Dear Neighbor,
Michigan seniors have contributed to our state for decades, working to build up Michigan for future generations. As a result, they deserve to lead lives filled with security, dignity, and peace of mind. As your state Senator, I am working hard in Lansing to ensure each and every senior can enjoy the benefits of a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice.
Together, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to deliver solutions to the problems facing our senior community, including repealing the unfair retirement tax and helping folks keep more money
in their pockets. I look forward to continuing to build on this work as we look to make our state a place seniors and families are proud to call home.
Additionally, to ensure you can focus on what matters most to you, I want to share a few helpful opportunities and resources in this newsletter. As always, if you ever need assistance navigating an issue with our state government or would like to share feedback and suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me and my office — we are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
Access to affordable healthcare is a struggle for people of all ages. Fortunately, for adults over 65, Medicare is an available option.
Medicare is the federal government program that provides health coverage if you are age 65 or older, under the age of 65 with End-Stage Renal Disease, or under the age of 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a certain amount of time.
You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65 if you meet certain criteria. If you aren’t automatically enrolled, you can enroll online in just a few minutes. Simply fill out a Medicare application through the Social Securitywebsite at SSA.gov/Benefits/Medicare or visit your local Social Security office.
Medicare offers multiple options for insurance coverage, including planning for hospital stays, medical costs, and prescription drugs.
In addition, Medicare Advantage through private insurance is available to those who need or want additional healthcare coverage options. Visit Medicare.gov or call (800) 633-4227 for more information about how you can qualify for coverage.
More than 73,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. They experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation and much of it goes underreported.
Elder Abuse: SEE IT, DOCUMENT IT, REPORT IT
If you or someone you know might be a victim of elder abuse, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office recommends that you:
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Take photographs and written notes on what you observed, when you observed it, and who was present, along with any further helpful information.
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Immediately report incidents to the nursing home or healthcare facility administrator, if applicable.
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Report the abuse to the Office of the Attorney General at (517) 335-7560 and the Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services at (855) 444-3911.
Fighting for You
Repealing the Retirement Tax
In 2011, Michigan seniors had the rug pulled out from under them when legislation was signed to establish a retirement tax. As a result, thousands of seniors who worked their entire lives on the promise of a set amount of money for retirement were subjected to policies that lowered their already limited incomes.
To finally provide financial relief and keep our promise to retirees, I introduced the very first bill of this legislative term, Senate Bill 1 to repeal the retirement tax. Thanks to legislative action, beginning with tax year 2023, the retirement tax will be phased out over the next four years, helping retirees save an average of $1,000 annually. More information on the implementation of this bill can be found at Michigan.gov/taxes.
