Cash for Aid to the Disabled
The State legislative Review Committee recently approved a contract which will give money to people with physical handicaps for van and home conversions. Money given in aid by the program will not be used to actually buy vans, but will be spent on adding wheelchair lifts to vans, adding ramps to houses, or adding rails to bathrooms. The program allows for a maximum of $7,500 for one project per person. This is not a continuing program, but rather a one-time deal. Those who are interested in receiving this aid should contact the Department of Human Services in their counties. The Department of Human Services in Faulkner County can be reached at 501-730-9900. Pulaski County residents 18 and older should contact Martha Smith at 501-683-5687 and Pulaski County residents under 18 should contact Nancy Holder at 501-682-1464 at the Department of Human Services in Pulaski County. Money for this program has come from Medicaid rebates that the state received as a part of the stimulus plan from the federal government.
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, "State OKs stimulus cash to alter vans, homes aid the disabled," August 6, 2009.
Hospital Visit Tips
If you or a family member have received healthcare from a hospital and you or that family member are currently uninsured, there are still options for you. Many hospitals receive federal funding, and those hospitals are required by law to offer a percentage of their patients without health insurance charity care aid. Many of these hospitals will offer this aid until they have reached their yearly limit. However, hospitals that receive federal funding are required to give you an application for charity care. Speak to someone in the hospital's patient services department, business office, or social work department to find out if your income qualifies you for the charity care. Also contact your state's human services or social services agency to find out if you qualify for any other benefits. The phone number for the Department of Human Services in Faulkner County is 501-730-9900. The phone number for the Department of Human Services in Pulaski County is 501-682-8650. You may also ask the hospital to reduce its rates and to work out a monthly payment plan.
AARP BULLETIN, "Ask the Experts: Your AARP," June 2009.
Social Security and Cost-of-Living
The 2010 year marks the first time in 35 years that people will receive no cost-of-living increases in their Social Security checks. Many of these people are also facing higher premiums for Medicare Part B (this covers outpatient services and doctor visits). Federal law prohibits the basic Part B premiums from rising higher than the year's cost-of-living adjustment, but this protection won't apply to many who do not have Part B premiums withheld from their Social Security checks, or have just enrolled in Part B, or have a higher Part B premium because of a higher income. However, most will see no increase in their premium in 2010. For many low-income beneficiaries, the burden would be shouldered by the state Medicaid programs.
AARP BULLETIN, "No Social Security Cost-of-Living Increases," June 2009.
