Question

148 Chapter 6 Policy Issues for Older Adults The policies and programs covered in this chapter include: The Aging Network through the OAA, which provides social, nutritional, and supportive services to older adults and their caregivers. The ADA, a law providing civil rights pro- tection to people with disabilities, includ- ing older adults. Social Security, a policy impacting retired workers, spouses, dependents, and indi- viduals with disabilities. SSI, a program providing resources for lower income individuals, including older adults and people with disabilities. Medicare, health insurance for older adults and certain people with disabilities. Medicaid, a program providing health care for people with lower incomes and few resources. Each policy affects different aspects of life, with a variety of eligibility criteria and covered benefits or programs. Healthcare profession- als and organizations can assist older adults in determining which policies or programs impact them and how to access specific benefits. O CASE STUDIES Case 1: Ben was born in 1960 and has remained steadily employed since getting his first job at age 17. For the last 28 years, he has been a long-haul driver for a trucking company. He enrolled in a defined benefit pension plan when he was hired, and once he reaches the 30-year employment mark, he can retire with full benefits. After many years of working away from home for weeks at a time, Ben is looking forward to spending more time with his family. Yet, he worries that he might be in a bad accident someday, leaving his wife, who just turned 61, in dire financial straits. His manager has told him that if he wants to continue working after 30 years, he could switch to a local delivery route or a desk job in the office. With those options, he can keep working until he is able to claim his full Social Security benefit. Ben is glad that he has options, but does not know what he wants to do. He thinks that maybe he will work for a few years after giving up his job as a long-haul driver, but is not sure that he wants to work at a desk job until he reaches his Social Security retirement age. 1. If Ben continues working until he reaches age 64, would he be able to claim Social Security benefits, and if so, what percentage of his full benefit would he receive? 2. If Ben was in an accident and passed away before retiring and claiming his benefit, would his wife receive any Social Security benefits? Why or why not? 3. Ben is enrolled in a defined benefit pension plan with his employer. How does that plan differ from a defined contribution program? Case 2: Amelia is a single 63-year-old woman in semiretirement. She worked full time as a nurse at a hospital for 35 years, and now works part-time at a private practice. Although she is relatively healthy, she is not in perfect health. She is slightly obese, takes medication to control her hypertension, and has had cataracts removed from both eyes. She is also starting to feel the first twinges of arthritis and the cartilage in her left knee is deteriorating, which will eventually necessitate knee replacement surgery. Amelia has been able to maintain her health insurance, but it is expensive, and she will not be able to afford it when she retires. She would like to apply for Medicare as soon as she is able to do so. 1. Does Amelia qualify for Medicare now? Why or why not? If not, when will she qualify? 2. Based on Ameila's circumstances, which version of Medicare do you think would be the best option for her and why? 3. What programs, if any, are available to help Amelia pay for her Medicare plan when she enrolls if her income is too low for her to afford it?

Case 1

1. If Ben continued working until he turned 64, would he be able to claim Social Security `benefits, and if so, what percentage of his full benefit would he receive?

2. If Ben was in an accident and passed away before retiring, would his wife receive any Social Security benefits? Why or why not?

3. Ben is enrolled in a defined benefit pension plan with his employer. How does this differ from a defined contribution program?

Case 2

1. Does Amelia qualify for Medicare now? Why or why not? If not, when will she qualify?

2. Based on Ameila’s circumstances, which version of Medicare do you think would be the best option for her, and why?

3. What programs, if any, are available to help Amelia pay for her Medicare plan when she enrolls if her income is too low for her to afford it?

Answer 1