GAULT GAZETTE 2013

CLEVELAND

CONROE

CROSBY

HUNTSVILLE

LIBERTY

VOLUME 2 HOLIDAY ISSUE 2

NOVEMBER 01, 2013

To the Gault Program Staff,

We are approaching the end of yet another year, one that has brought much success to Region 06 Health & Human Services Commission. As the Holiday Season approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt greetings for a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year. This year has been just as challenging as the last, yet with increased workloads and CHIP into TIERS rollout, you demonstrate continued commitment to teamwork and dedication to the clients that we serve. We would not be able to meet and exceed our goals without the hard work demonstrated daily from each and every one of you and for that I thank you. Debra Gault Program Manager New projects and rollouts await us in 2014, ACA will bring new challenges to our daily routine. The core of HHSC is our commitment to our clients, it is our interest to provide you with the ideal work environment, a workplace that improves the quality of our professional lives. It is through this commitment that we continue to inspire excellence and efficiency from each other. As we welcome the New Year, let us reaffirm our collective dedication to HHSC. Together, we shall continue to build a strong Health & Human Services Commission. On behalf of the Gault Program management team, we want to wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season.

HOLIDAY EDITION

Special points of interest:

A Message from our Program Manager Employee Workshop: A Look Back Tips for Success Holiday Happenings

Inside this issue:

A Message Message from from the the A Program Manager Manager Program Employee Appreciation Employee Appreciation Workshop: A Look Back Workshop: A Look Back Benefit Changes Benefit Changes Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Fall Festival 7 Convincing the Client 8 Gault Stats 9 Holiday Happenings 10 Coffee Shop Coffee Break Seasonal Events 14 13 1 1 2 2 5 3 6 6

Debra Gault

ACA Marketplace

https://www.healthcare.gov/

Employee Networking & Team Building

Debbie Gault (PM) ) Gwen Robinson (RD

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Gault Supervisors; J. Pruitt, G. Bates, P. Lamb, M. Balboa

Policy Bowl

Constructive Collaboration

Networking

Critical Thinking

Team Building

BE ST T EAM SPIRIT

Awards & Recognition

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Supervisor Skit

Chick-Fil-A

G RHONDA KIN

Saying Thanks
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H E L P IN G S N A P R E C IP IE N T S P R E P A R E F O R N O V E M B E R 1 S T B E N E F IT C H A N G E S
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program However, the portion of the ARRA legislation that (SNAP) recipients will see their monthly benefits provided these additional benefits ends on October decrease beginning November 1st. 31. As a result, beginning on November 1, your monthly benefit will decrease. The amount of the As you know, the amount of SNAP benefits each decrease depends on the household size. eligible household receives depends on many things, such as income, household size and expens- Assuming no other changes in income, household es. In addition, SNAP households have been receiv- size, or expenses between October and November, ing an increased amount of benefits because of the the table below shows the decrease in SNAP beneAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 fits in November by household size. (ARRA), a piece of legislation that provided a temporary boost in benefits to help individuals and Reference: http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/10/28/helping-snap-recipientsprepare-for-november-1st-benefit-changes/ families impacted by the economic downturn.
Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Difference -$11 -$20 -$29 -$36 -$43 -$52 -$57 -$65

State Information/Hotline Numbers

Use the following numbers to get information on SNAP benefit questions in the States and areas of States listed. Most are toll-free numbers. Some of the numbers that aren't toll free will accept collect calls. * Indicates numbers are for in-State and out-of-State calls. All other 800 numbers are for in-State calls only. ** Indicates numbers accept collect calls. If you are having difficulties reaching your States local office please contact your States Ombudsman's phone number below; Texas 211 or 1(877)541-7905

