MI Options Program
What is MI Options?
MI Options is a program that empowers and provides enhanced information to help individuals make informed decisions and exercise control over long-term care needs by incorporating their personal goals and preferences. The program includes free, unbiased Medicare counseling services through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act Program, and Person-Centered Options Counseling for adults needing assistance to support their needs for long-term services and supports.
Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC)
Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC) is an interactive, unbiased, decision-support process that helps individuals make informed choices about long-term services and supports, focusing on their preferences, strengths, and values. PCOC assists individuals on how to best pair personal resources with home and community-based services and resources. Whether you are looking for services to stay in your home and live independently or options for assisted living and nursing home care, this program can help you learn about what is available for you in your community.
Benefits of Person-Centered Options Counseling:
Through PCOC, you share your goals, hopes, interests, dreams, and preferences for your life. You will plan how you will work to meet those goals in your plan, including the services and supports you need. Person-Centered Options Counseling services are available to any adult, their family members, and caregivers who support them, regardless of income, assets, or disability status.
Person-Centered Options Counseling Includes:
- Exploring the spectrum of long-term care and support options for adults, including home and community-based services.
- Identifying next steps after a major life event to better understand what services and supports are available.
- Building actionable steps for pursuing options that respect clients’ preferences and values.
Medicare Counseling
Medicare Counseling services are open to any Medicare beneficiary, family member, or caregiver who supports them, regardless of income, assets, or disability status.
Medicare Counseling Includes:
- Medicare enrollment assistance.
- Medicare and Medicaid coordination.
- Discussion on cost savings options, like the
- Medicare Savings Program and the Low-Income subsidy, also known as Extra Help.
- Prescription drug coverage options.
- Billing questions.
- Benefits explanation.
How Region 9 Area Agency on Aging Helps
An Options Counselor from Region 9 Area Agency on Aging will help support, guide, inform, and assist you in learning about your options and ensure that you control the planning process. Through the process, you set the agenda for your meeting. Individuals who would like to schedule an appointment can call 989.358.4611 or 1.800.803.7174.
All calls are CONFIDENTIAL and FREE!
To schedule an appointment, call the options below: