Category: FYI

Celebratory Month, FYI, Money and Finances, Social Security

Social Security Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Hispanics make up our nation’s largest ethnic minority group with a population of 58.9 million, representing 18.1 percent of the nation’s total population. We work hard to deliver great customer service and easy-to-access information about our important programs and the benefits we provide to millions of Americans. If … Continue reading Social Security Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Planning for the Future, Safety

Preparing for Power Outages

By Abigail Haller, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Michigan is known for its erratic weather and harsh winters. Even though it may be difficult to predict when a snowstorm will arrive, being prepared is something anyone can do. Being prepared before, during, and after a winter storm can alleviate stress and help keep you and your loved ones safe. The Michigan State Police have … Continue reading Preparing for Power Outages

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Medicare/Medicaid, seniors

Essential Information About Medicare Open Enrollment

By Sheila Robison, MiCAFE Network Screening Integration Coordinator, at Elder Law of Michigan It’s that time of year again! The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period begins October 15th and ends December 7th. During this time, you can review your Medicare benefits and make changes to your Medicare plan penalty free! Ok, you won’t be winning a cruise to the Bahamas, but we’ll try to make … Continue reading Essential Information About Medicare Open Enrollment

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fraud, FYI, Money and Finances, Safety, Social Security, Tips

Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely … Continue reading Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Medicare/Medicaid

Healthy Michigan Plan: New Work Requirements

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) is a type of Medicaid, with cost-sharing, for individuals age 19-64. MDHHS has released information regarding work requirements for HMP eligibility, effective January 1, 2020. While this will not affect most older adults we serve, it is still important to know that changes are coming. If a person enrolled in … Continue reading Healthy Michigan Plan: New Work Requirements

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, FYI, Health, Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Safety, seniors

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Genetic testing scam preys on seniors’ cancer fears and may be costing taxpayers millions

Via CBS News The trouble began for Ken and Judy Johnson – a pair of retirees from Austin, Texas – at a Fort Lauderdale arts festival. “There was a couple of people in there saying ‘come get your DNA tested,’” Judy recalled. The company, Genexe Health, billed itself as a genetic testing “one-stop shop.” With a quick cheek swab, the Johnson’s could learn if they … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Genetic testing scam preys on seniors’ cancer fears and may be costing taxpayers millions

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Celebratory Day, FYI, History, seniors

Hello Papa

By Ron Tatro, Vice President at Elder Law of Michigan Recently, my wife and I received a call from our 14-year-old granddaughter. As I answered the phone, I was greeted with “Hello Papa.” She was calling Grandma and Papa to say thank you for her recent birthday gifts. Over the next few minutes, we talked about her volleyball tournament, piano recitals, travel plans, and school. … Continue reading Hello Papa

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FYI, Housing, Money and Finances, senior independence

Capital Area Housing Partnership

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan When the need arises for a home repair or basic maintenance, many people search for a reliable professional. Often, with a few skills and some basic tools, people can maintain and repair their own homes, which can save a lot of money. Learning home repair skills, being able to practice repair skills without damaging … Continue reading Capital Area Housing Partnership

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Elder Abuse, fraud, FYI, Health, Insurance, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Safety, seniors, Tips

Genetic Testing Scam Alert

By Kim Hill, Economic Security Client Services Manager at Elder Law of Michigan The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has issued a Medicare fraud alert involving genetic testing kits. Fraudulent companies are offering Medicare beneficiaries access to a free screening for cancer, Parkinson’s or other conditions, claiming that Medicare will cover the cost. These companies find their victims through phone calls, … Continue reading Genetic Testing Scam Alert

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
Disability, FYI, Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, SSI, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 21

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Answer: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 21

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