Macomb County Success Story

From a MMAP counselor:
I spoke with a retired beneficiary turning 65, losing retiree health insurance. She takes four asthma-related medications, barely pays anything with current insurance but the Medicare Plan Finder shows extremely high prices for all four plus one other very high-priced medication. Explained to her how to approach her doctor about substituting generics when possible.

Second counseling session she had doctor’s OK to substitute two generics, which brought her annual drug costs down by nearly half. Then coached her on Good RX, which she had heard of but never used. I looked up the three remaining drugs on Good RX and advised her of the significant savings she would see if she fills those three prescriptions that way instead of using her Part D plan. Next, I re-ran Plan Finder comparisons and found her remaining drug prices for 2020 would drop from $700+ to $44 on her Part D plan, plus less than $100 more per month adding the drugs she’ll obtain through Good RX.

Another MMAP client extremely happy because of starting with such high prices and bringing her prescriptions down significantly.

Ottawa County Success Story

This individual (I will call him Scott) was referred to me by a nurse at a local doctor’s office.  He was 57 years old and homeless with multiple, complex health issues that needed active monitoring.  His health was rapidly declining partly due to his reluctance to seek medical attention and take his medications because of the cost.  He also struggled with reading and writing so was unable to understand much of the information he had received in the mail.  This left him feeling overwhelmed and unable to decide regarding a supplement to his Medicare.

The nurse at his Doctor’s office was wondering about the Priority plan and Tandem 365. When I met with Scott, he was also interested in the Priority plans. He chose Priority Key and enrolled, I then referred him to Tandem 365 for on-going support.

We also submitted the Social Security extra help application (LIS).
I made copy of his Medicare and Medicaid cards for him to drop off at DHHS so his worker would know he had Medicare and could get him assigned to the Medicare Savings Program (MSP).

• One month later, I received a call from Scott that he had received a letter of approval from Priority and the medication he wanted was now available. He called his nurse and she had  the script sent to the pharmacy; LIS made the medication affordable for him.
• Three months later – he found out his MSP was approved paying his Medicare Part B Premium.
• Six months later, he came back to Evergreen Commons looking to sign up for our fitness program through his Silver Sneakers benefit with Priority.

He was always very appreciative and thankful for my assistance.

Wayne County Success Story

A MMAP counselor talked to a Medicaid beneficiary who was frustrated
because after he switched to Medicare, due to disability, he never received a Medicare card and was told by his doctor’s office that he no longer had medical coverage.  He only received information regarding a Medicare prescription plan but didn’t understand what it was for.  Here’s how the counselor responded:

“I explained that once he has been on SSA disability for 24 months, he automatically receives Medicare insurance and that becomes his primary insurance. I made it clear that Medicaid can work as a secondary insurance if he qualifies. His income did deem him eligible for full Medicaid. I conference called Medicare with my client. We were able to request a new Medicare card and ask for his Medicare information to share with the doctor.   I also explained that if he wanted to have a zero-dollar copay and deductible, for both his doctor visits and prescriptions, he had the option to enroll in a MI Health Link plan because he is dual eligible with Medicare and full Medicaid. He was interested and decided to contact MI Enrolls on his own. Before his initial call to DAAA, he was upset with insurance matters. After speaking with me, he was very appreciative of my help and getting his insurance straightened out. It made me feel like a Superhero!”

George W
Macomb County

As a MMAP volunteer, I feel gratified that I am able to use my work experience to help people. Giving presentations invigorates me. Getting questions from the audience, answering them, and the look of satisfaction on their faces make volunteering a “no-brainer”. MMAP and the people I work with are a “good feeling” volunteer opportunity.

Mary J.
Genesee County

I believe that volunteering makes a difference in the community. It’s one of those things that leave you with a good feeling. Volunteering with MMAP gives me the chance to give back to others; using the training we get to help and make a difference in someone’s daily life.

Doing volunteer work with MMAP lets me help many who find Medicare and the choices a maze. Each person is different with different needs or wants. But taking the time to show people we care and learning and knowing all we can, helps them to see their right choice.

My experience with MMAP blesses me. It blesses me knowing I have helped someone with a very important part of their life. I helped them with something they felt challenged over easier and now they’re comfortable making a good choice for themselves.

Anonymous MMAP Volunteer

The three reasons I volunteer with MMAP

1. Medicare and Medicaid can be very complicated and difficult to understand. I like to simplify the complex and help those who do not understand
2. There are more seniors that need help understanding than people to help. I have the time and the ability to help
3. Most important is that I am paying back God for the good life he has given me

Tina L.
Bay County

I work in a low income senior apartment building and currently have about 135 residents that participate in Medicare, Medicaid, or both. My office is on-site. Since most of my residents are homebound this makes it easier for them to receive the MMAP services that can help them save money or understand materials and information they receive from Medicare and Medicaid.

I educate residents on what resources are available to them, assist them in applying, and manage the case until they receive the service or benefit for which they applied. I appreciate the education that MMAP continues to give to me so that I can assist the residents here to the fullest. My MMAP coordinator is always just a phone call away and is always willing to help me with a case that may be difficult.

Cari R.
Lenawee County

Being a part of MMAP is rewarding each day. It is always exciting to be able to educate Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about the benefits of Medicare. Knowing that you are giving them the power to make educated decisions about their health care and health care coverage is awesome. I love to see a client set at ease as they begin to understand a complicated system with confidence.

Finding ways to help clients with health care costs can be a life saver. I remember helping a gentleman who had some very costly medications and was anticipating surgery in the near future. I helped him apply for the Low-Income Subsidy to help pay the cost of his medications. With the extra cash he now had available he was able to purchase a Medicare supplemental insurance plan. With the additional coverage he felt secure financially to go forward with the surgery and follow-up therapies. He still thanks me for saving his life when he sees me. What a great feeling!