By Eileen Iverson
MnSF vice president of programs

As vice president for MnSF programs, I announce new opportunities for Minnesota Senior Federation members to benefit by their membership. Often, older programs do not get mentioned because they seem so familiar to many of us. But that's not always a safe assumption.

The well-established Senior Partners Care program is a life saver for many seniors. Many in my region tell me they do not know what they would do without it.

It is a partnership between the Federation and health care providers in Minnesota who agree to accept Medicare as full payment for Medicare-covered services, with no co-pays and no deductibles.

Note that this is not an insurance plan. The Federation does not pay anyone's bills. It is an agreement as described above.

To qualify for Senior Partners Care:

• One must be on Medicare A and B.
• One must not be on Medical Assistance.
• One must not be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Very likely one would not have supplementary health insurance, though there are possible exceptions.
• For a single person, income must not exceed $19,600 annually. For a couple, income must not exceed $26,400.
• Assets must not exceed $39,933 for singles or couples. This limit does not include one house and one car.
• Proof of income must be supplied in the form of a bank statement or similar document showing that guidelines are met.
• Payment of a modest administrative fee or a request for a waiver.

Membership in the Minnesota Senior Federation is not a requirement, but it is encouraged.

Each region of the Federation administers its SPC program, making sure that applicants have completed paperwork and that guidelines are met. That's an important job and takes time.

Not every health care provider in a state will agree to participate. That means that clients must be willing to use services of those providers who do agree to participate.

Another task of regions is to approach potential providers to try to "sign them up."

In some regions, most providers are affiliated with a health care facility that is not within Minnesota. However, for a great part of Minnesota, Senior Partners Care works well and a qualifying client can use SPC in areas outside of the region. For example, a client might be referred to a special facility in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and can go.

If you do not qualify for Senior Partners Care yourself, but know of someone who might meet the guidelines, help by passing along information and referring that person to the regional office of the Federation in your area. In the metro area, call 651/783-5045.