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Ohio voters approved all 13 senior services property tax levies on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. These levies will generate more than $16 million in additional annual revenue for local programs and services. Currently, older citizens in 72 counties benefit from levies, including 70 countywide levies and 14 municipal levies. Levies generate more than $136 million statewide each year.
In addition to state and federal funding, several Ohio counties, townships and villages use local senior services tax levies to enhance and expand services to older adults. The services most often funded by these levies include nutrition, transportation, in-home services (such as home delivered meals and home health aides) and senior center administration. Some of the levies also support home repair and chore services, emergency response systems, caregiver assistance and wellness promotion.
Based on a 2006 study by the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education, more than 90 percent of Ohio's senior service levies have been successful at the ballot box. The 13 levies on the November ballot captured 64 percent or more of the vote. Defiance (82 percent), Erie (78 percent) and Auglaize (76 percent) counties' senior levies received the highest approval percentages in the state.
| County | Current Millage | Millage Requested | Estimated Revenue | Type | For | Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler | 2.00 | 1.30 | $10,200,000 | Renewal/Decrease | 66% | 34% |
| Champaign | 0.20 | 0.20 | $110,700 | Renewal | 64% | 36% |
| Greene | 1.00 | 1.00 | $40,000 | Renewal | 65% | 35% |
| Auglaize | 1.00 | 1.00 | $812,000 | Renewal | 76% | 24% |
| Defiance | 1.20 | 1.20 | $800,000 | Replacement | 76% | 24% |
| Erie | 0.50 | 0.50 | $1,134,000 | Replacement | 82% | 18% |
| Lucas | 0.32 | 0.32 | $430,000 | Renewal | 78% | 22% |
| Marion | 0.80 | 0.80 | $750,900 | Renewal | 65% | 35% |
| Madison | 0.80 | 0.80 | $624,329 | Renewal | 66% | 34% |
| Belmont | 0.50 | 0.50 | $450,000 | Renewal | 71% | 29% |
| Tuscawaras | 0.70 | 0.70 | $1,200,000 | Renewal | 70% | 30% |
| Lake - City of Kirtland | 0.850 | 0.85 | $140,000 | Renewal | 65% | 35% |
| Ashtabula - City of Ashtabula | 0.30 | 0.30 | $65,000 | Replace | 65% | 35% |
| Estimated Total Revenue Generated | $16,756,929 | |||||
Sources: Ohio News Network, local newspapers, county auditors and county boards of election.
The Department of Aging monitors and tracks levies statewide. A list of current levies, including millage and estimated revenue, is available on the department's Web site.
Improvement not required for coverage of skilled therapy
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has incorrectly denied coverage for skilled nursing facility (SNF) and home health care to individuals, according to two recent federal court decisions. CMS had denied coverage because, in the Medicare program's view, the plaintiffs' conditions had not improved. The courts found, however, that under the law, individuals could obtain coverage for qualified therapy in SNF and home care settings if the services were needed to prevent deterioration of their condition, and that improvement is not required for coverage of such services. The Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA) is leading an education and advocacy campaign to raise awareness about the issue and to eliminate the improper use of the standard by Medicare and Medicare contractors.
Medicare Rights releases enrollment resource
Medicare's Fall Open Enrollment Period began on Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31. This year, Medicare consumers need to be aware of changes taking place in 2011 to make the best informed
decision. The Medicare Rights Center has compiled a
list of upcoming changes and the attending issues of interest to Medicare consumers. Included is an explanation of the new Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which will take place from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14 each year, an explanation of the difference between consolidation and termination of Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans, and information about the 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs and seven percent discount on generics that consumers will receive during the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap in 2011.