san diego refugee forum minutes tuesday, january 20, 2015,...

San Diego Refugee Forum Minutes

Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Alliance for African Assistance, 5952 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92115

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1. Call to order at 10:30 am

Present: Bonnie Copland, Neda Rivera, Abdi Abdillahi, Lorna Strang, Angel Lopez, Kim McDermott, Kathi Anderson, Nao Kabashima, Deona Dorsey, Nawar Yousif, Rita Shamoon, Kristen Aster, Jason Martinez, Aileen Gulan, Renee Nasori, Ayan Mohamed, Brittney Yackley, Besma Coda, Genevieve Caston, Bill Sutton, Eric Miller, Alexiz Martinez, Mohammed Tuama, John Marcin, Carin Anderson, Mohamed Ilad, Carlos Mendez, Jane Hoey, Al Thomas, Nadine Pedusseau, Dalia Mohammad, Celia Balistreni, Brenda Quezada, Afrah Abdulkader, Diode deDios, Vanessa Peters, Amy Hines, Dianne Bourgue, Jo-Ann Julien, Vernita Gutierrez, Ute Maschke 2. Executive Committee Announcements and Participant Introduction:

• Kathi Anderson (Chair) opened the Forum meeting and introduced the new officers.

• General Introductions

• Ute Maschke (vice-chair) welcomed new members. As of today, we have 9 renewed or new

memberships. All attendees and supporters of the refugee community are encouraged to become

members of the forum. Members will be featured on the website and can participate as co-chairs in the

task forces.

• Refugee Forum Officers Kathi Anderson and Ute Maschke are in attendance. Nawal Alkatib (Treasurer)

and Carmen Kcomt (Secretary) are absent due to vacation and illness, respectively.

3. Task Force Updates:

• Health Task Force: The task force met for a review of last year’s activities (including the very successful

“Happy & Healthy” health fair) and for some preliminary planning of new activities. Enlarging the

health fair is one of those plans, and there are some other plans. So please join the task force to learn

more and to contribute with ideas. The next meeting is scheduled for February 6, 3:30pm, at the Karen

Organization. At that time, task force members will determine the agenda for the year and have a chance

to determine the best meeting time (since Friday afternoons might not work for everyone). Please

contact Bonnie Copland, if you want to be on the task force’s email list.

• Employment Task Force: We are looking for new co-chairs and new members. Please contact Carlos

Mendez if you are interested.

• Domestic Violence: The task force met last week (as always, on the second Monday of the month) and

reviewed the achievements of 2014. Members are currently setting the agenda for the year which will

include raising awareness, strengthening the role of advocates, reaching out to agencies that work with

refugees, and preparing flyers for service providers. Please send volunteers A curriculum for a short

training module for selected candidates is also being developed.

• Asylee/Asylum Seeker Task Force: The asylum seeker/asylee task force met for and continued their



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work on asset mapping, a gap analysis and a priority/feasibility matrix for asylum seekers. This project

will continue into the next meeting and lead to a decision what to do next in response to the analysis.

Please keep an eye on forum email announcements for the next meeting.

• World Refugee Task Force: Nao (chair) is currently looking for a co-chair. The task force should start

meeting in February and needs all the help possibly available. World Refugee Day is June 20th (a

Saturday).

5. Other Updates

Resettlement Agencies (formerly VOLAGs)

• Alliance for African Assistance: arrivals from (mostly) Iraq but also from Afghanistan. We also

welcomed some parolees, and there is talk that Syrians will be coming.

• Catholic Charities: arrivals are lower; much lower than anticipated. Arrivals are primarily from the

Middle East. We had some arrivals from Burma and Afghanistan.

• Jewish Family Service: No one present to comment

• IRC: We have been busy and resettled a rather high number of refugees (251) during the first quarter. So

far, we have 50 arrivals for January, from Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

County Agencies/Committees

• County: The county is working on a new initiative focusing on Mental Health, including strengthening

the health assessment, training on trauma-informed care, and developing activities. At this point in time,

we are focusing on training for RHAP health navigators (2 hours, at Catholic Charities), but this is only

the first step. We could bring the training to the forum is there were enough interest. The county’s child

welfare services are reaching out to work with refugees more directly through presentations on childcare

laws. We are also available for direct training at our office in El Cajon.

• State Advisory Committee: No one present to comment.

