Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) is home to a wide variety of programs serving young children to older adults and everyone in between. We’ll be interviewing representatives from different CSSW programs help our audience understand what resources are available and how to access them.
In recognition of July 30 being the anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, we recently we spoke with Melissa Devine, who works with the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and serves as MMAP Site Coordinator for Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston County. The MMAP Program (Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program) helps older adults and adults with disabilities make informed decisions regarding health insurance and prescription drug coverage to best meet their needs. In this interview Melissa discusses what the MMAP program does, who she works closely with, and tips for getting involved in the program.
Ahead of the Curve: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it?
Melissa: MMAP is known as the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program. It is the State of Michigan’s health insurance program and is here to educate and empower Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries in the maze of Medicare. We are not limited to those who have aged into Medicare; we see caregivers, family members, disabled individuals, seniors and more. We are a free service to the community.
AOTC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?
MD: We first reach out to the beneficiary to learn more about what service(s) they need. During this call we can discover whether the beneficiary will need face to face MMAP counseling sessions or counseling sessions over the phone. From that point it is a matter of taking care of the services they need, which were established during the first contact. Upon completion of the counseling session we make sure the beneficiary has all necessary documentation that shows completion of services and provide them our contact information again for any future needs. Some examples of services we offer are Medicare Part D assessments, assistance with enrollment in Medicare, assistance in applying for Medicaid assistance, and more.
AOTC: What organizations do you work closely with?
MD: Here in Washtenaw County, MMAP works with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL), St. Joseph Health System, Jewish Family Services, CSSW, Washtenaw Health Plan, local libraries, Milan Seniors for Healthy Living, Saline Senior Center, Dexter Senior Center, Pittsfield Township Senior Center, Delonis Center/Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, and more. However, MMAP is statewide so we are in Macomb, St. Clair, Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Monroe counties working closely with organizations in those counties.
AOTC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?
MD: MMAP is a free service and all it takes is a phone call to 1-800-803-7174 to get started. We are happy to answer any and all Medicare/Medicaid questions.
AOTC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one that’s going through this issue or needs assistance?
MD: Medicare/Medicaid is confusing for everyone! Save yourself from the feeling of defeat and allow MMAP to help by giving us a call at 1-800-803-7174. Again, we are available and able to answer any and all questions pertaining to Medicare/Medicaid.
AOTC: Is there anything you would like to add?
MD: We love our community and what we do and are look forward to serving and assisting the members of our community today!
Thank you to Melissa Devine for giving us a look into the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program.
If you want to learn more, you can visit the Catholic Social Services website.
