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Hope for HCS Waiver Program

I just heard about this proposal to open up the availability of services to individuals with special needs. These are services to assist a family to care for their disabled child at home instead of sending that child off to a government institution / State School.

On yesterday’s Embracing Diversity radio show, we discussed Medicaid Waiver programs and how it takes YEARS to obtain services.

In Texas, as of February 2021, there are 107,747 people on the Interest/Waiting list for the HCS Waiver Program, with people waiting 15-16 years before they receive services. See https://hhs.texas.gov/…/records…/interest-list-reduction for more information. #Medicaid#DisabiltyRights#AttorneyFilis#SpecialNeeds#ASD#MedicaidWaitingLists#MySon#FilisLaw

‘A Monumental Advance’: Newly Unveiled American Jobs Plan Would Invest $400B into Home-Based Care

International Women’s Day

Steering a New Course: Female Leadership Celebrated on International Women's Day 2020 | Delivered. | Global

3/8/2021

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD), let’s reflect on the most influential women in our lives and throughout history. Let’s celebrate the women who have trailblazed and paved the way inspiring the next generation of women leaders. 

The theme this year is: #ChooseToChallenge 

What does this theme mean to you? How have the challenges from other women affected you?

The International Women’s Day site they defines this year’s theme as:

“A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.”

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

The Filis Law Firm hopes all of the women from our clients, team, and community a happy International Women’s Day! #IWD2021

To find out more information about International Women’s Day (IWD) and ways to celebrate amazing women leaders visit:

PCME in Guardianships

As parents, you are your child’s natural guardians under Texas law. When your child turns 18 years old, your child is considered an adult, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that status. If your child has special needs, he or she may need you to continue in the role of guardian. This new designation of guardian will need to be ordered by a court in a Guardianship proceeding. One of the required forms for a successful guardianship is a Physician’s Certificate of Medical Examination (“PCME”). This video will walk you and your doctor through each section of the 4-page form.

Autism After 18 – Guardianship and SSI

Many parents understand that when their child with special needs is ready to become an adult, he or she may need long term care. Transitioning into adulthood is daunting, but for parents of children with special needs, there are additional legal challenges.

Your child may be entitled to Medicaid and SSI support; however, it is up to you as their parent to protect their rights. You should discuss your child’s situation with an attorney who can assist you with Medicaid planning. Your child may need your help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, feeding, and medical care. You can achieve your goal of providing long term care of your child by applying for guardianship.

Shero of the Week

Attorney Filis was selected for Shero of the week, below is her nomination video and why she was selected. The Shero Nation website defines a Shero as “the evolved woman who stands in her own truth, even when it is difficult. She rises to any occasion, changing what she can change, accepting what she cannot, and passing the lessons learned to women coming behind her. She expects more from the next generation than the past. The evolution of a Shero Nation consists of the heroic movement of women who prioritize change that will empower us so much that we no longer feel the need to try so hard challenging men, but we challenge ourselves. In doing so, we create a world that accepts us women as we are, and respects and recognizes our true and natural strength.”

If you would like to visit the Shero Nation website : https://www.sheronation.life/

Small Business Owners – Get Ready to Ask for PPP Loan Forgiveness

Are you a small business owner who received a Paycheck Protection Program Loan/PPP Loan? I applied, recevied the PPP Loan funds, and spent the money quickly. To be eligible for loan forgiveness, keep the following requirements in mind.

Use the PPP Loan funds for paying payroll – at least 60% of the PPP Loan must be spent on payroll. This includes new and old employees.

Use the PPP Loan funds – up to 40% of the loan, on group health policies, interest payments on a mortgage, rent if the lease was in effect before February 15, 2020, Utility payments for services that began before February 15, 2020, Interest on debt existing before February 15, 2020, and refinancing a EID Loan made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020.

Keep your employee headcount maintained. Avoid a Reduction in Headcount. You may have had to lay people off this year. However, you have until December 31, 2020 get your total headcount for employees as it was between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020 to have your headcount considered as being restored. Although the guidelines are not specific about this, you should not count 1099 staff.

Pay your employees earning less than $100,000 per year similar (within 25%) to pre-Covid-19 (as of February 15, 2020) amounts.