6. Focus: Covered California – ACA and impending deadlines/penalties. Jan Spencley, Executive Director, San

Diegans for Healthcare Coverage

Jan Spencley provided an in-depth look at the current state of things and outlook on things to come. Please

consult the pdf file attached to the minutes for details.

Q&A: The best way to apply for coverage is in person. We know the ins and outs of the system and can help

avoid detours and extra challenges. We can also connect applicants to the right resources right away. 211 San

Diego is now also doing enrollments online. Coverage needs to be based on the 10 points of minimal coverage,



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so dental insurance in itself is not enough. Penalties for lack of coverage will go up drastically within the next

year(s). The biggest challenge in the next year(s) will be taxes and tax credits related to health coverage.

7. Spotlight: San Diego Refugee Forum

• The presentation has been postponed until February (to allow more time for the Focus discussion).

8. Community Updates

• Nao – KOSD – proudly announced that a newly established Japan Association for Refugees will visit

San Diego to learn from San Diego resettlement programs for Karen Refugees – and from the Karen

Organization. Japan will be the first resettlement country in Asia (soon to be followed by Korea), and

the association heard about San Diego and its well-developed collaborative network supporting refugees.

They will visit February 9 – 11, and want to meet with representatives from the community February 9th,

10 am (building across from the Karen Organization, where IRC is, too). Please join us in learning from

each other.

• Nile Sisters has an upcoming Health Insurance Enrollment event January 31sr, 10 AM – 4 PM. We will

have counselors ready to work one-on-one, in several languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, Burmese,

and Swahili. Location: 6035 University Ave, Suite 22. Contact [email protected] for more

information.

• The Legal Network of San Diego County is providing legal assistance to Filipino, Middle Eastern,

Vietnamese and Mixteco immigrant and refugee victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, date

violence, and stalking. Please contact Anne S Bautista (858) 560-0871 for referral to weekly confidential

legal intake clinics.

• The Urban League of San Diego County is offering Pathways of opportunities for youth between the

ages of 16 and 21. There are training sessions on job readiness, resume writing and interview

preparation, job and internship placement assistance, completing High School or GED as well as

financial coaching. Contact Kea Hagan for more information: [email protected] (619) 266-6265

• On February 13th, loveyourheartsd.org will offer free blood pressure screenings at various locations

countywide. For more information contact the organization or call 2-1-1

Kathi Anderson encouraged attendees to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XGSQXVB.

Adjournment: 12:00 pm

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 17th, 10:30 – 12:00 pm @ Alliance for African Assistance

San Diego Refugee Forum

January 19, 2014

Jan C Spencley, Executive DirectorSan Diegans for Healthcare Coverage

j @ dh 619 231 [email protected] 619‐231‐0333

Topicsp

Share a little about San Diegans for Healthcare Coverageg g

Before and After Profiles – Who Enrolled Last Time

Remaining UninsuredRemaining Uninsured

Open Enrollment – February 15th Deadline

Targeted Outreach and Focused MessagingTargeted Outreach and Focused Messaging

Consumer Resources

January 20, 2014 SD Refugee Forum 2

Who We Are: A not‐for‐profit, 501(c)3 organization, formed in 2002.

With a Mission:A Coalition for HealthSan Diegans for Healthcare Coverage advances meaningful coverage care and health for all San Diegans We serve as acoverage, care and health for all San Diegans. We serve as a trusted community leader, unbiased resource and catalyst for action and collaboration, while connecting and amplifying our ll i d icollective resources and voice.

Activities:Convene ‐ Bridge ‐ Educate ‐ Advocate ‐ Enroll ‐ Access ‐ ContinuityConvene ‐ Bridge ‐ Educate ‐ Advocate ‐ Enroll ‐ Access ‐ Continuity


San Diegans for Healthcare CoverageHistoryHistoryYears Organizational Status‐Activities

1998‐ •Project Management Committee (PMC)2001 •Improving Access to Healthcare (County Project)

•Worked on Waiver Proposal for Expanding Coverage (overtaken)•AB1547 – Business Healthcare Connection Demo (Alpert/Zettel)

l h k•Pilot Business Outreach and Networking•Governor Vetoed After 100% Yes Votes

2002‐ •SDHCC Formed from PMC – 501(c)3 Established2004 •Subsidiary BHC Formed as Separate Entity/Board of Directors

•Vision – Mission – Values – Strategies – Board Orientation•Operational Entity ‐‐ Business Outreach and Networking

