Sorry, Hope this is OK, I am not exactly a caregiver, I am still able to care for myself. I had colon cancer mid year 2013, and had surgery and chemo, complications from Chemo, and wore out knees, Couldn't return to my (outside) job. I need a Yearly CT Scan, and think it's 6 months for the blood work, and get shots in my knees 4 times a year, and I think it's every 3 years, instead of 10, a colonoscopy. Plus, May have to start seeing a pain management doctor. Anyways, I WAS eligible and receiving WV State Medicaid under there QMB. (I am 62 years old, but on Medicare because of being on SSDI for over 24 months) In 2017, I was getting $1,013.00 per month. In 2018 with my recent Social security raise, of $21.00, I am now getting $1,034.00. With a $20.00 Disregard, brings me down to $1,014.00 and puts me Over The State (maybe federal) income limit of $1,012.00 So I am Over the Limit By $2.00!! That Extra $21.00 a Month Surely will not Pay for a secondary Insurance plan. So the "Big" Social Security raise actually hurt me more than helped me. Is there any way to actually Have Social security take a Few dollars off of me?
You got a Social security Increase?
What do you mean Part D took it.
Part D is RX isn't it?
I said I'm already on Disability. I explained my case,
I said ,
"Your name IS ON THE PAPER FROM MEDICARE. "
She gave me some other number to call, But the system is Down for a week.
She said "She never heard of it being less cause of Disability, But I don't really know who she was, If she had any training in the field.
I can't afford to pay any private lawyer.
Last one I saw On line, said Initial consultation was $500.00!
Over $2.00 TWO DOLLARS TOO MUCH
"receiving disability"
I guess ill Call that "Legal Aid of West Virginia"
I am not optimistic however.
all I do any more is expect the worst.
Legal Aid of West Virginia
I guess I could call them.
If I am On social Security Disability, Would I be considered Disabled?
I'm sick over all this, And again, It's Not Fair!!
I have assistance coming UP from HUD, so I was thinking of moving to OHIO but The Income level is the same.
But even still considering Ohio.
Auto Insurance is said to be the 3rd lowest in the state, And WV did something, or passed something that increased My Car insurance By about $100.00 a year, a few years ago.
and we don't have what I consider, a "Big Rip-off" Personal property tax, EVERY YEAR on your Car.
I can see on a House, But Not Your Car every year.
(needless to say, But I guess I am anyways, .....LOL..... I don't think This is One Bit Fare.)
My social security Is Social security Disability Insurance, So I don't know.
I would guess, Yes They consider me Disabled.
I know I was Already feeling really depresses since about Christmas, and this only added to the anxiety and depression.
I'm sure my Case worker Knows It is SSDI.
I sometimes wonder if Social Security does not Bump up the Income in the form of a raise, just enough so people Loose there Medicaid.
I know I am not the only one that lost there medicaid.
It amounts to going from what They called QMB (basically paid everything!!)
from what they now give me, is called slimb.
With SLIMB, they are paying My Part B, It comes to IIRC $134.00 a Month, and
I think it's through medicare, I get "Extra help" in the form of an RX plan , where I pay about $3.50 per RX.. (Not bad At All!)
the Paper I got says, that The QMB ended the end of February,
What I have now, is Termed, Medicare Premium assistance.
Basically, I think it means WV pays the Part B, I think the RX plan is through Social Security.
Again, so the So called "Cost of living increase" Hurt me, and not helped me, because, again, the "Extra" $21.00 will surly not cover a secondary insurance plan.
I actually had to buy food end of last month with a credit card.
And I am Not "Throwing money away" IOW's, by sitting in a bar, or smoking cigarettes,
or anything like that.
BTY, I "was" also, due to my income, getting $54.00 in SNAP (food stamps)
and that was reduced by $10.00 due to the SS raise.
I think it is WV that is setting the limits, although it may be federal.
I did call Ohio's Medicaid, and the Income max there is Also 1,012.00 .
Again, With a $20.00 Disregard, brings me (my income) down to $1,014.00. (still $2.00 over)
My case worker said It is "Out of her hands" .
I know someone that works at the DHHR, and she is mad about it too, because She is also somewhat "street smart" and knows a lot of these "Kids" are on SSI, and getting The Full medicaid paid for, and the RX paid for, and turn around and sell the RX on the streets.
Not really relevant to my case, but she was fired up about it.
I saw on your Page you were going to be Going to Italy, For your 65th birthday.
God Bless you for being able to do that.
My Grandfather and his Daughter, (well my aunt) went to Europe in the early 60's.
Something I always wanted to do, But with my Income probably wont happen.
I would be in touch with your Medicaid worker to find out when recertification will be mailed this year. If they disqualify you, you visit an eldercare attorney and set up a Miller Trust.