A.M. Best`s interactive financial strength assessment provides an objective opinion on the ability of a specific insurance company to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders.

AARP Services include: Driver Safety, Grandparent Information Center, Grief and Loss, Tax Aide Program and Insurance

Driver Safety Program

Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads we drive on every day. Brush up on your driving skills to stay safe!  Call 888-687-2277 for information about driver safety program in our area.

Follow the prompts and be ready to give your 5-digit postal zip code. A local volunteer will call you back within 3-5 business days to help you locate the course nearest you.  Or, visit the Web site for more information and resources, including safety tips, advice on when to curtail or stop driving, and the latest vehicle safety features.

Caregiving Resource Center

Connect with other caregivers, get information on developing a care plan and a care team, find care providers and connect with community resources.  Click here to visit AARP's Caregiving Resource Center.

Grandparents Information Center

AARP's Friends and Family Web site is full of information grandparents will be interested in - whether they are their grandchild's full-time caregiver or a part-time babysitter.

• GrandFacts: National and state fact sheets listing services, programs, benefits, laws and policies for grandparents raising children.

• GrandFamilies Guide: Information, tips and tools for grandparents raising grandchildren.

• AARP Foundation GrandCare Support Locator: The GrandCare Support Locator is a service of the AARP Foundation. It connects grandparents with national, state and local groups, programs, resources and services that support grandparents or other relative caregivers as well as grandparents facing visitation issues.

• Join an online support group for grandparents raising grandchildren.

AARP Ohio

http://www.aarp.org/states/oh/
866-389-5653
ohaarp@aarp.org

Other helpful resources:

Grief and Loss: tips, resources and advice on how to cope during this difficult part of life.

Tax Aide Program:  the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service.

Insurance: Information and resources on topics from long-term care insurance to health insurance and Medicare.

Internet safety: Information and resources on internet safety

The combination of an informed consumer and a qualified attorney produces the best legal results for the clients. ElderLawAnswers supports seniors, their families and their attorneys in achieving their goals by providing the following services:

• The best information on the Internet about crucial legal issues facing seniors.
• A network of highly qualified elder law attorneys nationwide.
• Online practice tools for elder law attorneys.

ElderLawAnswers information is designed to be thorough, up-to-date and easy to understand. The attorneys in the network have demonstrated a commitment to the field of elder law. And they benefit from the experience and expertise of their peers through our Internet-based practice tools.
 

Fitch Ratings is a global rating agency dedicated to providing value beyond the rating through independent and prospective credit opinions, research and data. Offering a world of knowledge and experience behind every opinion, they transform information to deliver meaning and utility to investors, issuers and other market participants.

Hospital Care Assistance Program (HCAP)

Patients who need medical care, but are unable to pay for it, may be eligible for free or reduced fee care at Ohio hospitals through the Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) or Hospital Financial Assistance Programs. For both programs, the patient must fill out an application and provide proof of income.

https://www.ohiohealth.com/siteassets/patients-and-visitors/paying-for-care/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-application.pdf

To be eligible for HCAP:   

• You must be an Ohio resident
• You are not a recipient of the Medicaid program, and
• Your family income is at or below the https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines OR you are covered by the Disability Assistance Program

Prior hospital bills - paid or unpaid, may be covered by HCAP. Patients can apply for HCAP up to 3 years after they are notified about it. Patients should contact the hospital`s billing department about prior bills, and ask to apply for HCAP - even if the bill has already been sent to collections. If a patient paid a bill but was eligible for HCAP, they may be reimbursed. 
 

Hospital Financial Assistance Programs 

For patients who do not qualify for HCAP, hospitals may have their own financial assistance programs. Since these programs are voluntary, each hospital has different rules and procedures. Call the hospital, ask for the financial assistance department, and ask about financial assistance options available for patients with incomes too high to qualify for HCAP. 

These programs cover hospital services only 

Both HCAP and hospital financial assistance programs cover only hospital charges, not bills from non-hospital providers (such as x-rays, radiologists, and other medical providers who are not hospital staff members). However, many doctors may reduce or drop their fees when told that the patient qualified for HCAP. Patients should ask hospital billing departments to provide them with documentation stating they qualified for HCAP or other programs. The patient can then share this documentation with non-covered providers. 

Medicare.gov has all of the information and tools you need for questions or help with Medicare. You can:

• enroll in Medicare online
• compare and enroll in Medicare health or prescription plans
• find and compare doctors
• check to see if a test or service is covered by Medicare
• chat with a Medicare representative
• research and compare nursing homes and home health agencies
• get extra help with medical and prescription drug costs
• get a new Medicare card

Medicare Nursing Home Compare

Use the site to obtain a free copy of A Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home.You can search the site to obtain and compare nursing home information from all parts of the country, including their performance at their last Medicare state survey.

