Senior Resources
SENIOR STORY
Recently, one of our constituents had an issue with their Social Security payments. Due to an administrative error, they suddenly stopped receiving their Supplemental Security Income, causing financial strain. Despite their efforts to resolve it independently, they faced obstacles and a labyrinth of bureacracy. When they reached out to our office, we acted promptly. We communicated with Social Security representatives and sped up the review of their case. Thanks to our intervention, the constituent's problem was fixed, and they now receive their full payments each month. Stories like these underscore the critical importance of providing resources and support to seniors in our community.
As a congressman, I am committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that safeguard the well-being and financial security of seniors, ensuring they receive the assistance they rightfully deserve.
WHAT I’M DOING IN WASHINGTON
Alongside these federal, state, and local resources, I am working to make changes to the law for the benefit of both our state and the nation.
I am dedicated to championing legislation that ensures every American has access to quality healthcare. That's why I proudly support initiatives like the Congressional Medicare for All Caucus, advocating for comprehensive coverage that leaves no one behind.
I am focused on improving patient-centered care through legislation like the Better Care Better Jobs Act and the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act. These measures prioritize the needs of patients and ensure they receive the best possible care.
I am committed to safeguarding essential programs like Social Security, which is why I support the Social Security 2100 Act to ensure its long-term stability and effectiveness.
I am pushing for expanded access to preventive services, such as cancer screenings, through initiatives like the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.
In Congress, I will continue to advocate for policies that promote health equity and improve the overall well-being of individuals and families nationwide.
SENIOR RESOURCES
MEDICARE
Medicare is a federal government program providing health coverage to individuals who are:
-
Age 65 and over.
-
Eligible for Medicare Part B and receiving kidney dialysis treatments.
-
Under age 65, disabled, and have been receiving Social Security benefits for 24 months.
Medicare is divided into two main parts: Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage).
Part A
-
Part A is financed by taxes on employers and employees.
-
Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, hospice care, limited skilled nursing care, and home health care. Copays, co-insurance, and a deductible may apply to each of these services.
-
Part A deductible will be charged each time there is a hospitalization, as long as there are 60 days between each episode.
-
You pay a deductible and no co-insurance for days 1-60 of each benefit period.
-
You pay co-insurance for days 61-90 of each benefit period.
-
Once the deductible is paid, Medicare will pay a share of the covered health care expenses, and you are responsible for a share of the covered services.
-
Part B
-
Part B is financed by individual monthly premiums, which are usually deducted from a person’s Social Security check.
-
Medicare will pay 80 percent of covered health care costs, and you are responsible for the remaining 20 percent.
-
Some preventive services are covered with no charge, including a yearly “wellness visit.”
-
Medicare deductibles and co-insurance amounts are adjusted on an annual basis.
MEDICAID
Medicaid, along with CHIP, provides health coverage to over 72.5 million Americans, including various demographics like children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, making it the largest health coverage program in the U.S.
Eligibility:
-
Mandatory eligibility groups include low-income families, pregnant women, children, and individuals receiving SSI.
-
States have the option to cover additional groups like those receiving home and community-based services or children in foster care.
-
The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid to nearly all low-income Americans under 65, with eligibility based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), simplifying the application process.
Financial Eligibility:
-
MAGI determines income eligibility for most individuals, considering taxable income and tax filing relationships.
-
Some exemptions exist for individuals based on blindness, disability, or age.
-
Certain groups, like former foster care recipients or those enrolled in specific programs, are automatically eligible.
Non-Financial Eligibility:
-
Medicaid beneficiaries must be residents of the state, citizens, or qualified non-citizens.
-
Eligibility may be limited by age, pregnancy, or parenting status.
Coverage and Effective Date:
-
Coverage is typically effective from the date of application or the first day of the application month.
-
Retroactive coverage for up to three months prior to the application month is possible if eligibility criteria are met.
Medicaid Eligibility
-
Medicaid Medical Support Requirements and Implementation Strategies Slide Deck
-
Medicaid and CHIP Disaster Relief MAGI-Based Verification Plan Addendum
SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security Essentials:
-
Social Security provides vital support to older Americans, disabled workers, and families who have lost a spouse or parent.
-
It typically replaces around 40% of an average wage earner's income post-retirement.
-
To qualify, individuals need to accumulate 40 credits (equivalent to 10 years of work), earning up to four credits per year based on income.
