The newsletter for all elder caregivers...... Please feel free to pass on Eldercare Matters to anyone you think might be interested.

Read this issue in full color:
http://www.eldercareteam.com/resources/newsletter.htm

> The "Qualified Medicare Beneficiary" Program (QMB) <

QMB will pay the Medicare Part A monthly premium (if applicable - not everyone has to pay this), the Medicare Part B Premium, the Part B annual deductible, and the co-insurance and deductible amounts for services under A and B. To receive co-insurance benefits, your doctor must be certified
as a Medicaid provider and accept QMB. Many physicians will accept QMB even if they don't regularly accept Medicaid patients, so check.

QMB will not pay Medigap premiums, but if the individual has QMB, you may not need a Medigap policy unless it includes good pharmacy benefits.

Eligibility: The individual must be eligible for Medicare Part A (even if not currently enrolled). The individual's monthly income must be at or below 100% of the annual federal poverty level (this changes every year - see the numbers for 2004 here: http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/04poverty.shtml . Personal assets, including cash, bank accounts and investments may not exceed $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a married couple. The
value of the home isn't counted.

> "Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary" Program (SLMB)<

SLMB will pay the individual's Medicare Part B monthly premium. No other benefits are included. However, benefits could be retroactive up to 3 months prior to the application.

To qualify for SLMB the individual must be eligible for Medicare Part A (even if not enrolled).

The individual's monthly income must be between 100% and 120% of the annual federal poverty level (check this year's guidelines at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/04poverty.shtml ).

Personal asset allowances are the same as for QMB

> How To Apply <

You can request an application from your local State Department of Human Services/Department of Social Services (look in the Blue Government Pages - usually located in the front of the white pages of your telephone book for your local office). Eligibility begins on the first day of the month after the month when your local DHS/DSS has all the information and verification necessary to determine eligibility. This usually won't be more than 45 days from the time you send in your completed application.

This all sounds pretty confusing, I know. If you think your elder (or you) might be eligible for QMB or SLMB, don't hesitate to call your local office and ask for the application. You're no worse off if you don't qualify, but you might be successful. The QMB program, especially, can save you a bundle of money that
your elder doesn't have if he or she qualifies. What do you have to lose?

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A man 90 years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. "I reckon," he said, with a twinkle in his eye, "it's because most nights I went to bed and slept when I should have sat up and worried."
-- Dorothea Kent

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Did you know that, if you or someone you know uses adaptive equipment in a vehicle there are manufacturer rebates up to $1,000 for installing, or re-installing, this kind of equipment in a new car? If you're shopping for a vehicle, purchase or lease, here are some programs you need to know about before you seal the deal:

GM Mobility Program:
http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/gm_mobility/fa_gmmrp.html#top

Ford Mobility Motoring Program:
http://www.mobilitymotoring.com

Chrysler Mobility Probram:
http://www.automobility.daimlerchrysler.com

Saturn Mobility Program:
http://www.saturn.thenetlab.net/company/mobility_program.jhtml

Toyota Mobility Program:
http://www.toyota.com/mobility
http://www.lexus.com/models/warranty_vehicle_protection/mobility/guidelines.html

Volkswagen Mobility Access Program: Toyota's web page
appears to be having problems. You can contact them at
(800) DRIVE VW information about their program.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Commission
(NHTSA) has recommendations for adapting motor vehicles
for persons with disabilities at http://www.nhtsa.gov .

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"If everything seems under control,
you're just not going fast enough."
- Mario Andretti

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>> Eldercare Quick Tip <<

Whether it's white, pink, beige, yellow or grey, a bathroom where everything is the same color can be a problem for people with poor vision or confusion. Try using a rubber bath or shower mat that's a bright contrasting color so it's obvious where the bottom of the tub/shower is. And install a bright contrasting toilet seat, too. It's ever so much easier to see.

Don't forget the night light. It should be on all the time - ever close the door in a strange bathroom and then have to open it again to find the light switch?

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I have subjects a'plenty I can write about here. That's never been a problem. But this is your newsletter. If you need more information on a particular subject, please let me know and I'll do what I can. The thing is, if you have a question about something, then probably a bunch of your compatriots have the same question. Send it on...

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To those of you in Florida and on the Gulf, we're all praying that this time you'll get a miss. You've been through so much, already. It's time for Mother Nature to take a rest.

'Till next time,
Molly

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Molly Shomer
Head Coach
The Eldercare Team
http://www.eldercareteam.com
mshomer@eldercareteam.com
Box 700291
Dallas, TX 75370
(972) 395-7823

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