[QUAD-L] Re: Fwd: 2007 Poverty Levels Affect Eligibility for Many Programs
---BeginMessage--- 2007 POVERTY LEVELS WILL AFFECT ELIGIBILITY FOR MANY FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAMS New federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines published January 24, 2007 will affect eligibility levels for many public benefits, including health benefits for older people and people with disabilities. 72 Fed. Reg. 3147, (January 24, 2007). The new numbers are effective when published, but each program that relies on them may use a different effective date. The published poverty levels merely state a dollar figure for different sized family units. They do not address issues of what income is included, what deductions from income are allowed, who is included in a family unit or other use issues. These questions are addressed by the individual programs relying on the poverty guidelines. The amounts given below apply to the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC. Rates for Alaska and Hawaii are slightly higher. A complete list of FPLs is available at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/07poverty.shtml. Federal health programs affecting older people and people with disabilities that rely on federal poverty guidelines: Full Medicaid: Poverty Level Aged and Disabled (PLAD): States can choose to provide full Medicaid benefits to aged and disabled individuals with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For states choosing 100% FPL as their ceiling, eligibility levels for 2007 will be $850.83/month ($10,210/year) for an individual; to $1140.83/month ($13,690/year) for a couple. Amounts protected for the at-home spouse of a Medicaid nursing facility resident: Medicaid law allows for certain levels of income and resources to be protected for the community spouse of a nursing facility resident whose care is paid for by Medicaid and who otherwise would have to pay most of her/his income to the facility. The minimum amount of income protected is 150% FPL for two people ($1,711.25/month); states must use this amount beginning July 1, 2007 and they may use it immediately. If they do not use it immediately, they will continue to use $1,650. Other protected amounts for 2006, not linked to FPL, are maximum monthly protected income, $2.541, minimum resource allowance, $20,328, and maximum resource allowance, $101,640. Medicare Savings Programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs): States must be responsible for all Medicare cost-sharing for Medicare Beneficiaries with incomes up to 100% FPL and limited resources. For this group, the increase will also be to $850.83/month ($10,210/year) for an individual; $1.140.83/month ($13,690) for a couple. Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs): States must pay the Medicare Part B premium for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes between 100% FPL and 120% FPL and limited resources. The new limit for this group will be $1,021/month ($12,252/year) for an individual; $1,369/month ($16,428/year) for a couple. Qualified Individual (QI): States have a limited amount of money from which they must pay, on a first come, first served basis, Medicare Part B premium for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes between 120% FPL and 135% FPL and limited resources. The limit for this group is $1,148.63/month ($13,783.50/year) for an individual; $1,540.13/month ($18,482/year) for a couple. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI): States must pay the Medicare Part A premium for certain working disabled Medicare beneficiaries who have exhausted their entitlement to premium-free Part A benefits and whose incomes do not exceed 200% FPL. The new limit for this group is $1,701.67/month ($20,420/year) for an individual; $2,281.67/month ($27,380/year) for a couple. Add $20 to each of the monthly amounts listed above to determine the actual eligibility limit, since applicants are allowed a $20 disregard from any income before their income is measured against the poverty levels. Couples only get one $20 disregard. Part D Low-income Subsidies: Full Subsidy: Medicare Part D provides a full drug subsidy with low co-payments to Medicare beneficiaries with incomes up to 135% FPL and limited resources. For those individuals, the 2007 eligibility limit is $1,148.63/month ($13,783.50/year) for an individual; $1,540.13/month ($18,482/year) for a couple. Partial Subsidy: Medicare Part D provides a partial subsidy of premium, deductible and co-insurance to Medicare beneficiaries with incomes up to 150% FPL and limited (but higher than allowed for full subsidy) resources. The income limit for this group is $1,276.25/month ($15,315/year) for an individual; $1,711.25/month ($20,535/year) for a couple. Unlike rules for Medicare Savings Programs, which allow for a family unit of only one or two, eligibility rules for Part D subsidies will recognize larger family units, to the extent that those family members rely on the applicant or her spouse for one half of their financial support. To calculate the levels for
Re: [QUAD-L] I Regret The Passing Of........
