COVID-19 Information and Resources

Independence, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of a Public Health Worker (PHW) position for a two-year contract period within our organization. If you have Covid-19 or other public health questions or concerns, please reach out to Amy Ballinger, aballinger@independenceinc.org or 785-371-1646

informational flyer containing an image of a white man with short brown hair wearing a light blue t shirt and blue jeans sitting a wheelchair in an outside setting shaking the hand of and smiling at another white male in an outdoor setting and text that reads we are here t ofurther support our consumers and community with extended covid related resources and services through a newly established position Social Support and Resource Specialist

 

Beginning September 25, 2023, every US household is eligible once again for FREE at-home COVID-19 tests. Click on the image below or visit covid.gov/tests to order yours!

image of an open covid 19 at home test kit box with test supplies laid out on a black table. Box is orange and white.

 

Kansas UnitedHealthcare Community Plan KanCare | UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: Medicare & Medicaid Health Plans    Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

The Continuous Enrollment Period ended March 31, 2023

As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, signed into law on December 29, 2022, Congress set an end of March 31, 2023 for the continuous enrollment provision, and phases down of the enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds through December 2023. It’s estimated that millions of people will lose coverage during this year-long unwinding. [source KFF https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-the-unwinding-of-the-medicaid-continuous-enrollment-provision ]

People who have moved since the start of the pandemic, those with limited English proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities, may be at greater risk for losing Medicaid coverage when the continuous enrollment provision ends. For information on how to re-apply, maintain coverage, or apply for Marketplace insurance, visit our Medicaid Help Page

  Long-COVID/Chronic Illness Support Groups

Do you have or think you may have Long-COVID? Are you interested in learning more about this complex disorder? Would meeting peers who are in similar situations be helpful? Are you a provider, community services provider, mental health professional or other stakeholder interested in guest-moderating a group?  If you answer yes to any of these, contact us today to get involved with forming, moderating or attending online Long-Covid/Chronic Illness peer support groups to share stories, resources and helpful information about this largely misunderstood, under-diagnosed and potentially life-altering condition. Groups are starting to form and we want to hear from YOU! Check out this informative flyer and contact us today!

mask iconOur Current COVID-19 Operating Policy

  • Masks are optional throughout our building for those that are fully vaccinated.
  • Social distancing continues to be practiced throughout our building.
  • We have a new secure enclosure in our lobby reception area to ensure the safety of all. All visitors and consumers must check in at the front desk before being admitted into the building.
  • Our Computer Lab is now OPEN to the Public. Safety barriers have been installed between computers and we ask that only 2 people at a time utilize our lab and that visitors social distance, keeping one computer in between you
  • We continue to offer and encourage virtual meetings when possible and ask that you make an appointment for in-person meetings with staff. All staff are available to meet with consumers through Zoom, Chime, phone, email or in-person. We are also available to chat through our Website instant chat and Facebook Messenger. Our office hours are  8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday for walk-in and scheduled appointments.

News Flash • Fayette County, PA • CivicEngage Get Vaccinated!  Vaccine Info and Resources

Getting vaccinated is now convenient (no appointment necessary at most locations), open to everyone 5 years and older –  and it’s FREE!  If you live in Douglas County and need a ride to your appointment, contact our Independence, Inc. General Public Transportation Department and get scheduled!

► Administration for Community Living (ACL) Vaccine Resources: A vaccine “cheat sheet”, current vaccine and booster guidance and other resources

► Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Walk-in Vaccine Clinic: Anyone eligible can go to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, 200 Maine St., for a walk-in vaccine appointment on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are available from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.  Also find registration forms, COVID facts, resources, guidance and testing locations.

►LMH Health COVID19 Resource Page : Answers to the most-asked COVID-19 questions, vaccine eligibility, where to get your vaccine and more!

►Center for Disease Control: COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Disabilities

►Center for Disease Control: Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

Student Resources Get Tested

►Free At-Home Tests

►State of Kansas Go Get Tested site: Free COVID-19 testing site directory

Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19​ | CDC COVID-19 and Long-COVID related Resources

►Washington Post Article: How Long Covid Could Change the Way We Think About Disability

►Administration for Community Living: Resources for People with Long Covid

►American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R): information, resources and National Call to Action

►U.S. Department of Labor Long Covid Support

►Department of Healthcare and Human Services: Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557

►Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: New Q&A to address the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency

►Columbia University School of Public Health: Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic: What are the Differences?

►World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 page

►Local/Area Resources

►Kansas Resources and Information

► Self Advocacy/Resources for People with Disabilities & Direct Support Workers

► National Efforts and Resources for Equal Access to COVID-19 Vaccination 

►National Organization Websites and Information