Page 7 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2019 - 26-09

Senior Times - September 2019 Page 7
COVERING COSTS WHEN RIGHT-SIZING TO ASSISTED LIVING
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
When seniors can no longer live inde- pendently, home care isn’t possible, or if there are safety issues, it may be time to consider moving to assisted living. On a positive note, changing the living situation can provide addi- tional benefits through activities and social- ization. But the big question is how does one pay for assisted living? Monthly fees can range from $1,500 to more than $10,000, depending on need, when moving to an adult foster care (AFC) home, a home for the aged (HFA), or an unlicensed assisted living.
Assisted living is generally private pay; government financial assistance is very lim- ited. And if private funds run out, it may be necessary to move to another setting. Long- term planning is important.
If your older adult has enough savings,
they could pay “out of pocket” using personal savings or income. Consider speaking with a reputable financial adviser to confirm that your older adult’s savings will last through the years. For a quick ballpark estimate, your local assist- ed living facility can help.
This is a special type of home loan where long-time homeowners borrow cash against the value of their home and don’t have to sell their home. There are three types of reverse mortgage. Speak with a reputable bank to learn about the risks and benefits.
Some older adults have the option of selling their house and using that money to pay for assisted living expenses. If the house is still
on the market, but the move to assisted living needs to happen ASAP, a bridge loan could
help until the home is sold. FYI, that’s a short- term loan and could be a risky choice. But it’s something to consider if you’re really stuck.
This type of insurance usually covers nurs- ing home care, home-based health care, assisted living care, and other medical services. Don’t assume it won’t be affordable – check with a reputable insurance agent. Long-term care pre- miums are based on many factors, including age, health, benefit amount and duration, when the company will start paying benefits, and other factors like location.
Veterans Benefits
In some cases, Veterans benefits can
cover assisted living costs. The Veterans Administration provides pension benefits to Veterans, their spouses, and widows or wid- owers with limited incomes. The VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension benefit pays for assisted living, as well as home care and adult foster care expenses, where traditionally, peo- ple would have to go into a nursing home to have the government (Medicaid) help pay for their care. This benefit is a great alternative to Medicaid or even long-term-care insurance. There are four criteria to be met in order to qualify including military service, medical need, assets, and income. Contact your local Veterans Affairs office for more details.
Some local businesses include a long-term care program benefit or have support services that will provide assistance such as with the Kellogg 25 Year Trust. Ask your employer.
Some government assistance is available for residents of an AFC or HFA that meet strict eli- gibility standards. Additional assistance may be
available for individuals who have a develop- mental disability or who have a mental illness.
The Social Security Administration runs an income supplement program for low-income blind, aged, and disabled people. If you qualify for SSI, you are paid a monthly check to bring your total income up to the SSI limit. You apply for SSI at your local Social Security office. If you qualify for SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
Long-term Care Insurance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Some AFC and HFA homes accept SSI pay- ment levels as payment in full. If the AFC or HFA accepts SSI, it cannot charge you more than this amount for its services. However, an AFC or HFA is not required to accept a resident receiving SSI.
Medicare vs. Medicaid
Private Savings
For those who qualify, Medicaid may pay for long-term care or may pay medical expenses including prescription medicines.
Reverse Mortgage
Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term assist- ed living, but may pay for short-term rehab stays, typically after an inpatient hospital stay. However, it will continue to pay for covered medical expenses, such as hospital care, pre- scribed home health services, and doctor visits.
Sell Personal House
An elder law attorney can help you, or the adult children, make it through the questions faced when considering long-term care. You will find several reputable options in this issue. There is a cost for their services but it may save the family significant dollars in the long run.
Local Benefit Programs
Resources may come from cashing in sav- ings bonds or whole-life policies. Sometimes a life insurance policy can be traded in for long- term care insurance. Faith communities some- times have foundations to help. Finally, there is family.
Government Assistance
Other Options
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
ORGANIZATION
Aequitas
Albion Marshall Connector
Area Wide Transportation
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Community Action Senior Transportation
JTC Transportation Service LLC
Mobility 1 Transportation
Senior Transportation, DC Services LLC
AREA
Battle Creek
Marshall, Ablion
Southern Michigan
Battle Creek
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Calhoun County Area
Southern Michigan
Michigan, Northern IN
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Curb-To-Curb
Fixed Routes
Origination To Destination
Within 150 miles
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
PHONE
(269) 441-5387
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
(269) 679-6999
(269) 966-3474
(269) 565-4144
(269) 339-6928
(269) 430-5055
(517) 677-9262
HOURS
M-F, 7am-12midnight
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
Available 24 hours/ day
M-F, 5:15am-6:45pm, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Daily 6am-8pm
By Appointment
By Appointment
COST
$7 one-way
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12, $2 adults/children 13+
Bills Medicare/Medicad
$0.60 seniors
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Wheelchair $35+$1.50/mile after 20miles, Ambulatory $25+$1.50/ mile after 20miles
Can bill some Medicad plans
$0.50/mile
NOTES
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay
Rider responsible for any costs not covered
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
10-15% Disc for ambulatory frequency
Starting from Tekonsha
Alamo Transportation
Calhoun & Jackson Counties
(517) 494-0029
M-F, 7am-5pm
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Creek Area
(844) 895-4809
By Appointment
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek Area
Door-to-Door Service
(269) 966-3474
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
$2 one-way for senior/disabled, Personal attendants ride free, $7 adults ($5 after 6:45pm)
Reservation Needed, 10 punch pass for $20, 20 punches for $40
Branch Area Transit Authority
Branch County
Curb-To-Curb
(517) 278-5889
Daily
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Albion
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Marshall
(269) 781-3975
M-F, 7am-6pm
$1.50 one-way for seniors, 60+, disabled, children 5-12, $3.00 adults/children 13+
Free on Wed for seniors, age 60 and over
Ready Ride Transportation
Michigan
(616) 261-2400
By Appointment
Contact for Rates
10% Discount for Veterans
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1412 ext. 302 or ssherban@wwthayne.com.