Resource Advocate
Carol Ringle
(810) 626-2139
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday
Email Carol Ringle
Our Resource Advocate can provide help with questions re: housing (nursing home, assisted living, adult foster care (AFC), senior apartments), prescriptions, transportation, Meals on Wheels (MOW), help in the home/chore services, insurance (Medicare/Medicaid, Medigap) or other problems.
Carol’s Corner:
This month is "Fall Prevention Month" and I wrote an extensive article in the June/July newsletter re: the importance of exercise to help you keep your balance and prevent falls. Falls are common, costly and a real threat to your independence. 40% of Nursing Home admits are related to a fall. Don't be one of them! we will be having Eric King from Great Lakes Home Care/Hospice talk about this subject on Sept 21 (Tuesday at 1:00 pm.)
Medicare's 45th Anniversary: Medicare is anticipated to be fully funded through 2037. There are many Changes coming with the Health Care Reform Act The major ones are are follows:
1. Increased screening & preventative services.
Starting in 2011, all Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to a free annual wellness visit that includes a basic physical exam & development of a prevention plan.
2. Reduced prescription drug costs.
If you have fallen into the "Donut Hole" you should be receiving a $250 Check. The new law will further reduce the cost of name-brand drugs in the "donut hole " by about 59% next year and close the gap completely by 2020.
3. Improvement in quality of care:
The law provides better care after a person is discharged from the hospital and penalizes hospitals that do not adequately arrange for a Medicare patient's care after discharge, rewards doctors who provide primary care to Medicare patients, runs background checks on employees in long-term facilities, and standardizes the complaint process for anyone on Medicare with concerns.
4. Starting in 2014 insurance companies cannot deny coverage to anyone with pre-existing conditions and will provide immediate assistance to individuals with pre-existing conditions through the establishment of high-risk pools. Will also extend dependent coverage to adult children up to age 26.
Most beneficiaries will not pay an more for these services, HOWEVER, people who are still working and have higher incomes (over $200,000 (single) or $250.000 (couple)) will encounter a Medicare payroll tax increase - up 2.35% from the current 1.45%. Also about 5% of people with Medicare, - singles with a total income above $85,000 and couples with income above $170,000 will pay higher Medicare premiums to their Part D prescription plan.
Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage subscribers may experience additional charges.
Some plans may decide to raise their premiums (they cannot raise Medicare Part B charges), reduce non-Medicare-covered benefits (vision/dental) or even exit the Medicare market. Which plans will be affected has not been determined as yet so please do not call me until you have been notified of any changes and I will address it at that time.
Emergency Preparedness: During an emergency you need to have the ability to communicate with family members. Make sure your emergency contact number is programmed into your cell phone. Have a car charger in your car for extended power outages if you do not have a landline phone.
Wanted: One of our seniors needs a vacuum cleaner that is in good working condition. If you have one you would like to donate, please contact Carol Ringer @ (810) 626-2139.
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The Hartland Center provides outreach services to Senior Citizens in the community with the help of a Resource Advocacy grant from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and through the support of our local community. Our Resource Advocate can assist older adults and their families in obtaining the following services:
- Legal services
- Nutrition Care giving
- In-Home counseling.
- Tax Form Assistance.
- Long distance care.
- Home chores and repairs.
- Prescription drug assistance.
- Various food programs.
- Volunteer respite.
- Information regarding assisted living, adult foster care and nursing homes.
- Emergency needs.
- Transportation
- Lawn cutting and snow removal.
- Medicare/Medicaid