Can't Leave the US?: Some Advice for Seniors on the Days Ahead

How to Regain Some Control During Turbulent Times

In my last article, I was nudging people towards the possibility that maybe they can make a US exit strategy despite their initial beliefs that they cannot. But it is understandable that many genuinely cannot leave even if they wanted to. There many be many reasons for this, from caregiving responsibilities to family ties, career restrictions to disability or dependence on SSI (that can’t be accessed abroad).

This is unfortunate because, as I have argued for the last several articles, there is huge value in working out an exit strategy, even when you have no intentions of actually acting upon it. Doing so gives you back a sense of control, autonomy and choice, which are vital ingredients for our well being and ingredients that many of us have lost in recent times. So it raises the question: If you cannot work on an exit strategy, or you have one and it will take awhile to execute, what else can you do to regain a sense of control in these turbulent political times? That is the focus of this article and a few more after it.

I will be the first to tell you that this topic is entirely outside my wheelhouse of expertise. However, what I am very good at is finding and summarizing information from those who do have expertise. So to address these questions, I turned to guidelines provided by American advocates for various vulnerable groups. In putting this together, I have come to realize it’s a whole lot of material so I am going to have to break this into a few separate articles (sorry for those who are waiting!). This first one is for seniors. In a subsequent one I will cover those with disabilities, then those on low income, as well as everyone else. You’ll see quite a bit of overlap so even if the article doesn’t pertain to you, it may give you ideas for things that you too can do now.

I am hoping that these guidelines not only lessen a bit of the anxiety and help you cope with an uncertain future, but they may give you back that control and autonomy you deserve, which will help your resilience. These are actions everyone can take today that may help them to be better prepared for future changes. I provide links as needed (anything underlined is a link you can click on for more information).

Photo by Richard Sagredo on Unsplash

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A SENIOR

Here are some things that seniors, and those who love them, can do right now to manage for potential disruptions to vital services like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, and subsidized housing.

1. Knowledge is Power: Find Out What’s at Risk

It can be hard to follow what’s ahead as it is a constantly changing landscape with lots of possibilities. People discuss the potential implications of future legislation, but at this point it is impossible to know what, if anything, will directly impact you. Some examples of programs that have been discussed as potentially impacted include Medicare (especially Parts B, D, Advantage, or supplemental plans), Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, Section 202 or Section 8 housing, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). I am not writing a long list to scare you, as many may end up unchanged. But I do want to encourage you to keep your eyes open and plan as best you can for worse case scenario. As they say, better safe than sorry. And the plan itself is good for your well-being, restoring some control over the situation. You can stay up to to date through these organizations:

• National Council on Aging (NCOA)

• USAging

• Center for Medicare Advocacy

• Social Security Works

• Medicare Rights Center

2. Bolster Your Mental & Emotional Health

Isolation, fear, or financial pressure takes a toll. Social support and social engagement during difficult times is critical for our resiliency. Not only for mental health but also practical support if its ever needed. We can all work on creating bigger social networks of likeminded people to protect us. Here are some possibilities for you:

• Friendship Line (Institute on Aging) – 24/7 for seniors: 1-800-971-0016

• If able, considering volunteering your time to help others in need as needs go up for many. A good place to start is at Volunteer Match which provides volunteer opportunities based on your location.

• Find senior social groups to join through MeetUp or check out local senior centres or faith based groups.

Caregivers need support too! Here are a few places that have your back:

• Family Caregiver Alliance

• ARCH National Respite Network

3. Get Organized: Gather Key Documents & Make a Benefits Binder.

In order for the administration to save money, they hope to cover less people with less things. They will do so largely by creating a lot of bureaucratic hurdles and paperwork to make it more difficult. The best way to overcome this tactic is by being well organized. Here I have two things to suggest:

A. Make sure you and a trusted contact puts into a folder (physical or digital) copies of the following below.

• Medicare card and plan ID

• All your physicians and other support people with contact information

• Social Security award letters

• Medicaid letters (if dual eligible)

• Medication lists and medical records

• Power of attorney or health care proxy

• Contact info for doctors, case managers, pharmacies

B. You may want to enlist the support of those who help seniors identify and obtain resources. Do so by googling: “Elder resources [State Name]”

Warning: Many resources online will point you toward finding your local aging agency through the Federal Eldercare Locator site. But this website is currently down (what a surprise!). So then I decided to try to call them at the number they provided to find a local aging agency. However, every single postal code I provided to them ended with the same response: There was no such agency in that area (including postal codes of actual ageing support agencies that I found online!).

4. Prepare for Coverage Changes or Cuts

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about:

• Which medications or services relevant to you may be vulnerable to coverage loss

• Get prescriptions written for generics or longer fills, if possible.

If you can find your local area agency you can ask them about existing forms of assistance that might be helpful to you. Again as previously noted, google “Elder Resources [State Name}” to find the best support available to you. Once you get your closest agency, ask them about things such as:

• Alternative drug discount programs

• Meals on Wheels or food pantries for seniors

• Transportation services for medical appointments

Call SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free help navigating Medicare choices: Find your SHIP here

5. Safeguard Finances and Access to Essentials

• Direct deposit: Make sure all benefits go straight to your bank if they don't already.

• If you receive housing or food help: Ask your program officer how to re-certify quickly if changes come.

6. Keep Fighting

• Connect with senior centers, church groups, or community boards who may have resources and advocacy to share.

• Get involved in these organizations fighting on your behalf:

  • AARP’s Action Center

  • Gray Panthers

  • Social Security Works

• Register to vote and assist others in doing so: nass.org/Can-I-Vote. If mobility is an issue, request vote-by-mail or ask a community group for help.

7. Plan Ahead for Advocacy and Emergencies

• Designate someone you trust to manage your affairs in a crisis. Google: “Elder Law Clinic {Your City Name]” to find free legal resources for seniors in your area.

• Create a one-page summary of your benefits and particulars, your various medical specialists with contact numbers, and your health conditions and medications.

Photo by Will Greer on Unsplash

This is, of course, only a subset of resources available to you, but it is hopefully a start to taking action and regaining control over things you can do something about. I do hope that as you arm yourself with knowledge, get yourself more organized, look for creative ways to cut costs, and expand your social engagement, the future will feel a little less daunting. And these actions that you can do today will give you back some of the control and power you deserve. And remember, you are so not alone.

Thanks for reading!
Canada Resists