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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=222153413-10072012>Dear federation
family </SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=222153413-10072012>The following
information is provided to you as a service. Many programs are hidden and not
shared with the consumers. If you have any questions, phone numbers are provided
to you. Some do require the person to be a US citizen. You can ask me on
Saturday the the chapter meeting. </SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>MD Dept. of Aging Memo #12- March 2, 2012
<BR>ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTED FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS
<BR>Federal/State Program Monthly (or Annual) Income Test Annual Asset Test
Notes<BR>Federal Poverty Guidelines <BR>Individual Couple <BR>$ 930.83 ($11,170
per year) $1260.83 ($15,130 per year) <BR>Change effective: January 26, 2012
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)
<BR>Individual Couple (Apply $20 income disregard) <BR>$ 951 $1,281 <BR>$11,772
$15,372 <BR>Pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, co-payments, and deductibles.
Next expected change: 3/1/13</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
(SLMB)<BR>Individual Couple <BR>II Individual Couple <BR>(Apply $20 income
disregard) <BR>$ 951 - $1,281 $1,281 - $1,533 <BR>$1,281 - $1,533 $1,533 -
$1,732 <BR>$11,772 <BR>$15,372 <BR>$11,772 <BR>$15,372 <BR>Similar to QMB but
pays only the Part B premium. Next expected change: 3/1/13 </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Maryland Primary Adult Care (PAC) Program
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple (After applying exclusions and
disregards)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>$1,053 (new )$1,422 (new) <BR>No asset test For
Marylanders ages 19-64, who do not qualify for Medicare, PAC provides free
primary care doctor visits, free mental health visits (psychiatric or
counseling), and low-cost or free prescription drugs. PAC will cover some
substance abuse, mostly outpatient. PAC only covers initial emergency room
fee or co-pay. Does not cover diagnosis, treatment or other emergency room
costs. Does not cover hospital stays, ER visits, or specialty care. Call
1-800-226-2142 (toll-free) for application & information. <BR>Note:
$20 may be subtracted from the individual's or couple's gross income; if the $20
subtraction reduces the income to the number listed on the chart, then the
individual or couple probably qualifies for the benefit. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Supplemental Security Income (SSI) <BR>Individual
Couple (Apply $20 income disregard)<BR>$698 (new) $1,048 (new) <BR>2012 COLA
increase <BR>$2,000 $3,000 <BR>SSA has started a Compassionate Allowance
Initiative for individuals with early-onset (younger-onset) Alzheimer's
disease. This benefit is for early-onset (younger-onset) Alzheimer's
disease and related dementias for those generally diagnosed under the age of 65
years old. It does not affect those who are currently receiving full
Social Security retirement benefits. This will also affect people with
Front temporal dementia (FTD), Pick's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and
mixed-dementia and primary progressive aphasia. When asked by the SSA
claims representative what the disabling condition is, the applicant must
specify "early-onset Alzheimer's disease." It is strongly recommended that
applicants apply in person at their local SSA office. You will need to
submit an application and other documents at your local office. The
Alzheimer's Association has prepared a checklist to assist individuals with the
application process. See checklist at:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="http://www.alz.org/documents/national/SSDI_checklist.pdf">http://www.alz.org/documents/national/SSDI_checklist.pdf</A>
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> The applicant should apply for SSDI as well
if they are receiving early retirement benefits because they may become eligible
for Medicare before they turn 65.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Medicare Part D<BR>(Prescription Drug) Low-Income
Subsidy (EXTRA HELP)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple 100% poverty & below) <BR>If
your income does not exceed: <BR>$16,755 $22,695 ("full
subsidy") <BR>Owned resources does not exceed: <BR>$13,070
$26,120 <BR>This financial assistance is
only for Medicare beneficiaries who have a Medicare D prescription drug
plan. Benefits vary depending on income level; assistance may help with
cost of premiums, deductibles, co-pays. You will automatically receive EXTRA
HELP if you have Medical Assistance, QMB, SLMB, or SSI; no need to apply. Apply
through Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213 or <A
href="http://www.ssa.gov">www.ssa.gov</A>) or Local Department of Social
Services. <BR>To get a monthly figure for monthly income level, divide by 12.
