The following information was taken from CPAN.us, visit their site for more information. It’s very important to read carefully then contact your State Rep or Senator and tell them no on Bills 293 and 294.

On March 24, 2011, two bills introduced in the Michigan Senate (SB 293 and SB 294) were referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance. If enacted, these bills would fundamentally change the basic nature of the Michigan auto no-fault system.

Senate Bill 293 — PIP Cost Shift

1.  Insurance companies would be authorized to sell auto policies with maximum no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits as low as $50,000. Higher limits would be available for higher premiums. Victims suffering catastrophic injury resulting in medical expenses higher than the selected limits – including children who never had the right to choose – would be forced to turn to Medicaid, Medicare, or health insurance, thus increasing the burden on Michigan taxpayers and the health insurance system.

2.  Persons who do not own automobiles, and thus have no insurance coverage or who do not live with relatives who have no-fault insurance coverage, would be limited to $50,000 of no-fault PIP benefits. This would create a potential for great economic hardship for senior citizens and disabled people who do not drive, forcing them to turn to Medicaid or Medicare and again increase the burden on Michigan taxpayers and the health insurance system.

3.  Victims who incur medical expenses in excess of the PIP benefit limits they selected would be able to sue the at-fault driver for the excess expenses, thus increasing litigation and leaving many consumers with no choice but to buy higher liability insurance protection, thereby increasing insurance premiums.

4.  Workers who draw no-fault PIP benefits under insurance policies issued to their employer, would arguably be limited to the coverage chosen by the employer regardless of whether the worker chose to purchase higher coverage on their personal auto insurance policy.

5.  Most no-fault PIP claims paid through the Assigned Claims Facility would be limited to $50,000 of coverage, thereby increasing the burden on health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and ultimately the taxpayers.

6.  More no-fault claims would be paid on a coordinated basis, thereby requiring many accident victims to first exhaust their health insurance coverages before no-fault benefits would be payable.

7.  Medical providers serving severely injured patients who selected inadequate PIP benefit limits would no longer be able to provide services, thus resulting in a significant loss of jobs in the health care industry and a reduction in access to necessary medical care.

Senate Bill 294 – Home Care and Fee Schedules

1. Benefits payable for attendant care or nursing services rendered to an injured person in his or her home are subject to two caps:

a)      A weekly hours cap – This cap would limit payment for in-home attendant care and nursing services to no more than 56 hours per week if performed by an individual who is not certified, registered, or licensed to render such care.

b)     An hourly rate cap – This cap would limit payment for in-home care performed by an individual who is not certified, registered, or licensed to render such care to no more than $11 per hour for “basic care” and no more than $17 per hour for “skilled care.” If the services are performed by an individual who is certified, registered, or licensed to render such care, payment for such services could not exceed $17 per hour, which is far below the standard commercial rate.

Both caps are applicable to family provided in-home care as well as in-home care rendered by commercial agencies and hospitals.

1.  Workers compensation fee schedules will be applicable to every physician, hospital, clinic, institution, or other person rendering treatment to auto accident victims. No provider charges in excess of those set forth in the workers compensation fee schedules would be compensable. This would result in a significant loss of revenue for major Trauma Centers, a reduction in medical services, and a loss of jobs. 

2.  The provisions dealing with in-home care and fee schedules are applicable immediately upon passage of the bill, regardless of whether the patient sustained injury in an automobile accident occurring before the bill was passed. In other words, the new rules would apply retroactively to all existing claims.

CONCLUSION

Senate Bills 293 and 294 are a clear confirmation that the Michigan auto insurance industry desires to effectively repeal Michigan’s model no–fault insurance system. If these bills are enacted, the consequences would be dire and would include, among other things, the following:

Increased Taxes – resulting from a massive cost shift from no-fault insurance to Medicaid and Medicare.

Increased Health Insurance Costs – resulting from massive cost shifts from no-fault insurance to health insurance coverages.

A Loss of Jobs – resulting from diminished reimbursement to medical providers who treat severely injured accident victims.

Reduced Access to Medical Care – resulting from unfunded essential medical and rehabilitation services.

Increased Insurance Premiums – resulting from the need to purchase higher liability insurance to protect consumers from increased exposure to liability for a victim’s unfunded medical expenses.

Increased Litigation – resulting from victims suing at-fault drivers for unfunded medical care.

Limited Insurance Coverage – for seniors, disabled people and those who do not drive resulting from statutorily mandated minimum coverage for non-motorists who have no household auto insurance coverage.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no guarantee in these bills that insurance companies would significantly reduce auto insurance premiums and keep those premiums reduced for a significant period of time. Stated differently, the loss of essential insurance benefits resulting from this legislation would be permanent, while any rate relief that may occur would likely be minimal and temporary. 