Ombudsman 1(877)787-8999

Each additional person -$8

Fighting SNAP Fraud

The federal government is aggressively fighting SNAP trafficking. USDA and the Obama administration are actively working on behalf of American taxpayers to protect the federal investment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and make sure the program is targeted towards those families who need it the most. USDA aggressively acts to control trafficking by using SNAP purchase data to identify suspicious transaction patterns, conducting undercover investigations, and collaborating with other investigative agencies. USDAs Office of the Inspector General also conducts extensive criminal investigations many resulting from FNS administrative oversight findings and referrals to prosecute traffickers. In FY 2012, OIG SNAP investigations resulted in 342 convictions, including a number of multi-year prison terms for the most serious offenses, and approximately $57.7 million in monetary results. In FY 2012, OIG devoted more than 50 percent of its investigative resources to prevent SNAP fraud, waste and abuse.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/SNAP_fraud_poster_press.pdf

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October is
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease in addition to, teaching the importance of early detection of breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women born today in the US will get breast cancer at some point during her life. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women. The good news, many women can survive breast cancer if its found and treated early. A mammogramthe screening test for breast cancercan help find breast cancer early. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities organizations, families, and individuals to get involved. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages .

Celebrating Life, Love & Hope

Breast Cancer Awareness

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Conroes Fall Festival Highlights Celebrating The Season

Eyeball Meatbal ls

Witch Boots
Lindsey Walters: Winner of the Creative Halloween Basket

Party Bugg

idow Black W

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YourTexasBenefits.com Tips for Success

Promoting YourTexasBenefits.com to clients is a priority for all HHSC staff. To obtain this goal, HHSC staff should use the following Tips.
Walk clients through the computer application Staff should become familiar enough with YourTexasBenefits.com to explain the online application process to clients. Take time to help clients complete the YourTexasBenefits.com online application. Explain the many benefits of not just applying, but also creating a YourTexasBenefits.com online account for any existing HHSC benefit case With a YourTexasBenefits.com account, clients are able to use any desktop or laptop computer with internet access to: Update and submit account information such as changes and renewals Receive email alerts for account information View and print temporary Medicaid cards Upload supporting documentation for an HHSC benefit case Patience is key some clients may not know how to use a computer, so be patient with and kind to those individuals who may need more encouragement. Smile a smile can do wonders to relieve any anxiety a client may feel when working on a computer.

Use every client interaction to promote YourTexasBenefits.com as you come in contact with clients, take the opportunity to convey the advantages of using YourTexasBenefits.com: Staff should use telephone interactions to promote YourTexasBenefits.com Staff should include information about YourTexasBenefits.com on their voicemail mes- sage Window clerks should inform clients about the ease and comfort of YourTexasBenefits.com Say the website name, YourTexasBenefits.com Many HHSC clients are not familiar with YourTexasBenefits.com. Tell the client about YourTexasBenefits.com multiple times Explain to the client what YourTexasBenefits.com is and what it does. The more times you say YourTexasBenefits.com, the more likely a client is to remember it. Give clients brochures, push cards, and wallet cards HHSC has developed resource materials that provide an explanation of the advantages of using YourTexasBenefits.com.

Your Tool Box Link: http://palms.hhsc.state.tx.us/micro/YTB2/

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Statewide Payment Accuracy: Percentage 40.31% 35.59% Description Correct Cases Payment Errors Cases Corrected Potential Payment Errors Cases

Statewide Production: Value 5822 2072 308 4.92 Description Total Cases Read for Report Period (1 Point) Total Cases Corrected for Report Period (1 Point) Total Cases Dropped for Report Period (.25 Point) Average Production Per Reader Per Day (81)

24.1%

Regional and State Accuracy Summary: Earned Income 56.23% Unearned Income 57.2% Deductions 72.71% Potential Payment Errors Cases 23.75% Payment Errors Cases Corrected 36.04% Correct Cases 40.21%

Region

Read

Household

06

2589

95.17%

SNAP
1819 EAST HOUSTON STREET 608 E NORTH LOOP 336 6500 FM 2100 RD 300 306 E HWY 190 1405 MONTA ST 544 535 9 98.35%

TANF
46 45 1 97.83%

MED
899 866 33 96.33%

3,237 586 823 670

3,125 573 798 659

112 13 25 11

96.54% 97.78% 96.96% 98.36%

421 65 82 127

414 65 79 126

7 0 3 1

98.34% 100.00 % 96.34% 99.21%

3,475 652 559 657

3,345 627 541 628

130 25 18 29

96.26% 96.17% 96.78% 95.59%

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RECIPE CORNER

Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade 2013

Houstons annual Holiday Parade will celebrate its 64th year in existence on November 28th, 2013. The 2013 Thanksgiving Day Parade, a Houston tradition since 1949, will go on, Mayor Annise Parker announced. The Houston Holiday Parade will take place on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, November 28th @ 09:00am, located in downtown Houston.

