Maximum Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment amounts increase with the automatic cost-of-living increases that apply to Social Security benefits. The latest such increase, 5.8 percent, becomes effective January 2009. The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2009 are $674 for an eligible individual, $1,011 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $338 for an essential person.
For more information see www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/SSI.html
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Medicare Part B premium stays the same for 2009!
This is only the 6th time since Medicare was created in 1965 that the Part B premium has stayed the same for 2 years in a row. But thankfully in 2009 the premiums for Medicare Part B will remain the same as they were in 2008.
The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2009:
Medicare Premiums for 2009:
Part A: (Hospital Insurance) Premium
*
Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse has 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
*
The Part A premium is $244.00 per month for people having 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
*
The Part A premium is $443.00 per month for people who are not otherwise eligible for premium-free hospital insurance and have less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
Part B: (Medical Insurance) Premium
$96.40 per month*
Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for 2009:
Part A: (pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care) For each benefit period Medicare pays all covered costs except the Medicare Part A deductible (2009 = $1,068) during the first 60 days and coinsurance amounts for hospital stays that last beyond 60 days and no more than 150 days.
For each benefit period you pay:
*
A total of $1,068 for a hospital stay of 1-60 days.
*
$267 per day for days 61-90 of a hospital stay.
*
$534 per day for days 91-150 of a hospital stay (Lifetime Reserve Days).
*
All costs for each day beyond 150 days
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
*
$133.50 per day for days 21 through 100 each benefit period.
Part B: (covers Medicare eligible physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment)
*
$135.00 per year. (Note: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after you meet the $135.00 deductible.)
Additional information about the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance rates for 2009 is available in the September 19, 2008 Fact Sheet titled, "CMS Announces Medicare Premiums, Deductibles for 2009" on the www.cms.gov website.
*Note: If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $96.40 per month. For additional details, see the Medicare FAQ titled: " Medicare Part B Monthly Premiums in 2009"
The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2009:
Medicare Premiums for 2009:
Part A: (Hospital Insurance) Premium
*
Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse has 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
*
The Part A premium is $244.00 per month for people having 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
*
The Part A premium is $443.00 per month for people who are not otherwise eligible for premium-free hospital insurance and have less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
Part B: (Medical Insurance) Premium
$96.40 per month*
Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for 2009:
Part A: (pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care) For each benefit period Medicare pays all covered costs except the Medicare Part A deductible (2009 = $1,068) during the first 60 days and coinsurance amounts for hospital stays that last beyond 60 days and no more than 150 days.
For each benefit period you pay:
*
A total of $1,068 for a hospital stay of 1-60 days.
*
$267 per day for days 61-90 of a hospital stay.
*
$534 per day for days 91-150 of a hospital stay (Lifetime Reserve Days).
*
All costs for each day beyond 150 days
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
*
$133.50 per day for days 21 through 100 each benefit period.
Part B: (covers Medicare eligible physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment)
*
$135.00 per year. (Note: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after you meet the $135.00 deductible.)
Additional information about the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance rates for 2009 is available in the September 19, 2008 Fact Sheet titled, "CMS Announces Medicare Premiums, Deductibles for 2009" on the www.cms.gov website.
*Note: If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $96.40 per month. For additional details, see the Medicare FAQ titled: " Medicare Part B Monthly Premiums in 2009"
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
West Virginia Lemon Law: What Seniors Need to Know
That new car smell is the best. The feeling of driving around in a new ride is sensational. But what happens when the experience sours and your new car starts smelling like a lemon? Unfortunately, seniors – who are least able to afford it – are often victimized by unscrupulous dealers and manufacturers. However, West Virginia’s lemon law gives you the right to take action – and turn your lemon into lemonade. Sergei Lemberg, an attorney specializing in lemon law, offers an overview of our lemon law, and tips to make sure you can take advantage of your West Virginia lemon law rights.