Hi Smurf, Houston was buried on the very day of the announcement and he burial site was not announced. But later, both Warrior and I found out the details after taking with Houston's Uncle in Gary,IN. We plan on doing something in the Spring when it is warmer, and drier. Nothing was mentioned about his family or extended family. I don't know if Houston was ever married, but had 3-4 children, as the story goes. Warrior, may also choose to chime in with what she was told. Thanks for your sincere interest. Best Wishes W In a message dated 1/24/2007 4:48:43 P.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hey all, Did anyone get the oppitunity to go to Houston's funeral? Hope he had a perfect send of; he deserved it. Anyone know how his family are doing? Love Smurf xxx
Re: [QUAD-L] New 2006 medicare wheelchair codes
Anyone who wishes can use my letter as a template. I'm also going to write to the NM senator, thank him for trying, and ask him to try again with the 110th Congress. Bill age 56 C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68 Leesburg, FL Out of my mind. Back in five minutes. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 7:49 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] New 2006 medicare wheelchair codes Thanks Mike! I hope you don't mind if I use your letter as a template? john -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:30 AM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] New 2006 medicare wheelchair codes Here's the letter I sent to my federal legislators, CMS, The Sectretary of Health Human Services, Bush, Cheney, Nancy Pelosi and many others in Nov, 2006. To Whom It May Concern: I was recently made aware that Medicare will only provide powered wheelchairs which suit the person’s needs inside his/her home. The phrase in the home was never intended to be defined as inside the person's house. It was originally intended to mean not in a hospital, extended care facility or other health institution. It was the CMS that interpretted it so narrowly that it has become their mantra when dissallowing power wheelchair requests. I am a double amputee quadriplegic and use a powered wheelchair. To say that this mandate appalls me is an understatement. Most powered wheelchairs that are only suited for indoor use are next to useless outside of the home. Since going outside at some times is a necessary activity, doing so in an underpowered chair only suited for indoor use would be dangerous, it might end up costing Medicare far more money due to accidents caused by unsafe use of such wheelchairs. Not to mention possible lawsuits that would eventually be filed. Then there are the thousands of jobs that could be lost because wheelchair manufacturers and distributors would be put out of business, resulting in lost tax revenue and higher unemployment expenses. Does Medicare really want disabled people to stay inside all of the time? Isn’t that discrimination against people with disabilities and, therefore, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Are we not allowed to venture outside for doctor appointments (something required to remain living in many cases), grocery shopping (another activity necessary to live), or just to enjoy going outside for a social activity (a vital activity for our mental health)? Are we to be condemned to a life inside our homes as if we were hermits? Back in the 1980’s, I was on several committees at my college that helped write the ADA and was proud to have been asked to participate in drafting that landmark legislation. I had no idea that in the future the federal government would be the entity that violated that act. It is unconscionable that a government agency that provides healthcare availability to the disabled would attempt to so blatantly violate an act of Congress. I’m requesting that this extreme restriction on the type of powered wheelchairs we can obtain through Medicare be changed. Being disabled and on Medicare should not mean we are relegated to being “out of sight, out of mind” as it seems this agency (Medicare) desires. I am only 56 years old and am not going to stay indoors the remainder of my life. This “wheelchair edict,” as I call it, is far too limiting and needs to be changed. That change needs to be made as soon as humanly possible. In an effort to extend Medicare coverage to wheelchairs that can go outside of the home, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced the Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006 (S. 3677). This legislation would eliminate the “in the home” restriction of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. S. 3677 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the large amount of legislation which came before Congress, this legislation was unable to receive further consideration before the end of the 109th Congress. Please see that Mr. Bingaman's proposed legislation is reintroduced to the 110th Congress. This is of utmost importance as it affects both the physical and mental health of all persons needing powered wheelchairs. Please allow our doctors, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and wheelchair seating specialists determine which wheelchairs best suit our needs as far as comfort, power, safety and health are concerned. Don’t leave our ability to be mobile, safe and comfortable in the hands of a Medicare or Medicaid bureaucrat. People with disabilities struggle with many things. Don’t make them struggle to just move around. Respectfully, William Jenkins - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent:
[QUAD-L] A point about inflation of ROHO cushions.
