www.myspace.com/thesolutionguy- This link will provide you the most comprehensive information on Michigan’s Auto No-Fault laws and how having proper auto insurance could mean the difference between unlimited care coverage in the event of a catastrophic accident or bankruptcy. (Courtesy of John G. Prosser III- Vice President at Health Partners Inc.)

http://www.protect-no-fault.com

http://www.michigancatastrophic.com/

www.healthpartnersinc.com

CONSUMER GROUPS

• Brain Injury Association of Michigan
• Disability Advocates of Kent County
• Disability Network of Michigan
• Michigan Citizen Action
• Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service
• Michigan State AFL-CIO
• UAW Michigan CAP

Read the rest of this entry »

Looking into the information that has been prepared by others who are looking out for our best interest as Michigan drivers is crucial in protecting the rights and benefits currently in place. EDUCATION and ACTION are key things to remember when thinking about how you can help in the efforts to support our current legislation and No-Fault model.

Take the time to ask questions. Learn about the programs that are helping so many accident victims access the care and rehabilitative therapies necessary to continue to live as “normal” a life as possible after a life-altering auto accident. It’s likely you’ll find that those individuals, their families and loved ones will tell you that they would never be able to access the necessary care to live as happily or productively as possible without the current Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits.

Write to your state legislators and let them know how you feel. If enough of us express that we are NOT in support of these bills we have a much better chance of protecting our existing No-Fault model.

Not exactly… According to C-PAN (The Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault)
“This delicate balance and the highly respected benefits it affords Michigan drivers are now in serious jeopardy. In the last decade, the insurance industry has launched an attack on the Michigan no-fault system in an attempt to alter the fundamental promise of no-fault in the following ways:

• By winning several important court decisions which have resulted in a substantial loss of rights for injured people; and
• By proposing legislation that would reduce insurance benefits, adopt managed care, impose medical fee schedules, and allow insurance companies to write polices that would pay for only a fraction of the medical expenses suffered by catastrophically injured people.

The need to vigorously oppose these efforts by the insurance company is what led to the creation of CPAN (the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault) in 2003.  CPAN is fighting on behalf of injured people and healthcare providers throughout our state to keep our model no-fault system intact.” Read the rest of this entry »

Thirty-five years ago, Michigan adopted a no-fault auto insurance system built upon a fundamental compromise:

Guaranteed payment of lifetime medical and rehabilitation expenses for all individuals sustaining injury in motor vehicle accidents, regardless of fault, in exchange for fair and reasonable limitations on the rights of seriously injured victims to recover noneconomic loss damages from the careless drivers who cause injury.

As a result of this basic compromise, Michigan was successful in establishing a no-fault system that was the envy of the nation – balancing fair and necessary first party benefits while preserving tort rights for seriously injured victims, all while keeping premiums affordable. (http://www.protect-no-fault.com/index.html)

A full explanation of Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Benefits may be found at the following link: http://www.protect-no-fault.com/michigan-no-fault-system.htm
Many Michigan drivers have no idea that we are the only state in the union to provide such benefits.

How many times have you been stuck in traffic behind a long line of fellow motorists wondering “What IS the hold-up!!??” The road is like a parking lot and you can’t seem to figure out what’s keeping the flow from moving. You weave from one lane to the next anticipating which will begin to move a little quicker so you can continue on your way.

Soon the situation becomes clear- the flashing lights, smoke from the flares, twisted metal that moments ago carried commuters, a new driver or perhaps, a family.  You wrench your neck to gawk as you pass the scene. Many times it’s a minor fender bender, but more often than we realize- people are fatally or catastrophically injured on Michigan roadways each day.

Catastrophic injury in an automobile accident is a very serious, life-altering event. It affects not only the injured party, but every person and every aspect in that person’s life. Individuals who sustain catastrophic injuries typically are in for a long recovery period and many require some type of supportive care for the remainder of their lives. Can you imagine the impact on you or your loved ones if this very unfortunate event visited you?

This morning I sat reading my monthly newsletter from one of the caregiving organizations I am connected with. I couldn’t help but feel a growing pit in my stomach as my eyes scanned the pages. In the open discussion forum dedicated to “Family Caregivers” I read submission after submission from over-worked, under-appreciated and undeniably stressed individuals. The confessions that I read broke my heart.

“My whole personality has changed since I became a full time family caregiver.”

“I once was compassionate, loving, giving, gentle, happy, patient, fun loving, dreamed dreams.. Now, I’m less compassionate- there’s too much pain in the world, and I can’t help everyone.”

“I love very few people, and they frequently disappoint me…I have little left to give.”