According to Sergei, West Virginia Lemon Law covers new passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, and trucks that are purchased in West Virginia. It also covers the chassis of new RVs. In order to be covered, though, the vehicle has to be used for personal (as opposed to business) purposes.
Not every new car is eligible for “lemon” status, however. In order to be considered a “lemon,” the defects have to affect the use, safety, or value of the vehicle. In other words, the need for a paint touch-up or a malfunctioning radio won’t cut it. In addition, the defects have to occur during the first year from the date you take delivery of the vehicle or the expiration of the warranty – whichever is later. You also need to have taken the vehicle in for repair three times for the same problem or it has to have been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 days. If the defect is likely to cause serious injury, though, you only have to take the vehicle in one time for repair. Finally, you have to send the manufacturer what is known as a “demand letter,” notifying them of the problem and demanding a replacement vehicle or refund.
Sergei notes that there are two options for pursing a lemon law claim: you can either go to court or go to arbitration. He’s quick to say, though, that manufacturers have teams of lawyers that do nothing but fight lemon law claims, and that you’ll only be on equal footing if you have a lemon law attorney at your side. The good news is that, if your court claim is successful, the manufacturer has to pay your attorney fees. Often, with the help of a lawyer, you can get a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement without having to go through the entire lemon law process – and get your attorney’s fees covered in the process.
If you think you have a lemon, start keeping notes. Jot down every communication you have with the dealer or manufacturer, the times and dates that you have a problem with the vehicle, and the days that the vehicle is out of service, either because it’s in the shop or because it’s not in working condition. Remember to keep all of your work orders, other paperwork, and any written correspondence. It’s also important to contact a lemon law attorney after the second repair attempt. He or she can help guide you through the final steps that will legally establish your vehicle as a lemon.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The lead singer is 91 years old, absolutely rock and roll
There is a middle finger at the end of the video, so please do not watch if that will offend you. Long live rock.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Senate Passes Medicare Bill Renewing QI
On July 9, 2008 the US Senate passed H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, by the veto-proof margin of 69 in favor to 30 against. Only one Senator was not present to vote, Senator and Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
The bill renewed the Qualified Individual (QI) program, which helps moderately low-income seniors pay Part B premiums, and which had sunsetted July 1, 2008. The bill also raised the resource limits for the other Medicare Savings Programs (ie. QMB and SLMB) which had never been increased before. The most immediate beneficiaries of the bill, however, are physicians who would have suffered a 10.6% cut in Medicare payment amounts had the bill not passed.
Both Senators Rockefeller and Byrd voted in favor of the bill.
The bill renewed the Qualified Individual (QI) program, which helps moderately low-income seniors pay Part B premiums, and which had sunsetted July 1, 2008. The bill also raised the resource limits for the other Medicare Savings Programs (ie. QMB and SLMB) which had never been increased before. The most immediate beneficiaries of the bill, however, are physicians who would have suffered a 10.6% cut in Medicare payment amounts had the bill not passed.
Both Senators Rockefeller and Byrd voted in favor of the bill.
Friday, June 27, 2008
House resoundingly supports amendments that broaden ADA coverage
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 3195 by a whopping 402-17 vote, seeking to bring people with partial and medicated disabilities back under the protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA was originally passed in 1990, but has seen a narrowing of its protections over the years through various lines of US Supreme Court decisions. Though many Americans think of the ADA as requiring ramps and building modifications for wheelchair users, the law is actually much broader than that. It prohibits discrimination for people with a variety of disabilities, not just physical, and not just in public accommodations, but also in employment, public services, telecommunications, and more.
This bill seeks to reverse those Supreme Court holdings, and changes the actual definition of who is covered. The ADA currently describes a disability as any physical or mental impairment that "substantially limits" a major life activity. Under the bill impairments that "materially restrict" a major life activity would qualify as disabilities, broadening the umbrella of who can be protected under the Act.
Next step, consideration by the Senate.