I saw that a few had brought up proper inflation of ROHO seat cushions. I have been using a roho high profile cushion for over 9 years,so far no skin problems even tho i'm high risk due to me having diabetes. At first we used to put full amount of air or even overfill the seat cushion.then we were told that ROHO is actually made for the person to sink into or settle into it a bit., Just as long as your butt don't totally hit bottom. By not having the seat to full, you are able to have much better balance. You can have someone sit in the seat and tell you if their butt is hitting bottom, also it is kind of hard to bottom out as the air spreads out as you sit, so you or a helper can pretty much tell by looking at the thickness in front of the cushion in between the leg area.Proud Roho userDan :-)
[QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday
Hi all- Today i'm 50 years old..wow a half a century ! My family members are all calling today saying Happy Birthday , Old Man . LOL I tell them...well I may be old but this old dude don't have any gray hair on his head yet !P.S,---I do have a few on my chin whiskers if I let them grow out tho lol -- Keep me in prayers or thoughts as I go Monday morning to get a golf ball sized bladder stone removed, And thanks for the imput by all and web site Dave provided on that subject. Danny c-6 9 .5 years Post
[QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday
It's not just your Birthday, Danny it's a Happy Day as well and you get to enjoy it. May your next Monday be just as happy and that you get Better and Better with age. Consider all that has lead up to this very day for you to be with us. Let it be your springboard for the next 50 years. Best Wishes W In a message dated 1/26/2007 9:00:49 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi all- Today i'm 50 years old..wow a half a century ! My family members are all calling today saying Happy Birthday , Old Man . LOL I tell them...well I may be old but this old dude don't have any gray hair on his head yet !P.S,---I do have a few on my chin whiskers if I let them grow out tho lol --Keep me in prayers or thoughts as I go Monday morning to get a golf ball sized bladder stone removed, And thanks for the imput by all and web site Dave provided on that subject. Danny c-6 9 .5 years Post
Re: [QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday
Happy Birthday, Danny. I'll keep you in my prayers for the stone removal. I have gray hair, but I figure at 56 years old and 38.5 years post injury I've earned them. Bill age 56 C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68 Leesburg, FL Out of my mind. Back in five minutes. - Original Message - From: Danny Hearn To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 10:00 AM Subject: [QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday Hi all- Today i'm 50 years old..wow a half a century ! My family members are all calling today saying Happy Birthday , Old Man . LOL I tell them...well I may be old but this old dude don't have any gray hair on his head yet !P.S,---I do have a few on my chin whiskers if I let them grow out tho lol -- Keep me in prayers or thoughts as I go Monday morning to get a golf ball sized bladder stone removed, And thanks for the imput by all and web site Dave provided on that subject. Danny c-6 9 .5 years Post
Re: [QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday
Happy birthday, Danny! I too just turned the big 5-0 recently, it's really just another year, another number. But enjoy your day! You are in my thoughts Monday. Sandy
[QUAD-L] min oil
Anybody tried a daily dose of mineral oil to solve that old backup problem? Does it work? Does it cause dependency? Larry Willis
[QUAD-L] Supra Pubic Leaks At Night
I am five months new to using a Supra Pubic. Lately I have been leaking large amounts only at night. I am assuming it may have something related to wearing an abdominal binder during the day. I void vary little during the day even though folley is unobstructed. Any help please write me: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [QUAD-L] min oil
No, but have you tried natural Senna? Sandy
Re: [QUAD-L] min oil
In a message dated 1/26/2007 12:15:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Anybody tried a daily dose of mineral oil to solve that old backup problem? Does it work? Does it cause dependency? Larry Willis Mineral Oil is inexpensive so is Cod Liver Oil. A good fiber enriched diet is also good. A few medicine protocols actually will harden stool. Go Bears!]W
