Changes in Federal Cost of Living Increase for SS and SSI recipients could effect Medicaid/Medicare benefit

In 2008, the federal government determined that the Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for those receiving Social Security and SSI would be 5.8%.  At the same time, the State of NC raised the income limits for Medicaid by only 4%.  This resulted in a 1.8% difference, which has meant that many individuals will either lose their Medicaid benefits or have them greatly altered in the form of large deductibles.  The deductible amount to meet will be $2768.00.  Those that earn even $1.00 over the limit will be at risk of losing their Medicaid benefit until that deductible is met every 6 months.

This 1.8% difference will affect many of our consumers, as the new income limits will reduce their discretionary income, and the deductable is an amount many will have great difficulty meeting.

Western Highlands Network has no oversight over this situation, however is happy to provide information regarding contacts for advocacy about this issue.  Please click here to view a list of legislative contacts to advocate on behalf of consumers.

Further information about this subject will be distributed as it becomes available.

Attention Providers - NCTOPPS Requirements:

Clients receiving enhanced services need to have NCTOPPs completed at the scheduled times. The most recent list of services requiring TOPPs is available here (Excel spreadsheet) to assist you in determining if a particular client needs to have the process completed.

Remember to complete a Transfer/Episode Completion TOPPs on any clients you close to service with your agency.

Western Highlands Network Offers

Mental Health First Aid Training

This training is currently full but will be offered later in the year.  Dates of upcoming trainings will be posted as they are confirmed.

This is a 12 hour certification course that teaches participants how to intervene during a mental health or substance abuse crisis and during the early stages of a developing mental health or substance abuse disorder until professional help can be obtained. This international course began in Australia and is now being taught in 10 countries, including the United States. Topics covered include depressive and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, non-suicidal self injury, psychosis, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

Cost for the program is $25.00 per person and includes the comprehensive Mental Health First Aid-USA manual and individual certification in the course material. Training will be held March 15, 2010 and March 29, 2010 at Western Highlands Network from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 pm each day, with a one hour break for lunch. In order to complete the training and receive the certification, both sessions must be attended in their entirety. This training is open to family members, community members, and providers and is limited to the first 24 registrants. Registration and payment must be received by March 3, 2010. You may send both to Sonia Eldridge at

Western Highlands Network

356 Biltmore Ave.

Asheville, NC 28806

Questions may be directed to Sonia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (800-671-6560 x2910) or Andrea Morris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (800-671-6560 x2951).