2004‐2005

•Consensus Building (Roundtables to Achieve Consensus on Plans)•Who covered – How Premiums Paid•Benefits Package and Cost Sharing

HC O i l O h d N ki•BHC Operational Outreach and Networking

January 20, 2014 4SD Refugee Forum

San Diegans for Healthcare CoverageHistory – Page 2History Page 2Years Organizational Status‐Activities

2005‐ •SB103/SB51 – SD Healthcare Connection Demonstration Project2007 (Ducheny)

•Three‐Share Pilot Demonstration (Employer‐Employee‐Government)•Overtaken by Governors Health Reform Proposal (Died)

2006‐2009

•Advocacy and Health Reform Forums •Series of Community Forums Building on Past Work•San Diego Principles and Key Elements of Reform (adopted)

BHC O ti l (N t ki O t h d Ed ti ) Cl d 2009•BHC Operational (Networking, Outreach and Education)‐ Closed 20092010‐2011

•SD Roadmap to Coverage and Care (Workgroup ‐ Draft)•Board Strategic Planning Retreat (Roadmap ‐ Priorities – SDHCC Role)d d h d d i•Advocacy and Outreach and Education

2011‐2013

•Outreach and Communications Collaborative – Connector Program•ACA Implementation Advocacy•Primary Link Care Transitions Pilot (2013)•Outreach and Education Activities – Collaborative Proposal


San Diegans for Healthcare Coveragei i i i iOrganization ‐ Initiatives


Our ActivitiesOur Activities

Outreach and Education• Outreach to Targeted Audiences (Vets, Students, Employees)• Presentations to Organizations• Business OutreachEnrollment Assistance – Advocacy• Convene Certified Enrollment Counselors with SMEs• Convene Certified Enrollment Counselors with SMEs• Navigator with 211 San Diego/ Certified Enrollment Entity • Document Front Line Issues (CCHEA/County)Access – Coordination ‐ Continuity of Healthcare• Workgroups

Ad• Advocacy


SDHCC Collaborative – ForumsP d Obj tiPurpose and Objectives

To share information and resources that will assistTo share information and resources that will assist Enrollment Counselors with • Submitting “complete” applications that result in successful

eligibility and enrollment• Resolving issues encountered by applicants/enrolleesTo bring subject matter experts together with EnrollmentTo bring subject matter experts together with Enrollment Counselors to review protocols and share and resolve issues and concerns (County – Legal Aid – Others)To identify issues and resource needs to assist counselors and consumers with efficient/effective enrollment


SDHCC CEC I f W h (D B )SDHCC CEC Info Warehouse (Drop Box)

Resources and Desk Aids• Access to Care• Citizenship/Immigration Status• Community ClinicsCommunity Clinics• Covered CA Renewals• Income

G• MAGI• Medi‐Cal Renewals• Presumptive Eligibility• Special Enrollment• VerificationsReferencesReferences

9January 20, 2014 SD Refugee Forum

To Maximize and Stabilize Coverage R S t C ll b ti I l iResources – Systems – Collaboration – Inclusion

ExchangeExchangeBusinessCommercial Public

Public

Individuals & Families

BusinessMarket Programs

Individuals & Families

Education/Sales ‐ Enrollment – Retention ‐ Transitions ‐ RenewalEducation/Sales Enrollment Retention Transitions Renewal


Health Insurance Status (2011‐2012)S Di C t N Eld lSan Diego County Non‐Elderly


Challenging SD Target PopulationsChallenging SD Target Populations

Income22%

14%134‐200% FPLEX ‐ Subsidy

200‐300% FPLEX ‐ Subsidy

9%0‐133% FPL300‐400% FPL

40%15%

Medi‐Cal

15%400% + FPLEX ‐ No subsidy


Challenging SD Target Populationsg g g p

OtherEthnicity

4%3%

7% 4%

Afr‐Am

Nat‐AmAsian

4%

56%

27%

Latino

White27%


Uninsured Population ProfileLi i i Ch llLinguistic Challenges

Speaks Another LanguageAt Home How Well Is

English Spoken?

