Medi-cal, medicare, SSI & SSP for seniors

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Medi-Cal, Medicare, SSI & SSP

Medi-Cal

According to the Elder Care Law Firm in San Diego (619-282-1194), the top EIGHT mistakes people make with Medi-Cal qualifications are:

Thinking it's too late to plan
Giving away assets too early
Ignoring important safe harbors created by Congress
Failing to take advantage of protections for the spouse of a nursing home reisdent
Applying for Medi-Cal too early
Applying for Medi-Cal too late
Failing to get expert help
Confusing the difference between lifetime liens on property and estate recovery

Another expert on this subject is Tony Bevin at Financial Solutions Design in La Mesa. Call Tony at 800-286-7121;

Medicare

MEDICARE PART A

Hospital Deductible: $1,068 (up from $1,024)
Coinsurance per day:
Days 61-90: $267 (up from $256)
Days 91-150: $534 (up from $512)
60 lifetime reserve days Medicare pays 100%
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coinsurance: $133.50 per day for days 21-100
MEDICARE PART B
Premium per month: $96.40
Deductible per year: $135
For 2009 Medicare Rate Increases, see Medicare website: www.medicare.gov
Cost of Living Increase (COLA): 5.8%

SSI & SSP

For 2009 Social Security Rate Increases, see Social Security Admin. website: www.ssa.gov
Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA): $109,560 (up from $104,400)
Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): $2,739 (up from $2,610)
Annual Private Pay Rate (APPR): $5,496
2009 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & State Supplemental Program Rates (SSP):
- Aged or Disabled:Ü $907
- Blind:Ü $972
- Single: $ 1579
- Couple: $1806
2009 Aged & Disabled Poverty Level Program:
- Individual: $1097 (current rate)
- Couple: $1579

ÜRates noted are for independent living only. Rates are lower for household of another with in-kind room and board, and higher for independent living without cooking facilities.