The ADA was originally passed in 1990, but has seen a narrowing of its protections over the years through various lines of US Supreme Court decisions. Though many Americans think of the ADA as requiring ramps and building modifications for wheelchair users, the law is actually much broader than that. It prohibits discrimination for people with a variety of disabilities, not just physical, and not just in public accommodations, but also in employment, public services, telecommunications, and more.
This bill seeks to reverse those Supreme Court holdings, and changes the actual definition of who is covered. The ADA currently describes a disability as any physical or mental impairment that "substantially limits" a major life activity. Under the bill impairments that "materially restrict" a major life activity would qualify as disabilities, broadening the umbrella of who can be protected under the Act.
Next step, consideration by the Senate.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
WV gets a new Area Code, by 2/28/09 all local calls will require dialing area code first
To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 681 area code will be added to the same geographic area served by the 304 area code, which is the entire state of
Get ready to change the way you dial your local calls!
Local Dialing Procedure Change
The new dialing procedure for local calls requires callers to dial the area code + the seven digit telephone number. This means that all local calls from the 304 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using ten digits (the area code + the seven digit telephone number). The dialing procedure for long distance or operator assisted calls will not change.
Beginning
Effective
As early as
If you have pre-programmed speed dial lists using 7-digits in your phones, these will need to be updated with 10-digit numbers.
What Will Remain the Same
- Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
- Your local calls are still local calls, even though they must be dialed using 10-digits.
- You can still dial three digits to reach 911 and 411.
Questions?
Call your Verizon Service Representative at 304-954-6200 for Residential Service or 1-800-562-2355 for Business Service.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
To get the $300 Stimulus Check you must file a tax return
Seniors who collect only Social Security can qualify for this one-time check, but even those who would not normally have to file a tax return must file to get the money. SSI benefits do not count toward the $3000 income needed to qualify, but SSI recepients who get that much from another source may qualify. Here are answer to common questions below:
From National Council on Aging;
Call Hilary Dalin at (202) 479-6626 or email at hilary.dalin@ncoa.og for more information
Fact Sheet:
Your Clients Who Are Low-Income Social Security Recipients Must File 2007 Tax Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Check
What is the stimulus package?
To help spur a slowing economy, the IRS will send tax rebate checks to over 130 million households beginning in May 2007 and continuing through the summer. Up to 20 million Americans who rely primarily on Social Security income qualify for a rebate check.
How do people qualify for a stimulus tax rebate check?
Generally a person has to have more than $3,000 in income. Even if a person does not have any earned income they can still qualify for a stimulus tax rebate check if their Social Security benefits, Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits, and/or railroad retirement benefits equal at least $3,000 annually.
To qualify, they must file a 2007 tax return on IRS Forms 1040 or 1040A with the IRS (even if their income is normally low enough that they are not required to file).
If they file a tax return, how much are they eligible for?
In most cases, they will get payments ranging from $300 to $600. Payments increase by $300 for families with dependent children under the age of 17, up to a maximum stimulus payment of $1,200.
By what date does the 2007 tax return have to be filed and when will the checks be received?
The IRS encourages filing a return if possible, by the regular April 15 deadline to get the rebate check in May 2008. Those filing later than April 15, with or without a tax-filing extension, may delay receipt of the rebate check. Those who qualify for a stimulus check will receive one by the end of 2008 if they file by October 15, 2008. No rebate checks will be issued after 2008 ends.
Will the stimulus payment affect eligibility for needs-based benefits programs?
Receiving a payment under the stimulus package does not effect eligibility for or amount of needs-based benefits programs (i.e. Food Stamps). Specifically, the payment does not count as income in the month it is received and does not count as a resource (asset) for 60 days after the month in which it was received.
Does your organization have questions about the stimulus package? (Please note: this is not intended for inquiries from consumers; We have provided contact info for consumer referrals below.)
Contact Hilary Dalin at the National Council on Aging at hilary.dalin@ncoa.org.