Medicare Plan Finder

Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, so before you join, take the time to find and compare Medicare Health Plans in your area.  

Use Medicare's Plan Finder to find and compare Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans available in your area.  Have the enrollee's zip code ready.

You can get help from your state paying your Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if you meet certain conditions.

Medicare Savings Programs

There are four kinds of Medicare Savings Programs

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
   If you have income from working, you may qualify for SLMB benefits even if your income is higher than these limits.
3. Qualified Individual (QI) Program
   You must apply every year for QI benefits. QI applications are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to people who got QI benefits the previous year. (You can't get QI benefits if you qualify for Medicaid).
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
   The QDWI program helps pay the Part A premium. You may qualify if any of the following apply to you:

Are a working disabled person under 65
Lost your premium-free Medicare Part A when you went back to work
Aren't getting medical assistance from your state
Meet the income and resource limits required by your state

How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs

Many people do not know or understand if they qualify for Medicare Savings Programs.  Council on Aging can help.  Call us at 513-721-1025 for help in determining your eligibility. 

If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program in your state, you automatically qualify to get Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Moody`s is an essential component of the global capital markets, providing credit ratings, research, tools and analysis that contribute to transparent and integrated financial markets.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) is a professional association of over 4,200 attorneys who are dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to seniors and people with special needs. NAELA members assist their clients with public benefits, probate and estate planning, guardianship/conservatorship, and health and long-term care planning, among other important issues.

*Please note NAELA`s office staff CANNOT assist the public with their legal needs. Please seek the advice of a professional and go to NAELA`s member directory for advice.

The mission of the NAIC is to assist state insurance regulators, individually and collectively, in serving the public interest and achieving the following fundamental insurance regulatory goals in a responsive, efficient and cost effective manner, consistent with the wishes of its members:

Protect the public interest;

Promote competitive markets;

Facilitate the fair and equitable treatment of insurance consumers;

Promote the reliability, solvency and financial solidity of insurance institutions; and

Support and improve state regulation of insurance.

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Through Title III of the Older Americans Act, the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides direct help to eligible family and informal caregivers. In southwestern Ohio, Council on Aging combines resources from NFCSP with other local programs to provide assistance to as many caregivers as possible.

Types of assistance that may be provided through this program include:

1. Information to caregivers about available services
2. Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to services
3. Counseling/Education/Training
4. Respite care*
5. Supplemental services -- additional services and supports needed to help people stay independent in their homes (limited)*

*The care recipient must meet specific criteria.

Eligibility

1. Family caregivers (of any age), of a person with Alzheimer`s disease or a related dementia may be served regardless of the age of the person with dementia
2. Grandparents and other relative caregivers providing care to children (under age 18 years) may receive services at 55 years of age and older
3. Grandparent or relative caregivers (age 55 and older) who provide care for adult children (ages 19--59) with a disability

For more information, call Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025.

Caring for a loved one can be hard work. However, the National Family Caregivers Association says that people who recognize themselves as caregivers are more proactive, engaged and confident. As a result, they provide better care and are able to do so longer, even as their loved one's care needs increase. Caregivers who access and use support services also report fewer negative emotions, such as depression, anxiety and anger. By seeking and accepting help, along with planning for the future, you can provide the care your loved one deserves while also making sure your needs are taken care of.

Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, your area agency on aging and other local providers are ready to assist you with supports that may include:

• Training, resources, information and support groups;
• Respite care, adult day and medical alert services;
• Personal care, chore services and home delivered meals;
• Yard work and home repairs;
• Durable medical equipment and home modifications; and
• More.

Contact the area agency on aging serving your community for information and referral, as well as a free in-person assessment to identify your needs and link you to available resources.

Hours: M-F (8am-5pm)

No Time Use Mine, LLC Senior Sitting Service and Social Enrichment Program for Seniors and Families, offers a Non-Medical Sitting, Companion, Respite, light housekeeping and well-being checks. Engage Seniors and families in Social Enrichment Activities and Events in the Community. With the goal of alleviating loneliness, isolation and depression and bringing families together creating a Loveship in the communities.   