In short, these bills are bad for drivers, bad for taxpayers and bad for Michigan!

A wealth of knowledge related to mobility vans and adaptive equipment is available online and as a result has made the mobility industry more accessible than ever before. In addition to this influx of new mobility information are an increasing number of ways to choose and purchase mobility vans and equipment. As a result, Advantage Mobility Outfitters and industry leader BraunAbility would  like you to consider the following information before purchasing  your next wheelchair van and/or equipment. 

Accessibility of Routine Maintenance & Repair Service

Every vehicle, regardless of the source, requires routine preventative maintenance and will eventually need some degree of repair.  Where will you go when your mobility van requires service?  If you have a relationship with a local BraunAbility dealer, the answer is simple. We have specialized training to repair and maintenance BraunAbility and other manufacturers’ wheelchair vans and lifts. We can quickly get your mobility van in working order and back to you.

If you’ve purchased a wheelchair van online and need repair, the process of determining who is qualified to service your vehicle may not be straightforward or even possible. Due to the specific functions and cost of your adaptive equipment, it is typically not a good idea to take your equipment to just any service shop. It is important to find the nearest qualified service provider, one with experience working on mobility devices, to service your equipment or vehicle.

Guarantee of Quality and Commitment to Your Satisfaction

When you purchase a mobility van online, you are doing so sight-unseen, counting on the assurances of a salesperson that may be several hundred miles away from you. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, your recourse may be limited by distance and lack of ability to communicate directly with the seller.

If you purchase a mobility vehicle or equipment from a local dealer the circumstances greatly change. The accountability of a person you have met and who is a member of your community is much higher. The local dealer will be able to meet you and gain a better understanding of your individual needs and likes and dislikes, therefore, giving you a better purchasing experience.

Specialization to Your Needs & Goals

Though your mobility van may externally look just like a standard factory minivan, inside, it’s a different story; it’s a specialized, personalized piece of equipment, and one that you’ve made a substantial investment in. Advantage Mobility will be able to explain each feature available for every different wheelchair van and piece of equipment. We will also be able to help you determine which will best fit your needs and your mobility goals.

People familiar with the mobility industry know there are many different options available, because of this, it is extremely important to have firsthand experience with the equipment. By having the ability to witness the equipment and get a feel for it, you will have a better sense whether or not it will work for you. At a local dealer, you can personally try out different configurations and van models to determine what works for you. Buying a van online is a big risk in this department: if it arrives and it turns out it doesn’t meet your needs, or you’re uncomfortable driving it, you can end up losing money, mobility, and time.

Assistance with Manufacturer Rebates & Tax Incentives

Advantage Mobility will work closely with you to help you qualify for the maximum amount of manufacturer rebates and other types of financial assistance. These are excellent ways to cut down on the sometimes burdensome costs, but the rules and requirements may sometimes be difficult to navigate if you don’t have experience applying for them. We have helped many customers receive these incentives, and we know exactly which steps you need to take to ensure the best chance of receiving the assistance. This kind of service and assistance you can’t get from an online seller.

The Bottom Line

We’ve said this many times, and it bears repeating: buying a wheelchair van or wheelchair lift is not a one-size-fits-all application. It’s important to visit a local mobility dealership and ‘kick the tires’.  Make sure your needs match the right conversion, you and your wheelchair fit properly, and make sure you’ll have a reliable place to take your mobility van for routine maintenance and service.

Below is a list of some widely used federal, state, and other charitable organizations that may assist in the purchase of adaptive mobility equipment or vehicle.  If you or someone you know needs more information on any of the organizations below then give us a call @ 800-900-8267 and we’ll do our very best to address all of your needs.

State Agencies – To find the various state agencies that may provide assistance purchasing adaptive equipment visit http://www.michigan.gov/disabilityresources/.   This is a fairly well rounded site developed to improve the availability of information to those with a disability. Phone numbers for state agencies should be in your local phone book or Google (Michigan) (+) “vocational rehabilitation” or “human services” to find them.  I should also add the federal website www.Disability.gov is also a good resource to find information on funding mobility equipment.  

County – Social service or human services programs may assist in financing. Washtenaw County website can be found at http://www.ewashtenaw.org/, Wayne County at http://www.co.wayne.mi.us/, and Oakland County at http://www.oakgov.com/index.html.

Veterans Administration – The VA funds adaptive equipment for qualifying veterans. Visit www.va.gov/about_va/ or call 202-273-7124.

Charitable Organizations/Churches – There are many charitable organizations that have available programs to help those with disabilities. MS Society, Easter Seals, Elks, Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs are good places to start.

