If you will be Medicare eligible this year, you know two things: First: It’s time to start! Medicare’s open-enrollment program began November 15th. Second: There are many differences from last year, and your options can be rather confusing. A recent article from the Wall Street Journal’s Personal finance section tries to round up some of the new rules from the overhaul, and how they differ between Traditional and Advantage Medicare plans. Traditional Plans will see an increase in coverage extending out to preventative services – including mammograms, Pap tests, and screenings for prostate or colorectal cancer – as well as…
The Social Security Administration last week announced that there will be no cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients again next year. Social Security and SSI benefits are adjusted annually to reflect increases, if any, in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), prepared by the Bureau of Labor of Statistics. Since the BLS determined that there was no increase in this index from the third quarter of 2008 through the third quarter of 2010, there can be no increase in the COLA for 2011. There…
Social Security played a major role raising millions of seniors out of poverty, but the big gains last year are due to a series of one-time events that won’t be repeated.
Many times the senior may suffer in silence so you need to be conscientious and alert to any changes in personality or behavior. If you suspect an elder is being abused call the protective services agency where that elder lives.
The challenge is daunting; however, not doing anything can be worse. Sometimes, having a professional elder care attorney and care coordinators can help with the situation.
In addition, there will be new protections against elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation as well as free wellness visits under Medicare and incentives to providers to coordinate care – all taking effect in 2011.
This question was addressed on Workforce50, where the primary options: 1. Elder stays at home and enlist outside help i.e. a friend, relative, living companion, government, charitable, or a home care agency service to help the elder with their needs. 2. Move to an independent living facility, apartment or condo that does not require as much care, on one floor instead of two, or is handicapped-accessible. 3. Move in with you or some other relative or friend. 4. Enter an assisted living facility where people live as independently as they can for as long as they can, but where services…
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
