By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you know that you can apply online for Medicare, even if you are not ready to retire? We can help you make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and usually no … Continue reading Apply Online for Medicare
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening and Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Health insurance is complicated, and Medicaid is no exception. I have helped many older adults apply for Medicaid, and I have talked with many individuals who have Medicaid with a Spend-down. As with most health insurance and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) benefits, there are many other regulations and exceptions that … Continue reading How Does a Medicaid Spend-down Work?
Via Michigan Advance By Allison Donahue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Robert Gordon on Thursday morning announced policy changes aimed at making access to food assistance and other public benefits easier for families. “These asset test policy changes are important because right now too many Michigan families are struggling to get ahead,” said Whitmer in a press … Continue reading New: Whitmer, DHHS announce plan to ease access to public assistance
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
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
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
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security and Medicare are both programs that are household names, but do you know the true difference? Both programs help safeguard millions of Americans as well as improve the quality of life for their family and friends. While Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Medicare provides health insurance. Medicare is our country’s health insurance … Continue reading Medicare, A Simple Explanation
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
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
By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Affordable medical coverage is something everyone wants, especially as people age. Luckily, our nation has safeguards for workers as they get older. Millions of people rely on Medicare, and it can be part of your health insurance plan when you retire. Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, as well as younger people who have … Continue reading Sign up for Medicare and Estimate Medicare Costs
