The Strength in Partnership

MMAP services expands senior living services

by Elizabeth Ann Morabito

A mutually beneficial partnership between the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and Meer Independent Living Apartments began in 2017 with a Medicare information session during open enrollment season. MMAP was invited to provide Meer residents in West Bloomfield with crucial information about their Medicare coverage options.

This initial engagement has blossomed into an ongoing partnership, complementing the multitude of vital services already provided at Meer. By ensuring optimal Medicare coverage, this collaboration not only enhances the residents’ lives and offers peace of mind but also helps Medicare recipients save significant amounts of money annually.

MMAP is a free service that assists Michigan residents with navigating the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid healthcare coverage. John Howland, a dedicated MMAP volunteer counselor for region 1B, has been working with the Meer residents for the past 7 years. His dedication is evident through his frequent visits and the strong personal relationships he has developed. Each year he serves about a couple of dozen residents, meeting with them individually and also providing a group presentation each fall.

The MMAP program is an important and helpful organization for senior adults and we are proud to be a community partner.

Marcia Mittelman, Meer Independent Living Apartments administrator

Meer Apartments, part of the Jewish Senior Life campus, is a supportive community for seniors, emphasizing independence and high-quality living. Marcia Mittelman, administrator of Meer Apartments, speaks highly of this partnership. “We are grateful to John for sharing his expertise and knowledge about Medicare coverage. He has and continues to assist our residents navigate and select the appropriate plan that best meets their needs. The MMAP program is an important and helpful organization for senior adults and we are proud to be a community partner.”

Howland’s work goes beyond mere counseling. According to Meer residents, he is a most kind, caring, and patient man who makes them feel valued and understood. Howland reciprocates the feelings, “The residents are wonderful. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the relief on their faces when they realize they can save money without sacrificing the quality of their healthcare.”

MMAP’s services are critical for seniors, especially in understanding and optimizing their Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The program helps beneficiaries compare plans, understand benefits, and resolve billing issues. This assistance is crucial, as many seniors find the intricacies of healthcare coverage daunting and confusing.

Mittelman acknowledges that their residents often feel overwhelmed by the complexities of Medicare and that having someone like Howland who can break it down and guide them through the process is a godsend. It’s about more than just the financial savings; it’s about reducing stress and ensuring their seniors can focus on what matters most – enjoying their lives.

Howland recalls a particularly memorable case, one of his earliest where a resident was paying over $300 a month for her prescriptions. He was able to find a plan that reduced her costs significantly, and she was so relieved she burst into tears. It’s moments like these that highlight the importance of the work MMAP does and why Meer has prioritized bringing their Medicare guidance services in-house.

The partnership between Meer and MMAP is a testament to the power of collaboration, exemplifying how organizations can achieve great things by working together. Combining resources and expertise allows Meer residents to receive personalized attention and guidance, ensuring their healthcare needs are met efficiently and cost-effectively.

“John has helped many of our residents understand their Medicare benefits and make informed decisions. The residents love him and he has become an integral part of our community,” Mittelman says.
Howland reciprocates the feelings, “The staff is wonderful to the residents…It’s really nice to be a part of something where everybody wins.”

To find a local certified MMAP counselor, explore their regional contact information listed by county.