Q. Why are some people able to get Social Security income earlier than others?
A: Generally, Social Security benefits are paid to eligible workers and their families, based on the worker’s earnings. This program, Retirement, Survivor and Disability Insurance benefits (RSDI) is what employment taxes fund. So, if an eligible worker becomes disabled, or someone is a surviving spouse or child of an eligible worker, they can apply for Social Security benefits earlier than retirement age. Additionally, the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) which is funded by general taxes, provides income to the needy, those deemed as not having enough income or resources, and those who are blind or disabled but do not meet criteria for RSDI benefits.
Q: My neighbor just changed their Medicare drug plan last month. I thought we could only do that in October and November?
A: You are correct that most individuals on original Medicare with a Part D drug plan, and those on Medicare Advantage plans, can make changes only during Open Enrollment, which happens October 15 – December 7 each year. Changes made during Fall Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2025.
Some individuals can have a “qualifying event” that gives them the opportunity to have a special enrollment timeframe, such as a death of a spouse, or divorce, or having moved out of a plan’s coverage area. Other individuals might be on the low-income subsidy for prescription drug costs, also known as Extra Help. This program allows participants to change their drug plan/Advantage plan once each quarter, January-March, April-June, and July-September.
As always, Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) are here to help during Medicare Open Enrollment with free and confidential assistance comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plan options. MMAP counselors are available throughout our service area of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. AAA will offer appointments from October through the beginning of December, more specific details to come! Keep updated on our website at www.AreaAgencyonAging.org/medicare-medicaid or call our Info Line for Aging and Disability at 800-654-2810.
Q. This time of year it seems we are inundated with so many TV and mail offers for different Medicare plans. I even got a phone call from an agency I’ve never heard of. Is this something I can report?
A. Yes! The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is tasked with preventing Medicare Fraud. Receiving unsolicited phone calls from a company that you’ve had no prior relationship or communications with is a red flag to watch for in terms of Medicare fraud. Other red flags include uninvited visits, flyers or tags left on the door of your residence or your car, and a company representing themselves as having been sent by Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid. Agents that try to expand the scope of an appointment by introducing other insurance products, such as life insurance annuities, or misrepresent what is covered, or promise any kind of gifts or incentives for signing up for a Medicare plan are also being fraudulent.
To report any potential Medicare marketing violations or enrollment concerns, contact SMP at 1-866-MICH-SMP (1-866-642-4767.)
Sara Duris is community information liaison of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.