The services are private pay and can accept long term care insurance,

If you are interested in these services please contact Jonda Proffit at (513)537-2354 or at notimeusemine1st@gmail.com 

The mission of the Ohio Department of Insurance is to provide consumer protection through education and fair but vigilant regulation while promoting a stable and competitive environment for insurers. The department publishes several consumer's guides, including:

Shopper's Guide to Long-term Care Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Life Insurance
Empty Nester's Guide to Auto Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Annuities Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Options and Part D

Other Services Include:

• Consumer Affairs
• Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
• Agent Licensing
• Fraud and Enforcement
• Legal Services
• Product Regulation and Actuarial Services
• General Services

book

The Ohio Grandparent Kinship Coalition (OGKC) is an organization across Ohio which assists caregivers taking care of children other than their own when the parents are unwilling or unable to care for them. The OGKC is an organization consisting of kinship caregivers, kinship caregiver advocates and agencies throughout Ohio.

OGKC Purpose:

•     Educate kinship caregivers and agencies regarding state and national programs /issues affecting kinship caregivers
•     Advocate at local, state and national levels for support of kinship families
•     Provide a networking system for caregivers and agencies
•     Link caregivers with services in their communities
•     Connect new kinship care programs with speaker’s bureau
•     Conduct statewide conferences

Use the Consumer Guide to search for and compare nursing homes, residential care (assisted living) facilities, and supportive living facilities and to learn more about services in your home and community that may meet your needs.

Ohio long-term care insurance companies can now offer policies that qualify under the state`s Long-term care Partnership Insurance Program. Partnership insurance offers a way for people to buy long-term care insurance, receive policy benefits and protect a matching amount of assets if they need to apply for Medicaid. With any insurance policy, it is important for the consumer to choose the type of coverage that fits their needs. Only you can decide if Long-term Care insurance is right for you. Your decision should depend on personal health and wealth matters. (Source: Ohio Department of Insurance)

The Ohio Department of Insurance`s Long-term Care Partnership Web site provides more information about the partnership program, as well as fact sheets and other resources, frequently asked questions about long-term care and help in finding an agent.

RetireMEDiQ, formerly MB Senior Solutions, was formed in 2007 to provide Medicare-eligible individuals with the knowledge, guidance and choice needed to select a Medicare plan that is right for their specific needs. RetireMEDiQ specializes in helping individuals understand Medicare options, and advises approximately 18,000 individuals on their health care plan selection.

Standard & Poor’s strives to provide investors who want to make better informed investment decisions with market intelligence in the form of credit ratings, indices, investment research and risk evaluations and solutions.

Survivor Benefits

If the deceased was receiving monthly payments you will need to notify the VA of the death.

If the deceased was a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable, survivors may receive $300 toward funeral expenses and $150 for burial costs. Burial in a national cemetery is free to a veteran, spouse, and dependent children. Veterans are also eligible for a headstone or grave marker.

The surviving spouse and dependent children of disabled veterans may also be entitled to a lump sum death benefit; monthly payments, such as educational assistance; and medical care.

Check with the regional VA office about your eligibility for the different types of veteran`s benefits and the documents you will need to apply for benefits.

Health Care Facilities, Benefits and Prescription coverage

To receive health care benefits, enroll with the VA. You can enroll for benefits at any time.

Ohio veterans of all eras have earned a number of federal and state benefits. Veterans may qualify for a number of other benefits ranging from health care, compensation for injuries and illness, home loans and education to direct financial assistance, special license plates and the Ohio Veterans Homes. Please visit your county veteran`s service office and find out what you`re eligible for. For more information, call 1-877-OHIO VET (1-877-644-6838), or visit www.dvs.ohio.gov.

CHAMPVA: The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. The program is administered by Health Administration Center, located in Denver, Colorado.

Prescription coverage is available for veterans with an honorable discharge. Must enroll with VA and be seen by VA doctor. Free prescriptions for low-income veterans.

VA Hospitals and Clinics:  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates a network of health care facilities across the country.  Click here to search for a facility by state.

Click here to find your regional VA Benefits Administration office. 

Veterans Funerals

If the deceased was a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides small burial allowances. All veterans can receive a burial flag and burial in national cemeteries. Burial at no charge may be possible in an area where a national Veterans Cemetery is located. Call 800-555-1212 for the toll-free number of your Regional Veterans Affairs office or visit the web site.

Click here to locate a Veterans Cemetery. 

The Mission of Warren County Children Services is to serve families in need and protect children who are abused, neglected, or dependent through collaboration with our partners and the support of the community.

Contact the Program Director at 513.233.4806 or visit http://www.co.warren.oh.us/ChildrenServices/Care/Default.aspx for information about how and when to report suspected child abuse, adoption and foster care.