23%

32%

Very Well

Well32%

45%

50%NO

Well

Not Well orN All

50%YES

Not at All

January 20, 2014SD Refugee Forum 14

Uninsured Population Profiled ilAge and Family Type

Age Family Type88%

Age Family Type

Single/h ldM i d /

%33%

No ChildMarried w/Child

12

42%

%

0 18 19 64

16%10%

Single w/Child Married/No Child0‐18 19‐64 a ed/ oC d

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Most Uninsured Individuals and Families Qualify for Coverage Affordability ProgramsCoverage Affordability Programs

Program Eligibility by Annual Income/Family Size Federal Poverty Level (FPL)Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

No CostEligible for Premium Assistance (PA)

C Sh R d dHousehold

Size

No Cost Medi‐Cal Eligible

Cost Share Reduced

Medi‐Cal Kids Eligible

Health Coverage Expansion ‐ 2014Individuals and Families – Small Employers

ACAACA

Covered C lif i Medi‐Cal

Privately InsuredAll 222,000Under 400% 122,000

EligibleNot

E ll dCalifornia(CA Exchange) Expansion

Under 250% 60,000 Enrolled200,000

Small Business Health Options

Program

Individuals and Families

(>138% FPL)

Adults 19 – 64 (

Covered CA Enrollment by Metal TierSan Diego: October 1 to March 31


Covered CA Enrollments M th d P thMonth and Pathway



Uninsured Targets by EthnicityC d CA E ll d (M h 2014)Covered CA Enrolled (March 2014)

Uninsured

7% 4%Nat‐Am

Asian Other

Uninsured

4%3% LatinoAfr‐Am

56%

27%

White

27%

January 20, 2014

SD Refugee Forum 26


Messaging and Strategiesg g g

Focused Consumer Messaging• Lead with Immigration Status Assurances• Lead with Affordability examples• Promote Phone/Online Application Assistance/ pp• What is coverage? How to use coverage?

Channels to Consumers (not businesses)Channels to Consumers (not businesses)• Focus on Small Employers (to employees)• Focus on Trusted Associates/Agencies (immigrants)• Trade Associations (to small employers)• Life Event Agencies (births, marriages, lost job/hours, etc)• Coverage Connector (online assistance appointmentsCoverage Connector (online assistance appointments


d lif i llCovered California Enrollment

Open Enrollment for 2015:p• November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015• Enroll by December 15th for January 1 Effective DatePlease ‐ Do Not Wait Until Last Minute!• System and Counselors Become Overloaded• One‐third of uninsured individuals reported inability to get• One‐third of uninsured individuals reported inability to get

through last yearSpecial Enrollment (February 16 – November 14, 2015)• Qualifying Life Event (within 60 days)• Birth, Death, Job Loss, Loss of Coverage, Moved , EtcMedi Cal Available All YearMedi‐Cal Available All Year


Health CoverageIndividual ResponsibilityIndividual Responsibility

• All Citizens ‐ Legal Residents are required to maintain coverage thatrequired to maintain coverage that meets minimum standards

E ti (fili TBD)• Exemptions (filing TBD):▫ Religion Prohibits/Provides▫ Native Americans▫ Undocumented▫ Incarcerated▫ Financial Hardship: Below

The Individual Mandate applies to adults and children.

There is a tax penalty associated with a Financial Hardship: Below federal tax filing level

▫ Financial Hardship: Coverage offered is unaffordable (exceeds

lack of health coverage :

2014: $95/adult or 1% of income (9mo)2015: $325/adult or 2% of incomeoffered is unaffordable (exceeds

8% of income)30

2015: $325/adult or 2% of income2016: $695/adult or 2.5% of income

January 20, 2014 SD Refugee Forum

Why to Enroll in Health Coverage?y g

It is the Law. Invest in health, not in penaltiesSecurity. Nobody plans to get sick. Insurance protects you and your family from the unexpectedYour Health is Precious You owe it to yourself and yourYour Health is Precious. You owe it to yourself and your family to protect it• Free preventive care (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc)

Add h l h b f h h l h bl• Address health concerns before they are health problemsProtect Your Credit. Healthcare is expensive. You Have Options. It is now easier to shop and compare and p p peasier to enrollAffordability. There are more affordable options with better rates than you can negotiate to “pay as you go”rates than you can negotiate to pay as you go


Consumer Resources

How Consumer Center Can Help p(1‐877‐734‐3258)• Partnership with Covered California – DMHC ‐ DHCS

I d d i• Independent consumer assistance• Addresses barriers to accessing health insurance and health

care benefits (eligibility & services) • All consumers, regardless of income• Both public programs and private insuranceWh i M di C l A li i ?Where is my Medi‐Cal Application?(1‐866‐262‐9881) – ACCESS Line for Consumers


Questions & AnswersQ


san diego refugee forum minutes tuesday, january 20, 2015,...

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