RE: [QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday
Happy Birthday Old Man! Good luck with the stone I know I feel better and the doc told me I won't get uti's as easy since the stone was the main cause. Mark Jackson - Original Message - From: Danny Hearn To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: 1/26/2007 9:01:15 AM Subject: [QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday Hi all- Today i'm 50 years old..wow a half a century ! My family members are all calling today saying Happy Birthday , Old Man . LOL I tell them...well I may be old but this old dude don't have any gray hair on his head yet !P.S,---I do have a few on my chin whiskers if I let them grow out tho lol -- Keep me in prayers or thoughts as I go Monday morning to get a golf ball sized bladder stone removed, And thanks for the imput by all and web site Dave provided on that subject. Danny c-6 9 .5 years Post
Re: [QUAD-L] Bad News
I'm ok Smurf it just sucks knowing the struggles coming his way. I haven't heard anything in over a week, I've been a little sick myself. All I can do is give my advice and tell him to be strong. Mark Jackson - Original Message - From: To: [EMAIL PROTECTED];Quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: 1/24/2007 5:05:21 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Bad News Hi Mark, I'm really sorry to hear of your friends accident, how is he doing? And how are you coping? It sounds like it hit you pretty hard I wish there was something we could say to make things feel a little easier, but no words ever seem right, you know? Stay strong, Love Smurf xxx In a message dated 05/01/2007 17:34:40 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I found out this morning a friend's father hit a tree last night and severed his spinal cord. I just broke down when I heard this, I wish this crap on nobody. He was driving to Dallas and that's where he's at right now. Has any one ever made a recovery with a severed cord, I've just never thought about it until now? My thought is it can't happen but I just don't know. Mark Jackson
[QUAD-L] Computer question powerpoint
Hi All, Someone on the list helped me with a question on a computer program, PowerPoint. I lost their email address. Are you still out there? GA
[QUAD-L] CBBC at your finger tips!!!
Hey gang, Check out the website link, we were sent it this evening by our producer!! You'll finally get to meet Smurf aka Sarah aka Vicky!! I've only just found it myself so it's a little surreal right now. But for all you who can't get the CBBC channel you can at least see a little bit about it. _http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/yourlife/desperados_ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/yourlife/desperados) Enjoy the journey with me, Love Smurf xxx
Re: [QUAD-L] min oil
No, you might try drinking some fruit juices that are actually made up of the real juices off the fruits and not some drink made with a great deal of additives and sweeteners. I would think the mineral oil would help also as my rehab Dr. many years ago recommended cleaning out my bowel with some type of oil to reduce my hyperreflexic symptoms associated with my bowel. I didn't do it then but I later did it with milk of magnesia and it helped. Dan T. William Willis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anybody tried a daily dose of mineral oil to solve that old backup problem? Does it work? Does it cause dependency? Larry Willis
Re: [QUAD-L] My 50 year birthday
Danny, a big happy birthday to you! Celebrate the good times and do what you can do when you're able as I tell my parents and I repeat to myself we might not always be able to be go and do as we wish. So, the sky's the limit. Celebrate as never before! I'm glad you are part of the quad list and enjoy corresponding with you. Have a great birthday... Dan T. Danny Hearn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Hi all- Today i'm 50 years old..wow a half a century ! My family members are all calling today saying Happy Birthday , Old Man . LOL I tell them...well I may be old but this old dude don't have any gray hair on his head yet !P.S,---I do have a few on my chin whiskers if I let them grow out tho lol -- Keep me in prayers or thoughts as I go Monday morning to get a golf ball sized bladder stone removed, And thanks for the imput by all and web site Dave provided on that subject. Danny c-6 9 .5 years Post
