In 2011 we served over 400 individuals aged 60 or over, and we can only do it with your help. Here’s an example of what that help can mean to one of our seniors.
–Brandy Jemczura LSW Senior Services Supervisor
When CRC began interacting with Maxine she had no health insurance and had just been released from the hospital. Maxine was greatly in need of home health care services to administer some vital medication. As it turned out, her private insurance dropped her from their plan before she was enrolled in Medicare.
Maxine received assistance applying for Medicare; however, it took time for Maxine to be enrolled. During that time, Maxine needed referrals to services that could help with needs like medications.
CRC was able to help with this process, making referrals to organizations such as the Charitable Pharmacy to assist Maxine. Once Maxine was enrolled in Medicare, she had difficulty maintaining the premium payment. Medicare expected her to pay quarterly, which would have been $345 at a time.
Maxine lives on a fixed income and could not afford to spend that much money at one time. CRC helped Maxine apply for a monthly plan with Medicare, but by the time the plan had taken affect, Maxine had been dis-enrolled from Medicare because she could only afford to pay $115 per month.
During this whole process, CRC helped Maxine through the process of contacting Medicare and Social Security, which proved to be challenging and overwhelming. To be re-enrolled in Medicare, Maxine had to come up with extra money by borrowing money from her family.
When the money her family loaned her was not enough, CRC was able to assist Maxine by paying $115 to Medicare so that she could maintain her health insurance. Thanks to CRC’s assistance, Maxine was able to re-enroll in Medicare, receive ongoing home health care services, and meet her health needs.
Maxine is currently up to date with her Medicare premium and is even receiving some additional assistance through CRC with ongoing personal financial management to prevent having similar difficulties in the future. Maxine has also participated in CRC’s Senior Support Group to obtain support in coping with health-related challenges.
