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Every November, we take a moment to honor the unsung heroes of so many families—family caregivers. These are the people who, with unwavering dedication, support loved ones through daily routines, medical visits, personal care, and more. Caregiving can be one of life’s most meaningful roles, but it’s often a demanding one, sometimes leaving caregivers stretched thin and in need of support themselves. As we recognize National Family Caregivers Month, it’s an opportunity for all of us to show our appreciation and lend a hand to those around us who fill this essential role. Here’s how you can help: Learn and Advocate : The US Administration for Community Living  (ACL) has developed a comprehensive strategy to support caregivers. You can dive deeper into the ACL’s National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers here . Offer a Helping Hand : Sometimes, it’s the small gestures that mean the most. Lending a hand with errands, cooking a meal, or simply being there to listen can make a world of difference. Share Resources : Organizations like the Caregiver Action Network , the National Alliance for Caregiving , and Share The Care  offer valuable support and guidance for caregivers. Sharing these resources can connect caregivers to helpful tools and a supportive community. Raise Awareness : Social media is a great way to spread the word! Use hashtags like #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth, #CaregivingAroundtheClock, and #FamilyCaregivers to show your support and help raise awareness. Family caregivers are truly the backbone of our healthcare system. This month, let’s go the extra mile to show them that they’re seen, appreciated, and supported. For more information, check out the White House’s Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month 2024 here .

Each October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, recognizing the contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive workplaces. This year’s theme is " Access to Good Jobs for All "  , highlighting the importance of creating more accessible environments and opportunities for everyone. At In-Home Attendant Services, we are dedicated to supporting those we serve, many of whom have disabilities, in living more independent and fulfilling lives. Employment plays a critical role in that journey. Whether it's through providing necessary services or connecting individuals with valuable resources, we are here to help. For more information on disability employment rights, resources, and opportunities, visit the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities website. Together, we can work toward a more accessible future for all.

Starting on September 1, 2024 , the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will begin transitioning contracts for the STAR+PLUS program. This may affect many Medicaid members who receive services through STAR+PLUS. Below is a helpful guide on how to get assistance during this transition. If you are a STAR+PLUS member and need help with: Learning general information about the transition: Visit the HHSC STAR+PLUS webpage . A complaint about your Managed Care Organization (MCO): First, contact your MCO. If the issue isn't resolved, contact the HHSC Ombudsman . Programs like STAR/CHIP, STAR Health, STAR Kids, MMP, or CHIP: Visit the HHSC Medicaid and CHIP webpage. Understanding how your coverage may be affected by the transition: Visit the Continuity of Care webpage . A partir del 1 de septiembre de 2024 , la Comisión de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas (HHSC) comenzará la transición de los contratos del programa STAR+PLUS. Esto puede afectar a muchos miembros de Medicaid que reciben servicios a través de STAR+PLUS. A continuación, ofrecemos una guía útil sobre cómo obtener ayuda durante esta transición. Si usted es miembro de STAR+PLUS y necesita ayuda con: Información general sobre la transición: Visite la página web de STAR+PLUS de la HHSC. Una queja sobre su Organización de Atención Médica Administrada (MCO): Primero, comuníquese con su MCO. Si no se resuelve el problema, comuníquese con el Ombudsman de la HHSC. Programas como STAR/CHIP, STAR Health, STAR Kids, MMP, o CHIP: Visite la página web de Medicaid y CHIP de la HHSC. Entender cómo su cobertura puede verse afectada por la transición: Consulte el PDF sobre la Continuidad de Atención Médica. CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas CDS In Texas

Due to the Star+PLUS procurement changes that took effect on September 1, 2024, specifically affecting service areas, we are currently experiencing a higher-than-normal call volume. We truly appreciate your patience during this time as we work hard to assist everyone as quickly as possible. Please know that your questions and concerns are important to us, and we are committed to addressing them. We ask for your understanding and thank you for bearing with us as we navigate this transition. Thank you for your continued support!

Attention CDS Employers, It’s that time of year again—time to complete your Annual Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Policy Training. This training is a crucial requirement that ensures you remain compliant with state regulations. This year, the Annual EVV Policy Training webinar will be held on October 3, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM CDT . If you’re unable to attend on this date, there’s a second opportunity to participate on October 31, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM CDT . Please make sure to register for one of these sessions using the links below: Register for October 3, 2024 Register for October 31, 2024 After you complete the training, you will receive a certificate of completion. Please remember to email this certificate to rdunkley@ihastx.com  for our records. Don't miss out on this important training—mark your calendars and register today!

