By Ellen Mason, Hotline Attorney Betty Williams worked her entire adult life. She has some savings but, at 73, she’s going blind. She’s worried that her savings won’t cover the cost of a nursing home for very long. Betty has Medicare, and she wants to know if she qualifies for Medicaid. Medicaid rules vary from state to state. In Michigan, to qualify for Medicaid, a … Continue reading “I think I’ll take a trip around the world”
by James Michael Curcio, Hotline Intern Many older Americans count themselves among the 45% of taxpayers who do not pay federal income tax, either because their income is too low or because their income is not taxable. While not owing federal taxes does not necessarily mean you do not owe state taxes, it is likely that if you are not filing a federal return, you … Continue reading Don’t Have to File a Michigan Income Tax Return? Maybe You Should Anyway
by Gay Nell Jenkins, MiCAFE Community Partner Liaison Have you ever thought about using a home healthcare agency? Home health nurses go into the homes to care for the elderly and disabled patient. The goal of home health care nurses is to instruct, educate, and perform complex tasks as it relates to the care of the patient. While teaching caregivers how to safely assist patients with … Continue reading Home Healthcare Agencies and Caregivers
by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney “There are only two things in life that are certain; death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin 1789. By a strange coincidence, National Healthcare Decisions Day fell on April 16th, right before tax day, today, April 18th. National Healthcare Decisions Day is a day dedicated to “having the conversation.” This conversation can be more difficult to initiate than getting started on … Continue reading National Healthcare Decisions Day
by Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney This post is the second in our series on caregivers. In our previous post, we provided questions to help you determine whether you are a caregiver. In this post, we will discuss the steps to take when becoming a caregiver and the resources that are available to help make caregiving manageable. The Legal Hotline receives several calls each week … Continue reading Steps To Take When Becoming A Caregiver
by Sheila Robison, Economic Security Team Member Since August 1, 2008, organ donation has become an important subject to me as my cousin underwent a double lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. There are many reasons why one would need to do such a surgery, and those reasons mainly pertain to longevity of life. In my cousin’s case, during the spring of 2007, he … Continue reading National Organ Donation Month
by Jadranko Tomic-Bobas, Managing Hotline Attorney On March 29, 2016, Governor Snyder signed Senate Bill 551 into law. The bill makes it possible for a person to appoint a “funeral representative.” The funeral representative will be able to make funeral and other arrangements regarding the disposition of the remains. Currently, the next of kin has the authority to control the funeral and burial arrangement, which has … Continue reading Funeral Representative Bill Signed into Law
by Sandra Wisnewski, J.D., Director of the Mid-America Pension Rights Project The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pension and 401(k) issues. There are no age or income restrictions and there is never a charge for our services. MAPRP works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problems. Just ask Mr. D. Mr. D worked for a company that had long been out of business … Continue reading A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems
by Pat Ocheltree, MiCAFE Application Assistant There is a lot of confusion about Medicare, what it covers, how individuals get coverage, etc. Generally, if you receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically become eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Medicare Part B (medical) during the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months following your 65th birthday. Medicare A is fully paid for unless you … Continue reading 4 Important Medicare Tips
by Sandra Wisnewski, J.D., Director of the Mid-America Pension Rights Project Since 1998, the Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) has been assisting clients with pension issues. One question that we frequently receive is whether or not to take a lump sum payout of a pension benefit. Some employers offer a one-time lump sum payment in lieu of a traditional life-time annuity option. This option can be a … Continue reading Should I take a Lump Sum Pension Payout?