Do you know a low-to-moderate income senior who needs help filing a tax return?
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. To find an AARP Tax Aide site call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Web site.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 for assistance.
From National Council on Aging;
Call Hilary Dalin at (202) 479-6626 or email at hilary.dalin@ncoa.og for more information
Fact Sheet:
Your Clients Who Are Low-Income Social Security Recipients Must File 2007 Tax Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Check
What is the stimulus package?
To help spur a slowing economy, the IRS will send tax rebate checks to over 130 million households beginning in May 2007 and continuing through the summer. Up to 20 million Americans who rely primarily on Social Security income qualify for a rebate check.
How do people qualify for a stimulus tax rebate check?
Generally a person has to have more than $3,000 in income. Even if a person does not have any earned income they can still qualify for a stimulus tax rebate check if their Social Security benefits, Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits, and/or railroad retirement benefits equal at least $3,000 annually.
To qualify, they must file a 2007 tax return on IRS Forms 1040 or 1040A with the IRS (even if their income is normally low enough that they are not required to file).
If they file a tax return, how much are they eligible for?
In most cases, they will get payments ranging from $300 to $600. Payments increase by $300 for families with dependent children under the age of 17, up to a maximum stimulus payment of $1,200.
By what date does the 2007 tax return have to be filed and when will the checks be received?
The IRS encourages filing a return if possible, by the regular April 15 deadline to get the rebate check in May 2008. Those filing later than April 15, with or without a tax-filing extension, may delay receipt of the rebate check. Those who qualify for a stimulus check will receive one by the end of 2008 if they file by October 15, 2008. No rebate checks will be issued after 2008 ends.
Will the stimulus payment affect eligibility for needs-based benefits programs?
Receiving a payment under the stimulus package does not effect eligibility for or amount of needs-based benefits programs (i.e. Food Stamps). Specifically, the payment does not count as income in the month it is received and does not count as a resource (asset) for 60 days after the month in which it was received.
Does your organization have questions about the stimulus package? (Please note: this is not intended for inquiries from consumers; We have provided contact info for consumer referrals below.)
Contact Hilary Dalin at the National Council on Aging at hilary.dalin@ncoa.org.
Do you know a low-to-moderate income senior who needs help filing a tax return?
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. To find an AARP Tax Aide site call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Web site.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 for assistance.
Monday, January 28, 2008
2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines
2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia
Family Size | Gross Yearly Income | Gross Monthly Income | Approximate Hourly Income |
1 | $10,400 | $867 | $5.00 |
2 | $14,000 | $1,167 | $6.73 |
3 | $17,600 | $1,467 | $8.46 |
4 | $21,200 | $1,767 | $10.19 |
5 | $24,800 | $2,067 | $11.92 |
6 | $28,400 | $2,367 | $13.65 |
7 | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15.38 |
8 | $35,600 | $2,967 | $17.12 |
add'l | +$3,600 | +$300 | +$1.73 |
Source: Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 15, January 23, 2008, pp. 3971-3972. Monthly and hourly data calculated by Oregon Center for Public Policy and rounded to the nearest dollar and cent, respectively.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
WV House of Delegates creates Select Committee on Senior Citizens Issues
A one-year committee was created by resolution of the House of Delegates to have jurisdiction over senior citizen issues. The committee is chaired by District 28 Delegate Thomas W. Campbell (D - Greenbrier). The legislature's webpage for the committee is here, and you can find the list of members there and committee agendas, when they become available.
WV Legislature in session, how to keep up on bills which may affect seniors
Our state unit on aging, the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (BoSS), sorts through the every piece of legislation coming out of both House and Senate to identify which bills may impact senior West Virginians. You can read a weekly report from BoSS listing those bills, what they are about, who sponsored them, and where they are in the legislative process by going to this section of their website and clicking on the Weekly Legislative Update. It's a .pdf file that is 15 pages this week.
