Authored by BlueAngel on
Sunday, October 16, 2005
This issue contains some interesting articles about the VA, Medicare D program and other items you might possibly be interested in.
Molly Shomer does an excellent job with her Newsletter in bringing items of interest , not only to caregivers as well as those having the care given to them.
Hope that you enjoy the articles.
Ethel Taylor aka Blue Angel
Elder CareTips:
Mastering The Eldercare Maze™
October 15, 2005
The newsletter for all elder caregivers. Sent twice a month, and only by request. You are welcome to pass on Elder CareTips™ to anyone you think might be interested. You'll find information about how to get your personal subscription below.
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Veterans Benefits
I recently was privileged to accompany a new client as he made "pre-arrangements" with a local funeral home. His wife passed away this year and he is in the process of putting his own affairs in order. Prior to her passing neither of them had made any provisions for disability or death, and he has seen first hand the benefit of planning ahead.
This wonderful gentleman served with pride in two wars, World War II and in Korea. Although he's quiet about it, he would really like to have a simple military funeral.
But, there's a but...isn't there always a "but."
His wife always took care of the paperwork. After her death he had lots of help from family, who helped him clean out his home and move to an assisted living residence. Somewhere, somehow, his military records went missing.
He needs to give a copy of his official discharge (his DD-214) to the funeral home so they can arrange the final ceremony he wants.
Luckily, he's in relatively good health and there was time to get the document. Time isn't always a luxury we have.
I went to the military archives on the web, followed the instructions, and in just about a month he had the form he needed. (Of course, the minute it arrived I immediately ran it down to the office to make multiple copies.)
If your elder served in the military there are benefits available. In order to access benefits, just about the first thing a veteran will need is the DD-214. Finding it is the tricky part. As soon as you get the chance, ask your elder where his or her military discharge papers are. If the answer is a blank look, see if he remembers his service number. It's amazing how that number has stuck in the memory of most who served.
Then go ahead and request an official copy. Immediate family members (spouse or children) can request one with minimal hassle. It will probably be easier in the long run to get a replacement than to find the original if you got that blank look.
And, don't forget the women in your family. A whole lot of women served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam (not to mention the Gulf). They are entitled to benefits, too.
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A 6-year old was asked where his grandma lived. ''Oh,'' he said, ''She lives at the airport and when we want her we just go get her. Then when we're done having her visit we take her back to the airport."
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It's Medicare Part D (Again)
Yes, I promised that I would try to stay away from the new Medicare programs in this newsletter, but there is a new development, and it's imperative that we get the word out.
A booklet called "Medicare and You 2006" was recently sent to everyone on Medicare. It supposedly covers what you need to know to make a decision about selecting a prescription drug plan under the new Medicare Part D plan.
The problem is, the booklets were sent out with a major error.
Eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries are being offered assistance with paying the Medicare Part D premium. For those who are eligible, the government will pay a basic premium to cover the cost of a Part D prescription drug plan.
The problem with the booklet, which the government attributes to a misprint, begins on page 97-a. That's where highlights of the various plans are listed: what they cost per month, the co-pay and the yearly deductible
The error is in the last column of the comparison chart. Many of the "yes" answers should actually say "no," meaning the government does *not* pay for the extra prescription coverage above the basic plan.
If you select a plan that costs more than the basic plan, and you are receiving what is being termed "extra help" with paying the Part D premium, you will have to pay the balance of the premium yourself.
If your elder is in the low-income program and she chooses a plan because of the information in the Medicare & You 2006 Handbook there is a strong possibility that she could find herself with an unexpected bill. And she won't be protected because it was "in the book." There's a disclaimer on the second page that reads: "Medicare and You 2006 explains the Medicare program. It isn't a legal document. The official Medicare Program provisions are contained in the relevant laws, regulations and rulings."
In other words, just because the government printed the information, you can't rely on it to be correct.
This program is so unbelievably complicated. You will probably have to get involved to help any elder who isn't extremely competent and computer-savvy. You will have to talk to the carriers individually to be sure you understand the coverage and what it will really cost.
There's a telephone number to speak with a Medicare representative: 1-800-633-4227. However, I have very little faith that the information you get from this telephone number will be any more reliable than what you get when you call the IRS hotline.
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Elder CareTip
The television remote controls that come with new televisions are so complicated I'm terrified of hitting the wrong button. All kinds of strange things happen when I do and there's a devil of a time getting back to the regular screen. Imagine how your elder feels.
Why should changing the channel be terrifying?
If you don't have a simple control box...on, off, louder & softer (order a big universal control as a gift - they're great if you can find one that works on your machine)...paint or nail polish to the rescue.
You can get all kinds of strange nail polish colors where teens shop - Target, WalMart and such. Put a dab of red on the power button. Use other colors for louder/softer/channel up & down. Keep the bottles as the polish will eventually wear off.
For elders who can see the little buttons this does help a lot.
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It's flu shot time again. If you want to know where to go to get yours, check the flu clinic locator.
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The really frightening thing about middle age is that you know you'll grow out of it.
Doris Day
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Have a great weekend everyone. See you on the first.
Turkey month approaches!!
Take care,
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© 2005 Molly Shomer, All rights reserved. You are free to use material from Elder CareTips: Mastering The Eldercare Maze™ as long as you include complete attribution, including live web site link and email link. I would appreciate it if you would let me know where the material will appear.
The Eldercare Team
SeniorLink, LLC
P.O. Box 700291
Dallas, Texas 75370
Phone (972) 395-7823 Fax (972) 395-7164
email: info@eldercareteam.com
©1999-2005
Advanced Professional Member
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
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