicare or Medicaid providers.  You are exempt and will not lose your status with the Health Plans.

If this affects you, do start on this effort right away, as your Medicaid enrollment application must be in process by December 1, 2017.

If you are a billing customer of Health Assets, we can take care of your Medicare and/or Medicaid application to be sure you are in compliance.  Please reply to this email or reach out to Patricia Werner, credentialing manager, pwerner@healthassets.com to begin the process.

Carmel L Gold, LCSW BCD

President, Health Assets Management Inc.
465 Broadway Kingston, NY 12401
P. (845) 334-3680
F. (845) 340-7314

www.healthassets.com

Click here to download a copy of the statement.

Health Assets Management, Inc., a leading billing and practice management organization based in Kingston, N.Y. Health Assets Management, Inc. offers total practice management services to all levels of behavioral health practices. It’s dedicated to giving professionals, their facilities and practices, relief from the convoluted nightmare of unrelenting demands and requirements in dealing with commercial and public payors.

The Health Assets Management team offers a full range of practice management services. Authorizations, billing, credentialing and just about any other need you may have can be fulfilled. For more information, please visit www.healthassets.com.