Published: April 24, 2008 09:10 am            

Letters to the Editor

April 16, 2008 — Editor,

In Kentucky, the average nursing home costs more than $60,000 a year, and Medicare doesn’t cover those costs. Many people buy long-term care insurance to bridge the gap, but when those benefits run out, what then? You have to spend all your savings, maybe turn over your house, and prove you’re destitute to get assistance from Medicaid. With numbers like these, it’s no wonder older adults fear losing everything when they lose their ability to live independently.

As the largest faith-based provider of affordable housing and skilled nursing care in Kentucky, we at Christian Care can say with authority…it’s a situation all too common among our elders. That’s why we are particularly proud of our legislators, as Governor Steve Beshear just this month signed one of the most progressive bills in years for seniors—House Bill 259. Introduced by Rep. Jeff Greer (D-Brandenburg), this bill will establish the Kentucky Long Term Care Partnership—a program dedicated to setting standards for “partnership-approved” long-term healthcare insurance policies for older adults. Kentuckians who buy one of these policies (or already have a long-term care policy that meets the approved guidelines) will get the benefit of having much of their long-term care needs covered by private insurance – not by their lifetime savings.

But here’s the real benefit: if they use their qualified policy until the benefits run out, Medicaid will recognize the amount of money they have paid into the long term care policy premiums over the years. Here’s how that would work: an older adult who has paid $60,000 in premiums to the long term healthcare account over the years, but exhausted her benefits. She would still need to spend down assets to qualify for full coverage under Medicaid, but Medicaid would allow the policy holder to hang on to $60,000 worth of assets. That means she could still receive Medicaid, but the state would never touch that $60,000 of assets, whether they be part of a home’s value, or cash in savings, or investments. Now a long term healthcare policy will allow older adults to protect their assets in two ways, not just one.

This is a major victory for older adults, and the families that care for them. Fiscally speaking, it’s a victory for the Commonwealth, too. If this policy encourages more people to buy long term care policies, it will save the state millions and improve the overall healthcare security of older adults.

The average stay in a nursing home is about 2 years…a span of time that most policies will readily cover. Yet, many older adults hesitate to buy long-term care policies. They fear they will buy an expensive plan that will quickly run out, leaving them financially vulnerable. This new legislation takes that fear away, once and for all.

If you are an older adult or a caregiver, please call your state legislators in both houses and thank them for taking care of our state’s seniors. This measure passed unanimously in the House and the Senate, proving that good ideas can win the day, after all. Kudos to the legislation’s co-sponsors for their ingenuity and boldness! As the partnership begins to do its work and the details of qualifying policies become public, we at Christian Care trust the media and public policy makers will make the information easily accessible.

Keith R. Knapp, Ph.D.. C.N.H.A.

Chief Operating Officer

Christian Care Communities



Editor,

Today small arms fire expected in the morning hours increasing around the Green Zone, late evening road side bombs thunder along the main Baghdad highway.

Caution is advised, some flooding at the aid stations as the wounded come in.

Tomorrow, much of the same, as another storm front moves through the area.

The lonely sound of taps will be heard in various locations in our land, and folded flags will be placed in mothers’ and orphans’ hands…small comfort and not enough to dry the flow of tears or mend the broken hearts.

“They did not die in vain??”

I have often wondered what that means.

Have a nice day.

Earl Stewart

Grayson



Editor,

The Olive Hill Adult Learning Center is a great place to go.

Where you can improve your education. You can take G.E.D. Classes, G.E.D. Test, Work Keys class, also, Teacher-aide test, Computer classes and many more classes.

My name is Shelia Boggs. The reason I came there was my brother, Cheyenne Boggs, took a Seal Masters job test. He passed, but he wanted to improve his score. So I tagged along and decided to study for my G.E.D. It’s been about a year or so. When we started everybody wanted to improve his or her scores and get diploma’s.

The instructors are Vickie Rose, Angie Burton, Margie Logan, and Susie Riley.