<BR>Note: Annual asset figures, provided by Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid, include $1,500 (for one person) or $3,000 (for a couple) for
funeral/burial, if beneficiary indicates the need to use some of his/her assets
for that purpose. Funeral/burial funds are included in the new asset limits for
the QMB/SLMB program.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>State of Maryland Senior Prescription Drug
Assistance Program
(SPDAP)<BR>Individual
Couple <BR>$35,510 new $45,390 new <BR>Effective 1/31/12</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> For
persons enrolled in a Medicare Prescription or Medicare Advantage Prescription
Drug plan AND have a household income at or below 300% of federal poverty
guidelines, SPDAP pays up to $35 per month ( or $420 annually) toward the cost
of the premium for their chosen plan. All plans are participating in the
$35 premium. This does not apply to individuals who are 100% Low Income Subsidy
(LIS) or eligible for full federal EXTRA HELP as determined by the Social
Security Administration. Proof of 6 months MD residency is
required.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Drug manufacturers will provide a 50% discount of
the negotiated price of brand name drugs (excluding fees) for individuals in the
coverage gap. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As of 1/1/11, SPDAP started providing a 95% subsidy
to member's total drug costs while in the "donut hole or coverage gap" for those
who participate in a PDP or MA-PDS that have contracted with SPDAP. This will be
in effect after the federal discount. There will be a 5% coinsurance
obligation. Not all Medicare Prescription or Medicare Advantage Plans are
participating in the coverage gap subsidy. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>For further information or applications, call
1-800-551-5995 or go to <A
href="http://www.marylandspdap.com">www.marylandspdap.com</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
<BR>Individual Couple represents 175% of poverty level) <BR>$1,588.12 new
$2,145.20 new <BR>Provides eligible low-income Marylanders assistance with home
heating bills; EUSP assists with electric bills. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Only one application is required for both MEAP and
EUSP. Both programs are administered by the Office of Home Energy Programs
(OHEP), DHR. <BR>Next expected change: 7/1/12</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
<BR>Individual Couple (represents 175% of poverty level) <BR>$1,588.12 (
$2,145.20 (new) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>SNAP Program <BR>Individual Couple (net income)
100% FPG<BR>$908 $1,226</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Food Stamp Program) (net income) 200%
FPG<BR>Individual Couple <BR>$1,862 $2,522 <BR>$3,000 Households where all
members are getting TAFDC, EAEDC, or SSI do not have to pass SNAP Foods Income
Test.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Households with at least one elderly (60 or older)
or disabled person must have a net income no greater than the Monthly Net Income
Standard (100% of the FPG (<A
href="http://www.massresources.org/popup.cfm?id_w=108">http://www.massresources.org/popup.cfm?id_w=108</A>)
). Households with elderly or disabled members are allowed special deductions
(<A
href="http://www.massresources.org/popup.cfm?id_w=92">http://www.massresources.org/popup.cfm?id_w=92</A>)
from income.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>200% Gross Income Standard (family limits)
Effective January 26, 2012</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Medical Assistance (Medicaid)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple <BR>$350 $392 <BR>$2,500 $3,000
<BR>Requires documentation of disability; individuals can "spend down" to this
income level to be eligible.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Medicaid Waiver for Older Adults <BR> $2,094
represents 300% of SSI)
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>$2,000 Assisted living and in-home services for
individuals age 50 and older who meet Medicaid institutional eligibility rules;
additional medical, financial, and technical eligibility requirements apply.
Next expected change: 3/1/13</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Senior Care Program</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple <BR>$2,637 (new) $3,448 (new)
<BR>$11,000 $14,000</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Case managed, in-home services program for
individuals 65 and older. Next expected change: 7/1/12</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program
<BR>Individual Couple <BR>$2,637 (new) $3,448 (new)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>$11,000 $14,000 <BR>Provides financial assistance
for a limited number of eligible Assisted Living Group Home residents age 62 or
older. Next expected change: 7/1/12</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP)
Subsidy</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple <BR>$2,637 $3,448
<BR>$27,375 $35,587 <BR>Provides financial assistance for a limited number of
Congregate Housing residents in selected sites for individuals 62 and older
whose net monthly income is insufficient to pay the full monthly fee for
Congregate Housing Services. Next expected change: 7/1/12</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Accessible Homes for Seniors</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual <BR>$57,960 per yr.<BR>(Washington
MSA – Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, & Prince George's
Counties)<BR>$46,032 per yr.<BR> (all other jurisdictions)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Couple <BR>$66,240 per yr. (Washington MSA)
<BR>$52,608 per yr. (all other jurisdictions) <BR>Provides zero-interest loans
to modify a home space for senior (age 55 or older) living. Loan payments
are deferred for 30 years or until the sale or transfer of ownership of the
home. If the senior resides in the home of a relative, eligibility is based on
the owner's income. This program is a joint initiative of the MD Dept. of
Housing & Community Development and the MD Dept. of Aging. Application
available by calling 800-756-0119 or at <A
href="http://www.mdhousing.org">www.mdhousing.org</A> .</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID)
Program </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple (Approximate countable income per
month)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Up to $2,722 Up to $3,677 <BR>(represents 300% of
poverty level) Less than $10,000 in countable resources <BR>Note: 401(k), and
403(b) retirement accounts, Pension plans, and Keogh plans are not counted
towards the $10,000 asset limit <BR>The EID Program provides health insurance
for qualified employed persons ages 18-64 who are disabled. Persons with
private health insurance or Medicare may still qualify for EID.
