When I started working at Area Agency on Aging earlier this year, I had very little knowledge about Medicare and Medicaid. I couldn’t even remember the difference between them until someone told me they remember it: We “care” for older adults and we “aid” those who need it.
When I learned there was a free, local resource available for people to get their Medicare and Medicaid questions answered, I started telling everyone about it.
The resource is called MMAP, the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program.
MMAP is a network of trained, volunteer counselors who help people go over their Medicare and Medicaid benefits. This can be during Open Enrollment time (coming up Oct. 15-Dec. 7), or anytime during the year when a question arises or someone becomes eligible. It’s coordinated at Area Agency on Aging, but there are a variety of counseling sites throughout our area.
I recently spoke with a MMAP client, Brenda Layne, 61, who said when she first got connected with MMAP in 2017, she had no idea it existed.
“I was just aware of the Area Agency, and that they had lots of programs and services to help seniors and people with disabilities. I wasn’t a senior citizen at the time, but I become permanently disabled due to a heart condition,” Brenda said.
She then chose to call up our Info-Line and explain what she needed.
“I said, I lost my job and am disabled, and I need help navigating and understanding my options where health insurance is concerned. And they connected me with a MMAP counselor,” Brenda said.
Now, she says, she refers everyone to MMAP, especially people who don’t have a good understanding of Medicare and how to select a plan that’s best for them.
One of the things I like most about MMAP counseling is it’s not only free, but also unbiased. Just like what I try to do as a journalist, it’s laying out the facts to help people make informed decisions for themselves.
“I’ve learned to call and make an appointment with a MMAP counselor every year,” Brenda said. “I know you’re certified and keep up on all the changes. I’ve learned a little more each year, but I’d still rather ask the experts. I trust you. They let me make my own decisions but are a guiding hand.”
During the pandemic, Brenda’s MMAP appointments took place virtually, but otherwise they’re in person, face-to-face.
Brenda grew up in Southwest Michigan, graduating from Eau Claire High School and attending Lake Michigan College. She majored in journalism and worked at a local radio station for her entire career. She’s lived in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph or St. Joseph Township her entire adult life.
She said if anything ever came up in her life that matched with a program or service at Area Agency on Aging, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help.
“I always feel really welcome at the Agency – I know you’re busy. I’m always made to feel like I belong, and someone wants to help me. I really look forward to it,” Brenda said.
Reaching out to a certified, free MMAP counselor is as easy as calling the MMAP hotline: 800-803-7174. There’s also a MMAP counselor available at most area Senior Centers.
You’re also welcome to go through our Info-Line here at the Area Agency on Aging, 800-654-2810, where we can help connect you to a variety of other free, community-based resources.
Alexandra Newman is the communications and outreach coordinator for the Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Interested in having an AAA representative speak to your group or organization? Email alexandranewman@areaagencyonaging.org.
This column appears each week in the The Herald-Palladium.