Ask Our Experts
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-10-23 09:45:40
The AARP Bulletin's Ask Our Experts column provides answers to important questions affecting older Americans. Read below for this month's column, or review our archive of previously published questions and answers sorted by topic. (Note: Recent news or changes to regulations may affect the guidance offered in this previously published column.)
Submit your own question to the Ask Our Experts column via our easy-to-use online form.
Q. I'm told Medicare will cover nursing home care only under certain limited conditions. What are these?
Medicare Part A covers only skilled care in facilities certified to provide such care. This is in contrast to the custodial care provided by most nursing homes. To qualify, beneficiaries must also meet other conditions. In particular, they must have completed a hospital stay of at least three days within the past 30 days, and a physician must say that they need short-term skilled nursing care. Further, coverage is limited. If you have questions about this coverage, call your Medicare "fiscal intermediary." To get that number or for other information, call Medicare at (800) 633-4227 or visit the Medicare website.—Expertise provided by Craig Caplan
Q. With other interest rates so low, U.S. savings bonds seem worth a close look. What's the current rate, and can they be bought online?
Series EE bonds currently pay 2.66 percent, a rate that's good through next October. And yes, they can be bought online—as well as through most banks and credit unions. Before buying, be aware that bonds bought today can't be cashed in until they've been held 12 months and that there is a penalty of three months of interest on bonds redeemed before five years. Savings bonds have the advantage of being exempt from state and local income tax. In addition, you can defer paying federal tax until you redeem the bonds. The bonds stop earning interest after 30 years.—Expertise provided by Craig Hoogstra
Q. My wife and I plan to build a barrier-free home for retirement. Where can we get easy-to-understand information to get us started?
You can start by visiting the universal design section on AARP's website to learn about design features and take a virtual tour of some barrier-free homes. The Center for Universal Design in Raleigh, N.C., is another good resource. Call (800) 647-6777 to request free information.—Expertise provided by Tricia Selby
Q. My husband was recently declared legally blind. Where can I find out about services to help him?
The American Foundation for the Blind publishes a directory of services for the blind and visually impaired. You can get it online or by calling (800) 232-5463. The National Federation of the Blind website (NFB) is another good source for, among other things, lists of NFB state contacts and information about rehabilitation services.—Expertise provided by Laurel Beedon
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