“I smile less as time goes on…”

I had to pause after reading each entry. I tried to envision myself in each of their unique  pairs of  shoes, which seemed ill-fitting and painfully uncomfortable. Many of these  individuals were caring for a spouse or elderly parent. Some had no other family to help. Others had family members who were just simply oblivious to the toll that caregiving was taking on the responsible party. My heart went out to each of them and I said a silent prayer that they somehow find the strength to prevail and the support to help lift a bit of the burden.

The woes af the family caregiver are not unfamiliar to me. In my position, I often counsel families who are struggling with their own set of unique needs, concerns and stresses. Some have been caring for a spouse or aging parent for quite some time and are burned out. Some have only just begun the caregiving  journey and are seeking supportive resources. Some have the financial wherewithall to afford assistance. Others have yet another set of circumstances to add to the mix- finding the financial resources to continue to be able to care for their loved one. The sense of being overwhelmed is the exclamation point at the end of each of their spoken sentences.

I happen to be one who would love to be able to help EVERYONE! I have grand visions of universal happiness for all. Perhaps it’s what helps me get through the day after hearing and reading the sad and broken statements of the family caregiver. I realize that we live in the “real” world and that not everyone is going to find the help, compassion, resources or support that they need or deserve. But I also realize that there are always options out there. Sometimes people are simply too exhausted, time deprived, stressed, and overwhelmed to find them.

To the Family Caregiver, I offer you this- Health Partners has a wonderful staff available to  help you navigate the long, steep path toward finding the right resources for care. We have individuals available to provide you with the respite care YOU need. If we don’t fit your budget or circumstance, we can help you find a trusted resource that may. You don’t have to feel that you’re in your situation alone. You are NOT alone.

Health Partners has been committed to assisting individuals in need of Home Care and their families for two decades.

Please feel free to call our Private Duty Representative, Toni Erskine (248)860-2580 any time.

In an effort to always stay on the cutting edge of supportive health care for our clients and their families, Health Partners realized that preventative monitoring could be a great solution for those in need of assistance, without necessarily having a caregiver in the home on a daily basis. After extensive research, we have developed a comprehensive system of support for monitoring chronic conditions including, but not limited to:

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Wound Care
• Medication Administration
• Obesity Management

Our remote technology offers privacy and comfort- while providing 24-hour oversight by our team of health professionals and immediate health assistance, when needed, for the monitored client. In addition, the HP Tele Health Monitoring System features devices that are portable and easy to use.

Independence is something we all value greatly. We work hard throughout our lifetime to be able to stand independently, make our own decisions and choose our unique paths. Being left without health care independence in our later years is not something that anyone looks forward to. In fact, when asked, most people say they would like to age gracefully and remain in their home- independently.

We work with our Attorneys to set up the proper Estate Plans, our Financial Advisors to set up the proper Financial Plans and other trusted advisors to be sure that we may have the wherewithal to be able to do so. However, how often does someone work with a Health Care Professional to set up a pro-active Health Care Plan? Read the rest of this entry »

Tis’ the season when folks are gathering and spreading a little Holiday Cheer among family and friends. Most of us (unless you are among the few individuals that prepare way ahead of time…kudos to you!) are finishing our shopping and wrapping up the last minute details for holiday parties. It is a time to count blessings and enjoy the company of those whom we may not see very often. All of these things can add up to a blissful experience. However, for many it means STRESS!!

One thing to remember…BREATHE! All of the hubub surrounding the Holiday Season is temporary. Love the ones you’re with (even the ones who are a challenge), and if you are the Master of Ceremonies/Organizer/Cook/Gift Wrapper/Mediator of Conflict Situations/House Cleaner/Child Wrangler…Etc. for the events in your life- remember to take a few minutes for yourself! It IS possible, and important!

For many people, this is also a time of year when you may be gathering with your elder family members and friends. How wonderful! Listen to their stories and ask questions! Sometimes it seems like there may not be much to chat about with 90 year old Aunt Lucy, but I’d bet she’d love to tell you some fantastic stories, if you lend the ear and take the time. It might be the greatest gift you could ever give her- a little bit of your time and interest.

Enjoy the Season and all of the SIMPLE things that make this time of year so special! Please be safe and remember those who may need a little extra patience or a gentle helping hand.

From Health Partners to you and yours-

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

According to the National Private Duty Association, “Private duty” means private pay. In other words, no government monies are used for the cost of care. The most common methods for covering the cost of private duty home care is through long term care insurance benefits, out of pocket, or other types of savings arrangements.

Private Duty care varies, depending on the individual case and unique care plan for each individual client. In addition, home care doesn’t always mean in a “house”. Sometimes, an individual who needs care may be living in an assisted community or facility.