Benefit Blast-December 2021

Volume 11 | DECEMBER 2021

Benefit BLAST

News You Can Use

from your Benefit Coordination Partner!

The last few months of 2021 have been tough for our Benefit Results family - three of us lost our fathers during the last quarter. We learned so very much from each other, our families and our clients who offered genuine care and support. Just a note of thanks to all of you who have reached out and offered condolences – your care has meant so very much. As we continue to assist other families and clients through their difficult times, please know that we understand and strive always to show compassion and respect for the challenges being faced as we know how very important this is. We can do this together!

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Benefit Update:

What is new in 2022?

It’s that time of year again when the new eligibility numbers are released. There are a few important updates that we would like to make you aware of.

There is a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) which will begin in January 2022 with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries. This increase also applies to Railroad Retirement and Veteran benefits. This is the highest rate increase since 1982. Your clients will see a pretty large bump in their benefit checks soon.

The other change is the FPL – or Federal Poverty level amount. This amount dictates other benefits such as Medicaid and tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, it is important to know these limits and how they impact your client. For a single household, 100% FPL is $12,880 annual income – for house hold of two annual income - $17,420. The amount increases for the number of people in the household. The FPL percentages dictates how much subsidy an applicant can get for health care through the Affordable Care Act as well as many other benefits.

ALTCS – Arizona Long Term Care system eligibility numbers are impacted by the increase in FPL as well. Since ALTCS limits are 133% FPL - Income limit for single person is now $2523.00/month. 2022 Personal Needs Allowance is $126.15.

As always, Benefit Results is pleased to offer a Benefit Cheat Sheet specific to Arizona to help you easily assess your patients/members eligibility potential. In fact, our Benefit Buffet for December is dedicated to the discussion and explanation of the new information for this year.

Our eligibility cheat sheet will be available electronically after our Benefit Buffet training on December 29 or you can send an email to info@benefitresults.com for a hard copy to be mailed to you at the beginning of the new year.

RECENT RESULTS!

Benefit Results continues to work with families regarding all types of Benefits. Recently we heard from a mom who desperately tried to find coverage so her son could have the necessary heart surgery that would save his life. New to Arizona, and to the AHCCCS system, she kept hitting road blocks – denial after denial, she was so frustrated.

With our guidance, acute AHCCCS was able to be secured for this young man. He will be getting his heart surgery before Christmas! What an amazing privilege to help families maneuver correctly through our health care system.

Click HERE to read what our clients are saying about Benefit Results!

What is coming up?

Benefit Results is offering a free monthly training series called "Benefit Buffet". The web-based training is held on the last Wednesday of each month.

It's been a great year of topics covered and we have received great feedback from those who have attended. This month we will be discussing the specifics of the new eligibility numbers and explaining the impacts of the changes to different programs.

The last Benefit Buffet of 2021 will be on Wednesday December 29

at 3 pm Arizona time.

f you are interested in attending the Zoom presentation click HERE to register. If you have already preregistered, thank you! We will be sending out the Zoom link for all who have registered on Monday December 27.

Our hope in providing this training is that these "bites" of information will help you better educate your residents, staff, and organization allowing for more successful utilization of the benefit within your facility process. We are currently planning our training topics schedule for next year. Is there something you would like us to cover? Please send us an email with your suggestions -info@benefitresults.com.

We encourage any one considering end of year giving to check out CASS – Central Arizona Shelter Services. We very excited to watch their new shelter for seniors come into reality in 2022. Donations are eligible for Arizona Tax Credits.

Click HERE for more information.