SOAR and Consumer-Run Organizations: Informational Call!

PRESENTED BY: SAMHSA SOAR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTERPOLICY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.

UNDER CONTRACT TO: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATIONU.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

IntroductionsSOAR Technical Assistance Center Team

Call Participants

Please tell us: Your name and work locationWhat are you hoping to learn about today?

SOARSOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery

For people who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with SSA since 2005

All 50 states currently participate; no direct funding provided to states

SOAR Partners

SSI & SSDI: The Basics

Application Process

Definition of Disability1. Medically Determinable Physical or Mental impairment Illness must either meet or be equivalent to the “listing” criteria

used by DDS. Supporting information must be documented in medical records

2. Duration The impairment tied to the illness(es) must have lasted OR be

expected to last 12 months or more OR be expected to result in death

3. Functional Information Applicants must demonstrate that significant functional

impairment related to the illness(es) exists that impede their ability to work

Why is SSI/SSDI Important for Individuals?

SSA disability benefits can provide access to: IncomeHousingHealth InsuranceTreatmentOther supportive services

For people with disabilities, SSI/SSDI can be a critical step towards ending homelessness and promoting recovery

Why is Access to SSI/SSDI Important

for States & Localities?People experiencing homelessness are frequent users of expensive uncompensated health care

Can recoup cost of this care from Medicaid for up to 90 days retroactive to date of SSI eligibility

States and localities can recoup from SSA the cost of public assistance provided during the application process

SSI, SSDI and Medicaid bring federal dollars into states, localities and community programs

The ChallengeLimited resources

Limited time

A lot of people need our help

Applications involving mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders are complicated

The SOAR ApplicantWho can be helped by SOAR?

Adults who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness And who have mental illness, co-occurring disorders or other

physical disabilities

Who is considered “homeless”? Moving from place to place throughout the month Living “doubled-up” Living in uninhabitable housing, outside or in shelters

Who is considered “at-risk for homelessness”?Living in unstable or non-permanent housing

Exiting jails or prisons with no stable place to live Permanent housing for those recently experiencing homelessness

with limited income or relying on grant funding to sustain housing Youth transitioning out of foster care

Critical Components Serving as the appointed representative

Collecting and submitting medical records

Electronically submitting applications and medical evidence whenever possible

Collaborating with physicians for assessments and medical information

Collaborating with SSA and DDS

Submitting a Medical Summary Report

Changing Lives Since 2005

FY 2014 CumulativeApprovals 3,818 22,863Decisions 5,905 35,124Approval rate

65% 65%

Efficient and Effective

Processing Time 94 days vs. 110 days

Funding SOAR Programs There is no dedicated source of federal funding for SOAR programs

Yet, all 50 states participate! Reallocating existing resources Securing funding through federal and state grants

and foundation funding Establishing collaborations with hospitals and

criminal justice settings

SOAR Online!Offers standardized trainingExpands SOAR to new geographic areas and audiencesPractice application packet requirement limits involvement to those most likely to complete applications

Allows state and local SOAR leads and trainers to: Coordinate follow-up training on state-specific processes Provide support to persons assisting with applications Ensure high quality and complete applications Track and monitor outcomes

SOAR Technical Assistance Center

SAMHSA funds the SOAR TA Center to support states and communities

Offers virtual and on-site technical assistance

SOAR TA Liaisons are responsible for SOAR in multiple states

Get to know your SOAR TA Liaison

Reach out for help or answers to questions about any aspect of SOAR

Visit the SOAR Website!https://soarworks.prainc.com

More Information!

Archived Webinar: Peer Supports and Your SOAR Program:http://soarworks.prainc.com/article/peer-supports-and-your-

soar-program Issue Brief: Involving Peer Supports in the SOAR Processhttp://soarworks.prainc.com/article/involving-peer-supports-

soar-process

Models for Consumer Involvement with SOAR

After taking Online Course:Complete SSA-1696 to complete SOAR SSI/SSDI application process in part or in whole

Assist with other SOAR componentsFor example; collection of medical records, assist with engagement, write or assist with writing Medical Summary Report

The options are limitless!

Get Involved with SOARhttp://soarworks.prainc.com/directory

Find your SOAR TA Center Liaison

Find your SOAR State Team Lead

Connect with SOAR in your community

Problems? Let us know!

Connect With Us

soar@prainc.com www.facebook.com/soarworks

@SOARWorks

http://soarworks.prainc.com/blog