Participants may be required to pay a monthly premium from $0 - $55, depending
on income. The EID Program is funded by the Maryland Medical Assistance Program
(DHMH). Certain income and assets that count for other Medical Assistance
programs do not count toward EID income limits. The MD Dept. of
Disabilities (MDOD) partners with DHMH to promote the program. See <A
href="http://www.mdod.state.md.us">www.mdod.state.md.us</A>.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Call MDOD at 443-514-5034 or 1-800- 637-4113 for
assistance with/ likelihood of eligibility and completion of application by
telephone. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Medical Assistance (Medicaid) – Spousal
Impoverishment Protection Standards For spouse in the community:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Basic Maintenance and Shelter Allowance $1,822
<BR>(no change in 2011) <BR>Maximum Maintenance and Shelter Allowance
$2,739<BR>Next expected change June 2012 For spouse in the nursing home: $2,500
<BR>Minimum Community Spouse's Asset Share $21,912</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Maximum Community Spouse's Asset Share: $109,560
<BR>Refers to protection of some of the income and assets of a spouse remaining
in the community when the other spouse has entered a nursing home.<BR>All
non-exempt assets (savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, etc.) owned by
either spouse, jointly or separately, are pooled as of date nursing home spouse
enters the nursing home. Effective 1/1/09, the community spouse may
keep $22,912 or 1/2 the assets, whichever is greater, but not more than
$109,560. The couple's remaining assets are used to pay for nursing home
care or other expenses, until the nursing home spouse's assets reach the
Medicaid eligibility level of $2500. The community spouse's income will be
evaluated to determine how much, if any, of the nursing home spouse's monthly
income can be allowed for the community spouse's monthly maintenance
allowance. Call 410-767-5800 or 1-800-492-5231 for questions on any aspect
of the eligibility determination process.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2012 State of Maryland Homeowners' Property Tax
Credit Program Plan is based on relationship between property taxes and income;
combined gross household income cannot exceed $60,000. For application, with
further explanation, call 410-767-4433 (Balto. metro area) or 1-800-944-7403
(other areas) or see <A
href="http://www.dat.state.md.us">www.dat.state.md.us</A>. Net worth is less
than $200,000 (excluding property on which you are seeking credit and cash value
of IRAs or qualified retirement savings plans). Allows a credit against the
homeowner's 2012 property tax bill if property taxes exceed a fixed percentage
of the person's gross income.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>No age restrictions. <BR>Credit applicable only to
dwelling which is your permanent residence.<BR>Homeowners age 70 and older, who
have not applied for the program, may apply for the previous three years.
Call 410 767-4433 or 1-800-944-7403. Should file and qualify by May 1st
and up to September 1st to receive a tax credit certificate or revised tax
bill.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2012 State of Maryland Renters' Tax Credit Program
Plan is based on relationship between rent and income. For application, with
further explanation, call 410-767-4433 (Balto. metro area) or 1-800-944-7403
(other areas) or see <A
href="http://www.dat.state.md.us">www.dat.state.md.us</A>. Net worth is less
than $200,000 Provides tax credit up to $750 a year for renters who meet certain
requirements on rent paid in calendar year 2011. <BR>For persons age 60 and
over, persons who are 100% disabled, or persons under age 60, not in subsidized
housing, who have one or more dependents under age 18 in their home. To qualify,
total gross household income should not exceed $30,000. If you qualify,
should apply by September 1st, 2012.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Weatherization Assistance Program
(WAP)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Individual Couple <BR>$2,520 $3,296
(new)<BR>represents 200% of poverty level) <BR>Operated by the Maryland
Department of Housing and Community Development, WAP enables low-income
households to reduce home energy consumption and maintenance costs through
installation of energy-conserving materials. Examples of
improvements: health and safety items, hot water system, lighting
retrofit, insulation, furnace cleaning. Priority is given to low-income
homeowners who are elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have
the highest energy consumption. Eligible renters may also
apply.<BR>Apply through your local energy assistance office or through Maryland
Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-800-352-1446 or 1-800-638-7781.
You can also apply through your local weatherization agency, local government,
community action agency or local non-profit.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yasmin Reyazuddin </FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Aging & Disability Services
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Montgomery County Government
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Department of Health & Human
Services </FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>401 Hungerford Drive (3rd floor)
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Rockville MD 20850 </FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>240-777-0311 (MC311) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>240-777-1556 (personal) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>240-777-1495 (fax) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>office hours 8:30 am 5:00 pm
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Languages English, Hindi, Urdu, Braille
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV align=left>
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