By Mark Harvey
I’m getting a lot of smart questions from a lot of you! So, since other folks might benefit from the same exchanges, let’s share the wealth. I acknowledge that some of you long-standing readers may have heard some of these issues explored in the past but, hey! We need info when we need info, right?
So…
I’m preparing Durable Powers of Attorney. Can I have one adult child do one part, like finances, and another child handle another part, like health care?
Yes, and it’s not uncommon.
That said, I’d urge caution; what I’ve often seen is situations in which, when the DPOAs go into effect, there can be … disagreement. One kid sees it one way, one kid sees it another. And even though they’ve been designated different areas of focus, it’s still their mother. It can get messy.
A subset of the same scenario is when one child is the “dominant” personality and soon takes over the whole ballgame, or confuses providers (e.g., doctors) regarding “who’s in charge.”
I’ve also seen it work just fine. You know your kids. Think it through.
We’re considering looking into long-term care insurance. Could you direct us to some resources?
The best place I know to begin is with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner: www.insurance.wa.gov/long-term-care-insurance.
For many of us, affordability is the real issue. The older you are when you purchase the policy, the more expensive they tend to be, and (sometimes) premiums go up. I also know a number of folks who have been able to afford it, have used it and have said, “It saved our lives.”
A few suggestions, if you decide to get serious about this:
1. Make sure the policy you’re considering provides for long-term care in the home.
2. Consider what “waiting period” you are willing or able to afford. Remember, whatever care you might need during the waiting period will be out-of-pocket.
3. What “triggers” benefits — a certain level of need/disability (“activities of daily living”)? Is that level reasonable to you? What party/entity assesses that need?
4. How long will benefits continue, or up to what dollar value?
I’ve been seeing those “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercials, and since I live alone, it makes me think! Are they a good deal?
While I don’t like that particular marketing approach, I am a big fan of the actual tool. They are generically called “personal emergency response systems,” and are available in a vast range of costs with a dizzying array of bells and whistles — everything from summoning aid to actual assistance to medication reminders.
Again, I’ve seen these things save lives! Please take your time “shopping,” and do your homework — there’s no point paying for features you don’t want or need, or paying way more than you need to.
You can call any of the numbers at the end of this column for a list of “local” providers, in addition to the ones available nationally.
I’ll be turning 65 soon, but am still working full-time and have employer-paid health insurance. Is there anything I have to do with Medicare?
You don’t have to do anything — but assuming you have enough work credits, Medicare Part A (hospital) would be free; so why not? It would act as “secondary” coverage to your employer-paid insurance.
Enrolling in Medicare Part B, which we pay a premium for, could be deferred until such time as you no longer have employer-paid insurance. When that time comes, don’t wait! You’ll only have a limited time to enroll without penalties
For now, scoop up Part A and get back to work!
I’m being scheduled for surgery, and my doctor is arranging for something called “home health.” What is that? Do I need it? How much will it cost me?
“Home health” refers to agencies that can have RNs and therapists come to you in your home to provide “skilled medical care” when it’s too difficult for a patient to get to an office. After surgery, I would vastly prefer to have the pros come to me, than to have to figure out how to get to them.
Home health can only come in under a doctor’s order, and only until you become well enough to get to the office.
If you’re on Medicare, that pays for physician-ordered home health services, so it shouldn’t cost you anything.
Mark Harvey is the director of information and assistance for the Olympic Area Agency on Aging. He can be reached by email at harvemb@dshs.wa.gov; by phone at 360-532-0520 in Aberdeen, 360-942-2177 in Raymond, or 360-642-3634; or through Facebook at Olympic Area Agency on Aging-Information & Assistance.
