20230120 - Ridgewood Access Committee Minutes
Ridgewood’s Access Committee
Meeting Minutes January 20, 2023
The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:05 pm
Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Siobhan Winograd, Jesse Schwartzman, Lisa Gardner, Joanne Stolfo, Lela Alter, Jan Philips, Surbhi Kapadia, Erica Dunckley, Jan Philips
1.Welcome
Minutes from the November 2022 meeting were approved-motion by Lisa Gardner and seconded by Robin Ritter
Ines welcomed Siobhan Winograd as Access’s new Village Council Liaison.
Siobhan stated that she’s thrilled to act as the new Access Council representative.
On the 11th of January, the Council unanimously voted to create hybrid meetings.
Ines asked Siobhan to check with Dylan Hansen to see if she could get our minutes posted in a timely manner. Siobhan assured the committee that the minutes will be posted as soon as minutes are submitted/approved.
Siobhan also reported that there will be a Communications Committee. Siobhan will ask Access to help with future initiatives and availability to all.
2.Report from Joanne Stolfo
Joanne reported that Diane and Matt met with Paul Aronshon last week regarding the issues related to the Marriage Equality Act for Disabled Adults. The existing rules restrict SSI recipients’ assets limit of $2000/person. A married couple has a limit of $3000 and limited earning potential. Paul will recommend that this information is included in the annual report. The ARC and Senator Cory Booker are advocating for changes to the law.
Joanne contacted Medicaid to learn more about Ticket to Work. Unfortunately, Medicaid wasn’t able to give definitive information. Lisa discussed her understanding of Ticket to Work.
Robin mentioned that she has been in touch with ARC, The Cape Center and her personal attorney and no one is able to give definitive answers. The state was going to provide information by January but nothing has been done yet. The professionals have all stated that individuals must complete their redetermination packet as soon as they receive it. Hopefully we will have more information.
Ines asks that if anyone has information please share as soon as possible.
Jesse stated that the old bill that Joanne was referring to was HR6405. The new congress will have to address the issue. Jesse also concurred that the laws regarding Workability are not yet in place.
3.Treasurer’s Report
Lisa reported that our current balance should be $4,493.34 but asked Siobhan if she could assist in getting the balance monthly. Siobhan assured Access that she will get the information to Lisa in a timely manner.
4.Report from Lela Alter Lela has a 27-year-old son who recently lost his private insurance. He receives Medicaid but unfortunately he will not receive Medicare for 24 months. Most of his doctors are out of NJ and Medicaid will not cover his health needs. Lela is wondering if there is a way to eliminate the 24 month waiting period. Lela has been in touch with various individuals on the national level but has not been able to accomplish anything. Robin commented that the policy is unfortunate but many of the hospitals might be willing to offer him services as a lower income individual.
5.New Business
Surbhi reported that the Health Department had a virtual program Covid and Trauma. The program will be on the VOR website. Bergen Community Action Network current rise in respiratory illness. The Health Department will have a wellness challenge in the Spring. Surbhi will share that information when it becomes available.
6.Old Business
Robin discussed in the November meeting that the library is looking for special artists to display art in the Auditorium during the month of October. Jan Philips and Lela Alter offered some suggestions. Robin will follow through with their recommendations.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:52pm
Next meeting at 2pm on February 17, 2023 via Zoom
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