Raising the Personal Needs Allowance for Medicaid Nursing Home Residents
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and members of the State-wide Resident Council are advocating for an increase in Michigan's monthly Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for Medicaid beneficiaries living in nursing homes to $125 per month. Most Medicaid eligible nursing home residents retain $60 per month from their personal income while others receiving SSI only are limited to $37 per month. To learn more about the current PNA and to hear stories of how it impacts residents, visit the links below. Anyone wishing to learn more about advocating for an increase in the PNA is encouraged to reach out to their local ombudsman by calling 888-485-9393 or email our program at MLTCOP@meji.org. The MLTCOP can provide a template letter to add your personal comments to submit to State Legislators or the Governor to advocate for an increase in the PNA.
Detroit Free Press article featuring interviews with a number of current nursing home residents.
WJR radio interview following the Detroit Free Press article:
One resident talks about the limitations of and the need to increase the Personal Needs Allowance for nursing home residents:
Assistant State LTC Ombudsman receives Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award went to Michelle Danou, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management in 2015 and a Master of Social Work and a certificate in non-profit leadership in 2018. This award recognizes a graduate within the last 10 years who is making significant contributions to their career or field of study.
While at Madonna, Danou received many honors, including the National Association of Social Workers Student of the Year. She began her social work career at the Monroe Community Mental Health Authority where she provided case management services to mentally ill and developmentally disabled individuals. Currently, she serves as a Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman working with and advocating for seniors in long-term care facilities. Danou also volunteers with various social service organizations in her community, such as Meals on Wheels, Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, and area food banks.
Danou said she was grateful for the support of the social work faculty who helped guide her and for the spirit of Madonna University.
Checkout the announcement from Madonna University.
Annual Reports
The MLTCOP sends an annual report to the legislature, governor, and state agency leadership in January for the previous fiscal year ending on September 30th. The report provides aggregate data on complaints and activities completed by the program as well as other program highlights.