By Kim Smallcombe, MMAP Regional/Program Coordinator
A University of Michigan study recently reported that an estimated 2.5 million Americans are part of the Sandwich Generation, meaning they are caregivers for older family members while still raising children under the age of 18. This situation introduces many challenges with the need to balance time, work responsibilities, and increased caregiving tasks related to declining cognitive abilities of their loved one.
One of the challenges may be that someone is suddenly thrust, with no experience, into ensuring that a loved one’s Medicare benefits are in good order. This is also true as we, ourselves, age into Medicare.
Most people only have a vague sense of what Medicare entails, “It’s my health insurance, once I’m retired.” That is true, but it has many pieces, including hospitalization/skilled nursing/hospice coverage (Part A), healthcare coverage for doctor visits, medical equipment, lab, preventive, and outpatient procedures, and ambulance coverage (Part B), then there are prescription plans (Part D), and supplemental Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans from which to choose.
Medicare is complex and often feels confusing and intimidating. That’s why the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) exists. We are here to help educate you on how it works so that you can choose the best options for your specific health and budget needs. This free service is available to disabled persons, retirees, those about to retire, and those who have become a caregiver, at any age. MMAP is unbiased and is uncompensated by, and unaffiliated with, any insurance agencies.
MMAP has offices in every Michigan county. Call 800-803-7174 today! MMAP is a free Medicare counseling service provided to you via state and federal grants.