Ben Negron: Our parents deserve the security of health, happiness
I sometimes find myself filled with worry when it comes to my parents. Not too long ago they were in a very serious car accident and were in intensive care together for a very long time. The reality of the possibility of losing them both was excruciating for me and my siblings and family members.
Thankfully, they survived and are doing well today. But this time of year fills me with a different worry. I worry that they make the right choices for themselves as they sign up for their annual Medicare health insurance. My concern stems from wanting them to be able to choose a plan that not only caters to their health needs but also aligns with their financial means. It's a constant worry that lingers in my mind.
Navigating the healthcare system is not easy, even for someone like me who has a solid grasp of the English language. I can only imagine the challenges my parents face as primary Spanish speakers. They have to decipher complex information and find the right policy for themselves, often without fully understanding what they are signing up for. This is the case for many senior citizens both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking in Lenawee County.
One of the biggest challenges facing elderly Hispanics in Lenawee County is the language barrier. Many are not fluent in English. This can make it difficult to navigate the complex healthcare system and understand the various insurance options available to them.
Only 45% of Hispanic adults in Michigan speak English proficiently, compared to 92% of non-Hispanic adults according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This language barrier can lead to confusion and frustration when trying to enroll in Medicare or choose a Medigap insurance plan. In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to devastating financial and or health outcomes and sometimes both.
Many seniors are not aware of the benefits and coverage options available to them, which can lead to them choosing a plan that does not meet their needs as mentioned before. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 30% of Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan were aware of all the benefits available to them through Medicare. While this statistic relates to the state of Michigan, I would venture to say it’s very likely that number is as high or higher here in Lenawee County.
In addition, many elderly Hispanics face financial constraints that make it difficult to afford Medicare and Medigap insurance at all. Many rely solely on Social Security benefits and often do not have enough income to cover healthcare costs.
What can be done? There are several ways to help our Spanish-speaking senior citizens obtain the right information for their specific health and financial situations.
One solution is to provide more resources and information in Spanish. This can include educational materials on Medicare and Medigap insurance, as well as bilingual staff who can assist with enrollment and answer any questions.
Another solution is to increase outreach efforts to Hispanic communities. This can include partnering with community organizations and holding informational sessions at local churches and community centers. One such effort is taking place now at the Apostolic Faith In Christ Jesus Church on Adrian’s east side. By reaching out directly to Hispanic seniors, they can receive the information they need in a culturally sensitive manner.
Finally, there are financial resources available to help low-income seniors afford healthcare costs. Programs such as Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program can provide financial assistance to those who qualify. By providing more information about these programs and how to apply, elderly Hispanics can receive the coverage they need without breaking their budget.
My parents deserve nothing but the best when it comes to their health and well-being. And as their child, it is my duty and privilege to ensure they have the best information to access the care they need. I will continue to worry, but I will also continue to find solutions for them to help make some sense of their comprehensive healthcare coverage options.
In the end, all I want is for my parents to have peace of mind, knowing that they are protected and cared for. I hope this can be the same for all our senior citizens, of any demographic, during this annual Medicare sign-up process.
— Ben Negron, executive director of Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance, writes about issues affecting Hispanics and building connections in Lenawee County. The Ben and Connie Negron HOLA fund is dedicated to supporting individuals who have been marginalized and underserved in our community.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ben Negron: Our parents deserve the security of health, happiness