What to do with that left over Turkey?

Answer: Smother it
Recipe By: Rhonda K

I N GR E D I EN TS Leftover deboned Turkey 2 cups All-purpose flour 2 cups olive oil or lard 3 cups Turkey broth or stock. Tony Chacheres Creole Seasoning or Zatarains Creole Seasoning. (if desired) 2 tbsp. minced garlic 1/2 cup chopped onions or 1 tbsp. onion powder 2 cups Mushrooms (optional) 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine (optional) Salt, pepper or cayenne pepper to taste D I R EC T ION S Heat 2 cups of oil (olive oil or lard) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups flour to heated oil. Continually stir flour until it turns into a golden brown smooth paste. Once oil & flour are brown add 3 cups broth or stock (water may be used as a substitute) until boiling. (Stirring continually) If roux becomes too thick, add more broth or water (for desired consistency). Continue to stir, adding desired Cajun seasonings and a 1/2 cup of wine, (optional). Stir in onion or onion powder, minced garlic and mushrooms until the vegetables are tender; about 10 minutes. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the flavors have blended, at least 15 minutes. Add deboned left over turkey to roux, simmer on low heat about 45 minutes and serve over rice, left over dressing or a bun/bread for a tasty turkey sandwich. Enjoy!
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With brilliant floats and electric traveling performances, the HEB sponsored event attracts live crowds and over 2 million television viewers. Private donors have pledge more than $400,000 to cover the costs of the parade. The annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought joy to our families and millions of Houstonians over the years.

Things to do in Houston
Link: http://www.visithoustontexas.com/things-to-do/holidays-in-houston-2013/

LaKeisha Brewer Anitra Butcher

Trina Douglas

Lisa Killion Amanda Trevino

Catherine Ward

Sherri Johnson TWA 1-Conroe Office

Alanda Rhodes TWA 1-Conroe Office

KiSaana Fernanders Promoted -TWA I

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Red Velvet Cake Truffles

Experience the velvet taste of Christmas

Saturday, November 23, 2013 Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway

I N GR E D I EN TS 1 Box Duncan Hines Red Velvet Cake Mix 1 1/4 cup water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 tub cream cheese frosting 1 package white chocolate bark 1 package milk chocolate bark sprinkles chocolate chips for decorating D I R EC T ION S

Saturday, November 23, 2013 The Woodlands Waterway adjacent to Town Green Park

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray and line a 13x9 cake pan with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, add the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into the cake pan and bake for 35-38 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. It will cool even faster if you invert it over onto a large cutting board and break it apart with your hands after it's cool enough to handle. When the cake has cooled completely, add it to a large bowl and break up into small pieces. Add the cream cheese frosting and stir well to combine. Put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll cake mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. Continue on...and on...and on...until all the cake has been rolled. Put them into the freezer for 1 hour to chill well. Remove one of the cookie sheets from the freezer. Leave the other one in there for now. Melt half of the chocolate bark at a time in a microwave proof glass bowl and work in small batches. Use a spoon to help you dunk it in the chocolate and tap off the excess. Lay back on the cookie sheet, using a toothpick to help you push it off the spoon. Decorate immediately with sprinkles (if using) because the chocolate coating dries very quickly. Continue on until they have all been coated and decorated. You can also melt some chocolate chips and use a plastic baggie with the tip cut to drizzle on some pretty chocolate decorations. Have fun and enjoy!

Preview: November 16 & 17, 2013 Daily: November 23, 2013 January 20, 2014 Northeast Corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive

November 23, 2013 January 20, 2014 Northeast corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive

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DID YOU KNOW?

