Students represent well at Model Congress

Once the “community spouse” invokes their right to refuse, and all of the other myriad requirements of the Medicaid application are met, the state Medicaid program must pay for the care of the institutionalized spouse.

After Medicaid has been granted, the county may institute a lawsuit seeking to recover the cost of care from the refusing spouse. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons why spousal refusal makes sense, even in light of this risk. First, in many instances, the county never invokes this right. Secondly, these lawsuits are often settled for signifcantly less than the cost of care provided. Thirdly, the payment to the county can sometimes be deferred until the community spouse dies. As one county attorney told us when agreeing to such an arrangement, “the county is going to be around for a long time”. Finally, even though the county may seek recovery, it is only for the Medicaid reimbursement rate and not the private pay rate. For example, if the private pay rate is $18,000 per month, which is what you would have to pay, the amount Medicaid has to pay is generally a quarter to a third less. The county may only pursue you for the amount they actually paid.

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100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offces in Huntington • Melville • Islandia began brainstorming potential costumes,” Ginzburg said. “We emphasized the importance of working together leading up to the event as well, which I think contributed to the overall win.”

Hewlett High School’s Model Congress was declared the victor of the Jan. 30 Oceanside Model Congress competition. After a long day of debates and cheers, Hewlett High delegates were excited by their win.

Model Congress, as suggested by the name, replicates the proceedings of the U.S. Congress with committee and plenary sessions where students can practice public speaking. The event also includes activities that encourage socialization with other school districts such as cheers and entertainment.

Hewlett took part in OMC XLVIII, Oceanside’s 48th congress. With the theme of high school cliques, Hewlett was selected to represent the goths. Decked out in all-black attire and grunge accessories, delegates embodied the stereotypical goth style with pride.

Hewlett Happenings

“We put a lot of effort into OMC, from coordinating costumes in accordance with the theme of the congress to writing cheers,” said Leah Bragin, lower Delegate chair of Hewlett Model Congress. “In the end it was worth it — this win has brought our delegation together and made us eager for the next few foreign congresses!”

Hiral M. CHavre

Hewlett was prepared to dominate at Oceanside by staying decorous and maintaining high spirits throughout the long day.

Olivia Ginzburg, general chair of Hewlett Model Congress, noted the preparation that went into the successful congress. “We had been preparing for Oceanside for the longest time. The second we found out what the theme was, we

Hewlett delegates are now shifting their focus to their domestic congress that will take place on March 11. Hosting hundreds of students is no easy task, but Hewlett Model Congress is ready to take on the event with stride. Students have already begun drafting bills and practicing necessary chairing practices to ensure smooth proceedings.

Excitement for Hewlett’s domestic congress continues to build as the event draws closer. Brian Chen, assistant general chair of Hewlett Model Congress, is enthusiastic. “I can’t wait for the United Model Congress community to meet at our school,” he said. “I know for sure that everyone’s about to have a lot of fun!”