You can then go see the actual text of any bill that strikes your fancy by going to the WV Legislature's website page called Bill Status. You can search by bill number, words in the text, or even browse lists of bills subject, date, house, etc.
Then of course you can take the opportunity to let your legislators know what you think about the bills they are considering. The legislature's website offers several ways for you to identify your representatives and get their contact info (review names from a list of all members, click where you live on a state map for senate or house, pull down names or district numbers for house or senate, etc.). Any delegate or senator worthy of the office will welcome informed input from a constituent like you.
You can then go see the actual text of any bill that strikes your fancy by going to the WV Legislature's website page called Bill Status. You can search by bill number, words in the text, or even browse lists of bills subject, date, house, etc.
Then of course you can take the opportunity to let your legislators know what you think about the bills they are considering. The legislature's website offers several ways for you to identify your representatives and get their contact info (review names from a list of all members, click where you live on a state map for senate or house, pull down names or district numbers for house or senate, etc.). Any delegate or senator worthy of the office will welcome informed input from a constituent like you.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Longterm Care Planning Toolkit from AoA
Here's a link to a longterm care planning kit I recently discovered from AoA. You have to put your ZIP code first, then click Download, and you get a 27 page .pdf file, only 2 MB, with some questions to ask yourself and resources to consult and steps you can take.
Beware that first and foremost the toolkit pushes longterm care insurance. I don't think LTC insurance is a reasonably affordable option for many senior West Virginians. I also think that many senior West Virginians have a thing for insurance, they really like having it and they tend to trust that it will take care of everything. Whether it will take care of everything really remains to be seen regarding longterm care. The policies are fairly new in this market, and we haven't seen enough people make use of the benefits yet to see whether they really cover what you need and want when you actually get to the point of needing the benefits. It's a much more complicated concept than, say, homeowners insurance or car insurance.
Beware that first and foremost the toolkit pushes longterm care insurance. I don't think LTC insurance is a reasonably affordable option for many senior West Virginians. I also think that many senior West Virginians have a thing for insurance, they really like having it and they tend to trust that it will take care of everything. Whether it will take care of everything really remains to be seen regarding longterm care. The policies are fairly new in this market, and we haven't seen enough people make use of the benefits yet to see whether they really cover what you need and want when you actually get to the point of needing the benefits. It's a much more complicated concept than, say, homeowners insurance or car insurance.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Excellent WV resource database
The Mountain State Center for Independent Living has an extensive resource database (almost 2000 entries) at www.mtstcil.org/resources/search.php. You can inter some search parameters and get lots of results which include a brief line or two about the resource, and snailmail, email, phone, and fax contact info.
2008 State Legislature Calendar and Info online
The 2008 WV Legislative calendar is available online now at the legislature's website. The information packet detailing the members and committees, as well as a variety of state agency information, is also available as a 32 page .pdf here.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Legislative Audit Report Released on A/D Waiver
In 2006 it got harder to be be determined medically eligible for the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver program in West Virginia. Increasing numbers of new applicants were being denied eligibility, and increasing numbers of beneficiaries of the program were being thrown off or getting levels of care reduced because they were failing their redeterminations under the PAS 2005. Some of the beneficiaries had been on the program for many years. Concerned citizens organized, the media took notice, a class action lawsuit was filed (Fleshman v. Walker), and the West Virginia legislature asked for an audit of the situation.
Finally on Monday, January 7, 2008 the auditor's report was published. You can find the complete report here on the legislature's website. It's a 28 page .pdf file. Here also is a brief article in the Gazette about the report.
Most advocates believed that the changes were intended to save the state money by reducing the number of people the program served and the levels of services they received. This report supports that conclusion.
Finally on Monday, January 7, 2008 the auditor's report was published. You can find the complete report here on the legislature's website. It's a 28 page .pdf file. Here also is a brief article in the Gazette about the report.
Most advocates believed that the changes were intended to save the state money by reducing the number of people the program served and the levels of services they received. This report supports that conclusion.
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