TIERS inappropriately allows a SNAP household to qualify for expedited processing when a timely SNAP redetermination was denied for Missed Appointment, the SNAP household reschedules or submits a new application in the 30 days after the denial, and the household meets the expedited income and resource criteria. Reference Exceptions under TW Handbook A-142, Limit on Expedited Certification Contingency Processing Method (CPM) If TIERS determines that the household meets expedited criteria, and 1. Approves benefits with Postponed verification, Do not dispose the EDG Form H1020 will be generated in the nightly batch Document in Case Comments Using CPM 393068, SNAP Expedited in Error. The household is not eligible for expedited services due to MA at redetermination and the household is pended. Ensure disposition does not occur until the household provides, or fails to provide verification. 2. At disposition, a late determination date (LDD) is requested Enter the date of disposition as the Late Determination Date (LDD) on the LDD page. Document in Case Comments Using CPM 393068, SNAP Expedited in Error, entered LDD to prevent erroneous SNAP expedited services delinquency. Based on policy this household does not qualify for expedited processing.

amie Pruitt
Supervisor III Crosby & Liberty Offices

Celebrating 25Years of Service

TWA III Liberty Office

eronica Abshire

Celebrating 25Years of Service

2014 CUTOFF DATES

MONTH_YEAR HHSC_CUTOFF January 2014 Wednesday, 1/15/2014 February 2014 Wednesday, 2/12/2014 March 2014 Wednesday, 3/19/2014 April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 September 2014 Wednesday, 4/16/2014 Wednesday, 5/14/2014 Wednesday, 6/18/2014 Wednesday, 7/16/2014 Tuesday, 8/19/2014 Wednesday, 9/17/2014

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October 2014 Wednesday,10/15/2014 November 2014 Tuesday, 11/18/2014 December 2014 Wednesday,12/17/2014

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COFFEE BREAK
ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!
Congratulations and thank you to Coletha Henderson of the Huntsville office for a job well done! Ms. Henderson had two back to back Quality Control cases found error free. Ms. Henderson received 16 hours of administrative leave as a result. Keep up the good work!

FUNNY BREAK

New: 2507 Lake Rd. Huntsville TX. 77340

The Huntsville office is moving! New location is 2507 Lake Road in Huntsville. Move date is December 20th, 2013. The new office will be constructed with the new cubicle format for offices.

November Birthdays

December Birthdays

Samantha Mock Elena Sager Melilisa Friend Janice Dunshie Denisha Ellis Linda Fields Ruth Middleton Tana Puckett Gari Bates Maryann Balboa

Coletha Henderson Kinnie Strubell Sarah Calosso Tammy Trojanowski Wanda Eagleton Janice McKay Mary Singer

Old: 306 Hwy 190 E., Huntsville, TX. 77340

Seasonal Events
City of Conroe Toy Drive
Help us make a childs holiday a special event. Donate a new, unwrapped toy of non-violence to the City of Conroe Aquatic Center. Toys are donated to the Montgomery County Womens Shelter for abused and neglected children. Receive FREE admission into Lap Swim, Recreational Swim, Masters and Water Exercise Classes when you bring a toy. Monday, November 25December 15, 2013 City of Conroe Aquatic Center 1205 Callahan Avenue Conroe, TX. 77301 (936)522-3930
http://www.cityofconroe.org/parks

WINTER WEATHER

Regional is diligently working behind the scenes to ensure that we are prepared to respond to inclement weather events.

Familiarize yourself with the Regions Inclement Weather Policy. Be aware of the TEX-RING; 1(888) 839 -7464 & the Regions Emergency Hotline (713)767-2484.

Office closure information can be accessed through these numbers and the information will be updated as needed.

There are many benefits to using the Employee Assistance Program. Its free, easy to access, and confidential. Deer Oaks EAP complies with HIPPA privacy and confidentiality regulations. All information, assessments, and referrals through the EAP are held highly confidential and protected.

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. Booker T. Washington

State of Texas
Health & Human Services Commission Servicing Communities Across the State

Editor: Rhonda King The Gault Gazette is a quarterly publication for all HHSC employees in Region 06. Please email any comments, questions or suggestions to; Rhonda.King@hhsc.state.tx.us www.hhs.state.tx.us