We want to make sure you and your attendants are aware of an important update from rapid! PayCard . They are in the process of replacing all existing paycards with new, chip-enabled, and tap-to-pay cards. This upgrade is designed to provide enhanced security and convenience for all cardholders. What You Need to Know: New Cards Are Being Shipped: rapid! PayCard has already started sending out these new cards. If the cardholder provided a valid email address, they should have received a notification about the shipment. The email reads something like this: "We are excited to share that your Chip-Enabled & Contactless rapid! PayCard has been shipped and you will receive it to the address we have on file within 7 - 10 business days!" Address Verification is Crucial: It’s important for all cardholders to ensure that their home address on file is accurate. This will help ensure that they receive their new card without any delays. If they haven't received their new card within the expected timeframe, they should contact rapid! directly to request a new one. Old Cards Still Work: The current paycards will continue to work until the new card is activated. There’s no need to worry about any disruptions in access to funds. Mobile App for Easy Management: We encourage cardholders to download the rapid!Pay mobile app. It’s a simple way to manage their card account, check their balance, and easily update their contact information. Reminder for Employers: Please remind your attendants to keep an eye out for their new rapid! PayCard in the mail and to update their contact information if necessary. Ensuring these details are up-to-date will help make this transition smooth and hassle-free for everyone. Thank you for your attention to this important update. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

This weekend, we had the privilege of attending the Texas Parent to Parent Conference in San Marcos, and it was truly a rewarding experience. We enjoyed meeting new families and reconnecting with many of the individuals we’ve had the pleasure of knowing over the years. The event gave us a chance to engage with the parents, children, and friends who are at the heart of this community. It was especially meaningful to see some familiar faces and witness the growth of these connections over time. We’re grateful to have been part of such a significant event and look forward to continuing our involvement in the years to come. See you next year!

The following information is a summary of the CARES Act provided from Congressman Dan Crenshaw dated April 13, 2020. The CARES Act will provide rapid cash relief to Americans in need. Eligible individuals may receive up to $1,200, and eligible couples up to $2,400, with $500 for each qualifying child. The funds are expected to be delivered within three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people . If you have any questions about whether you will receive aid, please click HERE . The bill includes $250 billion to expand access to unemployment benefits, establishing the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. This program is crucial for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and those who participate in the gig economy and are not normally eligible for unemployment insurance. To apply for unemployment, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission's website HERE . The bill also provides $349 billion in low-interest loans for small businesses, as part of the Paycheck Protection Program, to help keep millions of Americans employed. Relief may also be available for sole-proprietors, independent contractors, and other self-employed individuals. To pursue a loan, please contact your traditional lender, community bank, or credit union . For more information on how this program works, please click HERE . Furthermore, the bill provides $500 billion for the Exchange Stabilization Fund, which empowers the Treasury Secretary to make loans to struggling industries such as our airlines, which have been particularly hard hit. These loans prohibit stock buybacks, cap executive pay, and prevent layoffs to ensure the aid goes toward keeping Americans who work for these businesses employed. Lastly, the bill provides, $45 billion for FEMA disaster relief, $31 billion for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, $19 billion for veterans' assistance, $25 billion for nutritional assistance, and $150 billion for states and localities. The bill also pauses federal student loan borrower monthly repayment and prevents the accrual of interest.

Heat-related illnesses can be serious! The CDC offers great tips to keep you cool and healthy this summer: Stay Hydrated:  Drink plenty of water. Seek Shade:  Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours. Dress Appropriately:  Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Know the Signs:  Watch for symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. We're also sharing a flyer with important information on heat-related illnesses from the CDC, including what to look for and what to do. For more info, visit the CDC's website . Stay cool and take care! 🌡️💧

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, many Texas communities are facing significant challenges. To aid in the recovery process, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are actively working in affected neighborhoods. These teams are dedicated to helping residents apply for federal assistance, check the status of their applications, and connect with additional resources. How to Apply for FEMA Assistance If you are a homeowner or renter in any of the following counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, or Wharton, you are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance. Here’s how you can apply: Online: Visit disasterassistance.gov to start your application. Mobile App: Download the FEMA App on your mobile device for easy access and application submission. Phone: Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Assistance is available in multiple languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, be sure to provide FEMA with your specific number. In-Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). These centers are set up to provide support for both Hurricane Beryl and the previous April-June storms and flooding. For locations, check fema.gov/drc . Important Considerations Qualification: If you experienced power outages for three days or more, you may qualify for assistance. It's crucial to apply even if you're unsure about your eligibility. Identification: FEMA specialists will carry official photo identification and will never ask for or accept money. Additional Resources FEMA specialists can also identify additional needs and connect you with organizations that provide further resources. Whether you need help with food, medicine, or housing repairs, these specialists are equipped to assist you in navigating the recovery process. Stay Informed For the latest updates and more detailed information, visit fema.gov . Ensuring you have all the necessary information will help you make the most of the assistance available. By staying informed and taking the necessary steps to apply for aid, you can better manage the challenges brought by Hurricane Beryl. Remember, help is available, and applying for assistance is the first step toward recovery.