Category: Health

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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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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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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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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Aging in Place, FYI, Health, Safety, senior independence, seniors, Tips

Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone

By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan The senior population faces many challenges, safety at home being one of them. There are so many safety precautions that need to be taken. After living in a home for over 40 years new ideas can be helpful to enable seniors to live safe, happy lives in their homes. Safety for Seniors at … Continue reading Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone

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FYI, Health, seniors, Tips

The Human Utility

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Have you ever had to live without running water? At best, living without running water can be challenging; for older adults and people with disabilities, this situation can be life-threatening. Many low-income older adults and people with disabilities do not have easy access to transportation. Even with reliable transportation, tasks like grocery shopping can … Continue reading The Human Utility

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FYI, Health, Safety, senior independence, seniors

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assessing Tripping Hazards in Your Home

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan I know several older adults who live alone whom I help on a regular basis. I often hear from them that they are worried they will fall, and no one will find them for days. This common fear among older adults is not unfounded. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most fatal … Continue reading Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assessing Tripping Hazards in Your Home

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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 20

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Is it true I can save about $4,900 per year if I qualify for Social Security’s Extra Help with the Medicare prescription drug program? Answer: Yes. If your income and resources meet the requirements, you can save nearly $4,900 in prescription costs each year. Resource limits for 2018 are $14,100 (or $28,150 if you are married … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 20

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FYI, Health, medical, senior independence, seniors

Mental Health Stigmas

By Ryan Schofield, Legal Intern and Sandra Wisnewski, J.D., Director of Client Assistance at Elder Law of Michigan What do you imagine would be the reaction to someone discussing their mental health issues openly 50 years ago? Was it, “What are you, some kind of loon?” Or possibly, “You’re going to see a shrink?” While some people may have been receptive to discussing mental health, … Continue reading Mental Health Stigmas

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