Important new service at the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL)

My name is Shelby Bour, and I am thrilled to join the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) as the Healthcare Advocate. I am dedicated to providing healthcare benefit advisement and advocacy as part of RCIL’s benefits team. As the Healthcare Advocate I am available to help consumers with all aspects of healthcare benefit planning including:

• Assisting with Medicaid, Medicaid Long Term Care, and Medicare,
• Explaining the differences among Managed Care plans,
• Assisting with health plan selection and enrollment into Managed Care,
• Obtaining home services to ensure independence,
• Appealing healthcare denials and serving as an advocate throughout the appeal process, and
• Representing consumers at fair hearings and advocating for the full integration, independence, and civil rights of people with disabilities.

The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid’s move into Managed Care have brought many changes to the health insurance landscape. The Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) recognizes the impact these changes have made and continues to expand services to further meet the needs of consumers. Consumers with healthcare benefit questions or concerns can contact me, Shelby Bour, at (585) 442-6470 or by email: sbour@rcil.org.

Upcoming Board Meetings and Annual Membership Meeting:

August 21st will be the next RCIL Board Meeting at 497 State Street Rochester NY, 2 – 4 pm. All members are encouraged to attend these meetings. If you wish to speak with the Board or become a member please contact Linda Taylor at (585) 442-6470.

October 16th will be our Annual Meeting from 4 -5 pm. All RCIL members are encouraged to attend this meeting and vote. The board meeting will directly follow this meeting from 5 – 7pm. If you wish to become a member or get more involved with RCIL please contact Linda Taylor at (585) 442-6470.

Upcoming Events:

October 29th will be the annual “Accessible Trick-or-Treat” Halloween event for children ages ten and under with and without disabilities to come enjoy a FREE night of trick-or-treating, games and more at our downtown State Street office building. This event will take place from 5 – 8 pm.

November – We will host our annual Thanksgiving dinner. Dates, time and venue will be announced soon.

December – We will host our annual Holiday Party. Dates, time and venue will be announced soon.