Perfect holiday gifts for seniors — insurance and more
By Margie Ware
It’s the season when people are shaking their heads about what to get grandma, Uncle Henry, and Cousin Louise for the holidays. Think about whether seniors who just downsized, gave away all their knick-knacks, and are living in senior housing. Can they fit another bathrobe in the closet? Does Uncle Henry even wear a tie to the congregate meal site?
Our family solved this problem a few years ago. Our mom is fortunate enough to live in a continuing care retirement community. But, after almost 20 years there, her income covers her basic necessities, and so the luxuries of life go by the wayside. So we buy her cable access. It’s more than we would normally spend on a present, so it has to suffice for Christmas, her birthday, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Grandparent’s Day, but she appreciates it — and we do too. When we go to visit, we usually find a program that we all enjoy.
What you may not realize is that your older relative or loved one may need something very practical, and yet to them, unaffordable: supplemental health insurance. There are numbers of elders whose incomes are above the very minimal levels that qualify someone for MassHealth — $871 for a single individual— but lower than the $1500-1800 that someone might need to make to comfortably decide that they can afford a $90/month supplemental “Core” policy.
There are certain subjects that families don’t like to discuss, and money is one of them. Seniors especially are sensitive about wanting to live with dignity, and they are reluctant to admit that there are necessities that they are going without or bills that are coming in that they cannot pay.
Many seniors living on limited incomes do not need the most expensive supplemental insurance. They often qualify for “free care” (now referred to as the Health Safety Net) at the hospital for the first day that Medicare doesn’t cover, and don’t have substantial liquid assets that they need to worry about expending for a stay in a skilled nursing facility.
What they do have however, are doctor bills. Medicare pays 80% of physician services, but the balance is the patient’s responsibility.
If the patient rarely sees a doctor, then an insurance plan probably isn’t necessary. Small sums can be set aside for emergencies.
But for individuals with chronic illnesses, a policy which covers the 20% co-pay can be a lifesaver.
Supplemental insurance, grocery store debit cards, gasoline cards if they’re still driving – all of these are practical ways to assist an elder lead a dignified retirement without undue financial worries.
Of course, the best gift you can give is letting a senior know that you love them and appreciate that you have the gift of their presence in your life. Everyone needs 12 hugs a week, so be sure you give out some extras to the seniors in your life.
Margie Ware is Elder Services Regional SHINE Coordinator.
