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?
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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!!
"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.
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
You got a Social security Increase?
What do you mean Part D took it.
Part D is RX isn't it?
That's the trouble with these places, They make you afraid to talk to them.
Struggle Struggle Struggle all My Life.
And Struggle Struggle Struggle, now that I'm retired too.
Nice to see our government can pay attention to detail but not with Seniors or the Disabled’s social security/benefits, for goodness sakes.
Good luck!
1. The letter you received from Medicaid.
2. Your SS award letter for 2018.
3. Receipts and bills for any medical and drug costs that you paid out of pocket.
4. A copy of a rent receipt or mortgage payment.
5. Copies of utility bills, electric, gas, telephone cable.
6. If you received HEAP, a copy of that award letter.
7. Copies of any 1099's if you had any miscellaneous income.
8. Copies of your SSDI information.
9. If you received an Earned Income award on your federal taxes, bring that, along with your state and federal tax returns.
If you have medical orders for colonoscopy, or other medical tests, you will need to bring that as well. I also the appeal would not say you were thinking of moving to Ohio. They'll probably say goodbye and good luck.
If you are appealing the state's decision, you need to show why you need to remain on Medicaid. You may be able to get Medicaid, but not the portion that pays your Medicare Part D premium.
I wouldn't consider moving to Ohio. They check things much more carefully than WV. WV receives more federal money than Ohio. I've lived in both states. Car insurance is not lower in Ohio. Car registrations are higher. Property taxes are higher. There are waiting lists for low income housing, especially for seniors and disabled. Priority is given to residents of the town where the apartments are located. Waiting lists are always about a 2-year wait for Section 8 or Senior/disability apartments. In some counties they are much longer. Food costs are higher, along with utility costs. Rents are higher and house prices are significantly higher. Getting on 'edicaid is lengthy process in Ohio. You have to apply and then wait for either a phone interview or an appointment at your county office.
(Like I know someone who gets SSI, But has a drinking and gambling Problem, and will literately Blow the whole SSI monthly income in one week, So his sister gets the Check In A separate Checking account, and pays his rent and gives him a "weekly Allowance")
So reading this (copy/pasted below) from the "west virginia income maintenance manual section 23"
But I don't Know , I would need some legal help, and it looks like That Legal Aid Of West Virginia Don't deal with Disability. (I have to call them next week, She said The system is down)
But there has to be some kind of loop hole, But again, It "Might" take a lawyer I have to pay. (And the rich keep getting richer)
Anyways, Thanks for reading.
here is the part of the manual.
West Virginia income maintenance manual section 23.
Look at section 12 please, (I don't think section 13applies)
12. Unavailable Income
Income intended for the client, but received by another person with whom
he does not live, when the individual receiving this income refuses to make it available, is excluded.
13.
Income Received For A Non-Income Group Member
Income received by a member of the
Income Group, which is intended
and used for the care and maintenance
of an individual, whose income is
not used in determining the eligibility AG, is excluded as income.
How much is the Plates in Ohio, because they Just this year went up from $30.00 to $50.00.
From what I understand Ohio does not have personal property tax's On Cars every year. I do not and don't see myself owning a home. (That ship has sailed)
I am a Retired mechanic, and still have my tools, and am not ready to sell them.
I also do some woodworking. and have tools for that, so an apartment will not work for me.
Hud is Giving Me a rental Voucher, and said it could be used for a small one or 2 bedroom house, or (ideally) a garage apartment.
The woman at HUD said since this is My 1st time on HUD, I could use the rental Voucher
basically In "Ans State In The USA"
(The garage is more important to me than the house)
I really don't know Now, and you did live in both states,
But I always heard everyone say "Ohio is Better" as far a welfare benefits.
Again, I don't know 1st hand.
The Ohio DHHR did say the income "cap" was the same as here.
I am just so sick over all this.
As far as 1099's, I have not filed tax's in the last 3 years The fellow at the Income tax service told me My income is non taxable.
I already made an appointment, and talked to her,
She said
"It was out of her hands" Im sure She Knows, Or could Find out some sort of way to make it Work.
personally, she acts like she don't Give a Damn.
It's Just like 2 or 3 years ago, When I was eligible for the Full QMB, The people from WV S.H.I.P. told me that they were going to increase the income Limit in March, and I should Go re apply. When I went there, I had QMB written on a Paper, And she said, Yeah, Yeah, QMN, QMB, That's all you are eligible for.
Meanwhile,
I WASN'T GETTING IT!!
I was paying a secondary Insurance for NO REASON!
By the Grace Of God, I just happened to be talking to the WV customer service for something else, And SHE (WV medicaid customer service) Told Me I was Eligible for The Full "QMB. " (Full Medicaid)
So Customer service set me up with medicaid, Not my "Couldn't care less" case worker.
Any time I call here, I get her Voice mail, She NEVER calls back.
PS Thank You Shane 1124.
Yes, $25.00 +/- would do it.
Actually they said there is a $20.00 disregard.
Again, "The rich keep getting richer,
and The so called "Cost of Living increase" Actually Hurt me, Not helped.
Don't be doing me any favors Social Security.
Then Why when I call 877-716-1212 (WV Medicaid help center)
they are telling me 1, 032 per month, and I am over by $2.00.
1,032.00 X 12= $12,408.00
Is the WV social worker a friend of yours?
Any way you can connect me with her?
I am exhausted over all this, Will be going to bed for the night.
Will check back tomorrow.
Thank you!!
Program Description
The West Virginia Medicaid Program provides a medical card which may be used to receive medical care
**in the community or in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home.**
This allows those who may not be able to afford medical care the opportunity to have their health needs addressed. Medicaid is administered on the Federal level by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Social Security Administration.
So Maybe That's for a Nursing Home?
Yep, Says, Family size, 1 $16,146
benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1645
How Am I going to Fight them?
without a lawyer I don;t have the money for
I guess I'm done,
Have to come to terms with it.
Im going to call that legal Aid of West Virginia Next Week,
But the woman Said she don't think They handle those type of cases.
Don't Know why they put it right on the decision Paper then.
I don't know Barb,
**in the community or in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home.**
I was taking it to mean a Home of some sort.
The workers are telling me NO, I don''t see what else I can do.
I guess there is no easy answer.
That other one I know that works at the DHHR said it wouldn't pay to go to the hearing,
"Cause you can't fight the state income cap"
Thank you all.