It seems as though the information you need about health care is often spread all over the place. Here’s a compendium of resources for handy reference and interesting reading.

(Thanks to Maine Council of Senior Citizens for gathering the following. You can receive their Email publication The Maine Senior Report twice a month by Emailing mcsc@mseaseiu.org and asking to be added to the list.)

Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides the following information about health care and Medicaid

Advance Directives: Taking Charge of Your Health Care
http://www.mainelse.org/takechar.htm

25 Suggested Topics to Discuss with Your Health Care Agent
http://www.mainelse.org/client%20ed/25topics.htm

Nursing Home Medicaid in Maine - A Summary
http://www.mainelse.org/client%20ed/nursing.htm

Are you eligible for financial assistance for payment of all or part of your Medicare Part B premium and possibly more?
http://www.mainelse.org/QMB.htm

Medicaid Estate Recovery and How It Works
http://www.mainelse.org/client%20ed/estate.htm

The Department of Human Services posts very brief information about Medicare at
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/resource/medicare.htm
and
Home Care: Where to Find It.
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/hcbook.htm
The Medicare page includes a link to DHS's "Medicare Savings Calculator." Use it to find out if you can get help with your Medicare Part B premium, and maybe more.

The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
http://www.maineombudsman.org/
investigates and resolves complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care consumers. The program also offers basic information on Knowing Your Rights When Living in a Boarding Home or Nursing Home. Visit the web site or contact them at 1-800-499-0229

8-24-06