-
The full retirement age varies from 66 to 67, with benefits claimable as early as 62 (with reduced payments) or as late as 70 (with increased payments).
-
Apply for Medicare benefits three months before turning 65 to avoid penalties.
-
Social Security benefits may be taxable if individual or joint income exceeds certain thresholds.
-
Apply for benefits three months before the desired start date through the Social Security website.
-
Benefits are typically paid electronically via direct deposit or prepaid debit card.
FIND MEDICARE, MEDICAID, & SOCIAL SECURITY RESOURCES
Medicare
Click Here to find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare
Click Here to sign up for Part A & Part B | Medicare
Click Here to learn about the Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare
Click Here to learn about other IRA and Medicare Resources
Medicaid
Click Here to access Medicaid Resources
Social Security
Click Here to find your local Social Security office
Click Here to apply for Social Security benefits
PACE
Click Here to access Current and Potential PACE Membership Information
Click Here to access Interactive Map Resource - PACE Providers in Michigan
Aging Services
Click Here to learn more about caregiver, community, in-home and nutrition services, and to see if you qualify, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Click Here to learn about local services and service providers search for Aging Supports and Services.
CONTACT MEDICARE, MEDICAID, & SOCIAL SECURITY DETROIT
Social Security Administration
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Adult Protective Services
To report abuse or neglect call the hotline at 1-(855) 444-3911
Go to the State of Michigan website for more information at Click Here
MICHIGAN STATE RESOURCES
Aging services
Aging services help older adults live in the setting of their choice for as long as possible. Aging services also complement the care provided by family or friends.
Caregiver
Caregiver services assist family and informal caregivers in caring for their person for as long as possible.
Services may include:
• Adult Day Care
• Counseling
• Respite Care
• Support Groups
• Training
Community
Community services help older adults maintain their independence in their communities.
Services may include:
• Counseling
• Crisis Energy Assistance
• Disease Prevention/Health Promotion
• Elder Abuse Prevention
• Friendly Reassurance
• Health Screening
• Hearing Impaired Services
• Home Injury Control
• Home Repair
• Legal Assistance
• Medication Management
• Personal Injury Response
• Senior Center Support
• Transportation
• Vision Services
In-Home
In-Home services help older adults maintain their independence at home.
Services may include:
• Care Management
• Case Coordination
• Chore
• Homemaker
• Personal Care
Nutrition
Nutrition services provide balanced and nutritious meals at home or in a congregate or group setting such as a senior center or another community facility.
Services may include:
• Congregate/Group Meals
• Home-Delivered/Meals on Wheels
• Nutrition Education
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
-
Established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, PACE offers comprehensive services and integrated Medicare and Medicaid financing for frail, elderly individuals who meet Long Term Care (LTC) criteria.
-
PACE participants must be medically qualified, aged 55 or older, reside within the approved geographic area, live safely in the community, and not be enrolled in certain other programs.
-
PACE organizations receive referrals from community providers and assist individuals with Medicaid applications and assessments.
-
An interdisciplinary team assesses participants' needs, develops care plans, and delivers services primarily in adult day health centers and in-home settings.
-
PACE organizations must provide all Medicare and Medicaid covered services as determined by the interdisciplinary team.
-
Prospective PACE organizations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, must complete a feasibility study demonstrating cost neutrality or savings for long-term care services.
-
Becoming a PACE organization involves several steps, including research, feasibility study completion, application submission to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), evaluation, and contracting with MDHHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
For more specific PACE information, you can locate the PACE section within the Medicaid Provider Manual.
CITY OF DETROIT RESOURCES
For City of Detroit assistance with Medicare-covered long-term care, Meals on Wheels, in home care, and more Click Here
-
For more information, you can call: (800) 815-1112
-
The Senior Alliance can also be contacted at (734) 722-2830
For more assistance with nutrition, general health, long-term care, etc, Click Here
-
Contact the Detroit Area Agency on Aging at (313) 346-4444
For weather Assistance, water assistance, food assistance, property tax assistance, and more, Click Here
-
Contact Wayne Metro at (734) 284-6999
-
(313) 388-9799 for more information
For veteran-specific resources in Wayne County, please go to the County website. Click Here to see eligibility, programs, and documentation
County Food Specific Resources
The form for Wayne County Home delivered meals can be accessed: Click Here
For the the Liquid meals request form: Click Here
For information on congregate meals: Click Here
-
Please call the numbers found under the “Congregate Meal Sites” page to reserve a meal 24 hours in advance