They are very helpful and easy to get along with. They encourage you to learn.

Vickie Rose is an instructor who teaches 300 level-college level, she’s as high as you can go. She takes her time and make sure everyone understands the lessons.

Angie Burton is an instructor who teaches 200 level. She’s a fun going teacher, who helps you learn.

Susie Riley is an instructor who teaches the 100 level. Most people start with her. Last but not least, Margie Logan. She is an instructor the teaches you on how to get a job.

She teaches you how to write a resume, and how to act and dress for a job.

I think all of the instructors are important. Especially Vickie, because she took the time to make sure I was learning it. She is also patient with all the students.

Yours truly,

Shelia Boggs



Editor,

The Adult Learning Center is the best thing that has happened to Olive Hill. It has helped so many people.

It has taught the illiterate to read, and has helped many others better themselves. I, myself feel privileged to be able to at least try to get my G.E.D. I only completed the 8th grade, and never really thought of trying to better myself. Until I went through something last year. I feel it is truly a privilege and honor to be a part of this program.

Sandra Sue Holbrook



Editor,

The Olive Hill Adult Learning Center takes the time to help the students enroll for different types of stuff. The main stuff they teach are ACT test, Para-Educator Test, Carter Works, which is job training skills, G.E.D. test, and the most important thing, Self-Respect.

The teachers’ names are as follows: Vickie Rose, Angie Burton, Margie Logan, and Susie Riley. Vickie is in charge of the 300 level classes, Angie is in charge of the 200 level classes, Margie is in charge of Carter Works and job skills, and Susie is in charge of 100 level classes.

The first time I went to The Adult Center I was testing for a job at Seal Masters in Morehead. Then I told my sister about how they treated me when I went there and she decided to go there to see what it was like. Both of us was pleasantly surprised when we walked through the door the teachers treated us like we have been going there for a long time. Since I have been going to the Adult Center I have a lot of certificates but the certificate I am most proud of is the Para-Educator certificate because I like to help people or students to learn the lessons the Adult Center teaches and the life experiences in general. I also learned more about computers and the Internet. The first time I got on the Internet it was all Greek to me but now I can look for jobs, research for different stuff, and use e-mails.

In my opinion that everybody that is looking for more education should look into going to an Adult Center.

Cheyenne Boggs



Editor,

My name is Paula Lawhorn and I attend the Olive Hill Adult Learning Center. In the beginning I was first brought to the Center through a program called JRA (Job Readiness Assessment). In the midst of Margie Logan as the teacher. I have learning new job skills that I never thought I had. I have educated myself regarding my self-esteem. Now, I attend the Center through another program call Learn to Work. This program has brought my further in my work goals.

During my time at the Learning Center I’m presently attending a class called Skills Up-Grade. This class allows me to improve in literature and communication. Nicole Logan teaches this class. Margie and Nicole Logan brought a bundle of enjoyment into my time at the Olive Hill Adult Learning Center.

In addition to being at the Center, I’m also working towards my G.E.D. Vickie Rose, an instructor at the Center has educated me in the direction that requires me for my G.E.D. Angie Burton and Susie Riley, are teachers as well at the Olive Hill Adult Learning Center. They have also assisted me in reaching my goals towards my G.E.D.

In my opinion, I recommend the Olive Hill Adult Learning Center to any individual that needs assistance towards a G.E.D. The Center not only offer G.E.D. classes but Computer classes, College Preparation, Job Readiness Skills, Skills Up-Grade, Computer programs, and a great deal more. In addition, I would like to show gratitude on behalf of my part, to Margie Logan, Nicole Logan, Vickie Rose, Angie Burton, and Susie Riley for supporting me and heading me into the right direction. I would like to especially give appreciation to Margie Logan for urging me toward my goals. One famous quote from Margie, “You can do anything that you set your mind to.”

Sincerely,

Pamela Lawhorn

        

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