The department must send written updates to the governor and Legislature about issues at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. The reports will include information about staffing levels, timeliness of medication distribution, patient complaints, number of veteran deaths and accountability of patients’ money.
The measure is an effort to ensure conditions at the facilities are better monitored. It follows a February audit that revealed a wide range of problems at the state-run Grand Rapids veterans facility, which provides care to more than 430 veterans. The report raised concerns about low staffing, workers’ failure to check on patients and allegations of abuse and neglect that went uninvestigated. In addition, residents’ safety was compromised because workers failed to conduct alarm checks.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague. “Our state’s veterans deserve the highest standards of care available, and this bill helps ensure that the conditions of veterans’ homes are evaluated and reported on more consistently and effectively,” Snyder said in a statement.
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Michigan House is close to a new deal that wil expand Medicaid to low-income adults.
Medicaid eligibility could be expanded to 320,000 more Michigan residents next year.
There’s reason to believe that Michigan lawmakers may be closer to approving an expansion of Medicaid health insurance for low-income adults.
(Related: Health Reform and the Implications for Women’s Access to Coverage and Care)
As early as Tuesday, a new version of Republican-sponsored legislation could move from a House committee no longer includes a hard 4-year cap on benefits for certain adults. Both Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and minority Democrats have expressed concern towards the provision.
(Related: Proposed Changes to the VA Pension Program)
The revised bill would give two options to nondisabled adults earning between 100 and 133 percent of the poverty level after they’re on Medicaid for 48 months. They would be able to purchase government-subsidized health insurance through a new insurance marketplace or pay more to stay on Medicaid.
(Related: Medicaid Applicant Denied for Uncompensated Transfer of Assets)
While conversation continues over the legislation, supporters of expanding Medicaid eligibility to 320,000 more Michigan residents next year say a deal is within reach.
Read more: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/viewart/20130610/NEWS04/306100080/Michigan-House-may-pass-Medicaid-expansion-week
Christopher J. Berry is a Michigan elder law attorney Dedicated to helping seniors, veterans and their families navigate the long-term care maze. To learn more visit http://www.michiganelderlawattorney.com/ or call 248.481.4000
The post Medicaid Expansion May be Passed by Michigan House this Week first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>
New Michigan law imposes more harsh penalties on criminals who embezzle money from senior citizens.
Criminals who embezzle money from senior citizens and the mentally ill can now be penalized with more severe sentences by judges in Michigan under a new state law.
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On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Snyder signed the Vulnerable Adult Embezzlement Statute which allows consecutive sentences for multiple offense convictions. This measure brings the statute up to date with the Michigan’s general embezzlement statutes.
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In addition, Snyder has signed a bill that leaves revocation of fines for driving and failing to properly secure a child in a safety seat to a judge’s discretion.
(Related: The Importance of Durable Power of Attorney)
Lastly, Snyder has signed a bill that bans drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating commercial vehicles or school buses. Under the same law a former horse-drawn carriage can be modified and fitted with an electric motor to operate as a taxi.
Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20130521/NEWS06/305210141/Michigan-elder-abuse-law
Christopher J. Berry is a Michigan elder law attorney Dedicated to helping seniors, veterans and their families navigate the long-term care maze. To learn more visit http://www.michiganelderlawattorney.com/ or call 248.481.4000
The post Tougher sentences allowed under elder abuse law first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>
Gov. Rick Snyder and health advocates have the difficult task of persuading the GOP-led Legislature to expand Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands more residents.
(Read more: The Affordable Care Act At Three: Quality Over Quantity)
Currently, too few Michigan Republicans support the plan for it to advance. However, there are some in the GOP that claim they are open to expanding the health insurance program if changes are made to it.
Changes could potentially include making more participants pay co-pays. Advocates for the poor counter that they can’t afford the co-pays.
(Read more: Why Elder Law Attorneys Aren’t Just for Seniors)
A broad alliance of business, hospitals and low-income advocates support Medicaid expansion and say it’s a good deal for the state. Conservative groups stand in opposition.
(Read more: Tips to Alleviate the Burden of Caring for Someone With Alzheimer’s)
Medicaid expansion is optional under the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the federal health care law.
Read more: http://www.fox28.com/story/21776517/medicaid-expansion-in-trouble-in-mich-legislature
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