Mobility Rebate Programs – Many leading vehicle manufacturers offer rebates for those that require modifications for disabilities. Some of the rebates are up to $1,200. Call Advantage at 800-900-8267 for more details.

Bank Financing – Banks and financing companies are becoming increasingly aware of adaptive mobility equipment and therefore are becoming more willing to work with buyers and the dealer to finance mobility vehicles. Contact your local bank or Advantage Mobility for more information on financing options. Through BraunAbility credit we can offer competitive rates for mobility vehicles.  

Medicare-Medicare may also provide assistance for adaptive equipment in certain instances. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit them online at http://www.medicare.gov/default.aspx.

Even though the availability of public transportation for those with a disability has increased in recent years, most times it’s more practical to vacation using a private vehicle. This is especially true if you’re planning a vacation to one of America’s beautiful national parks, to a rural part of the country, or just want to enjoy the open road. And if driving your own van isn’t the best option, then renting a wheelchair accessible van may be the perfect fit. People who do, often appreciate the added independence and the comfort and ease of the process.

Locating a wheelchair accessible van company can be as simple as doing a quick search on the internet. Though there seem to be many companies in this business, AMO works closely with and trusts Wheelchair Getaways of Michigan. They are very knowledgeable and dedicated to providing excellent service to the entire state of Michigan.

When considering renting a wheelchair accessible van a you should consider the following questions. Covering all of details upfront will provide you with more time to enjoy your vacation out on the open road!

Questions to Ask

•    How many seats are in the van? You want to make sure there is ample seating for your party. Many companies will remove the bench seats if you do not need them.

•    Does the van have a raised roof or a lowered floor? This is important it you are tall or have a high profile wheelchair.

•    Ask if the van has a lift or a ramp. If it’s lift-equipped, ask about the weight limit if you have a heavier wheelchair or scooter?

•    Does the van come equipped with hand controls, or is it only set up for wheelchair-users to be passengers?

•    Do they offer pick-up and delivery services?

•    Do they sell insurance for damage to the van? If so, is it primary or secondary coverage? Many companies require that you carry your own insurance, while some require that you purchase their policy.

•    What happens if something breaks?  Do they have a 24-hour hotline or offer any type of emergency towing or assistance service?

Independence Day (July 4) is the busiest day of the year for emergency roadside assistance calls and a reminder to “weatherize” your car. Summer heat and unexpected breakdowns are hard on seniors and those with disabilities. High summer temperatures also take their toll on the engine. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and your car will hopefully make it through the summer in a breeze.

Come to Advantage Mobility to have your mobility vehicle checked out by our professional technicians. Get the comfort of knowing your vehichle is in proper working condition. Listed below are some areas to consider when thinking about having your vehicle serviced.

• Check the air conditioning and inspect belts and hoses. When is the last time you had the entire system inspected?
• Inspect batteries and cables for corrosion, cracks and dirt. Have it tested if it’s near the end of its warranty. It’s a lot easier to replace a battery before a trip than replace a dead one on the side of the road.
• Have a professional inspect your brake pads and linings for wear.
• Change the engine oil and filter according to the service schedule. Check fluids, including coolant, brake, automatic transmission, windshield wiper and power steering.
• Replace wiper blades once a year.
• You probably check your tires’ air pressure, but what about the spare?
• You can significantly alter the car’s performance by rotating the tires.
• Test the lights – interior and exterior, including turn signals and high beams – to make sure they work. And clean them.
• Change the air filter. A dirty filter lowers gas mileage and reduces engine performance.
• Consider an inspection by a qualified technician before leaving on a trip.
• A professional should inspect the radiator, pressure cap, belts and hoses. If it’s time, flush and refill the cooling system.

Remember that repairs made on the side of the road are dangerous and are more costly than in Advantages’ repair facility.

 Need information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact Advantage Mobility Outfitters, we are you’re local expert in mobility equipment and acessibility!

$25 GAS CARD GIVEAWAY

Stop by Advantage Mobility Outfitters to complete any service or a FREE 12 point inspection on your mobility vehicle and you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a FREE $25 GAS CARD. This is for a limited time only so hurry over to Advantage.

Call us now at (734) 595-4400 to schedule your appointment!

 Rules:

•  To be entered participants must either have their mobility vehicle serviced or complete a Free 12 point inspection.
• Only one entry per visit.
• Promotion starts on June 1^st. First drawing is Wednesday June 8^th.
• Winner’s First Name and City of Residence will be posted on our Website and our Facebook page the day after the drawing.
• Winner’s have one week to claim FREE gas gift card. If claim has not been made after one week Advantage Mobility will draw another name.  
• Only one free 12 point inspection per month.

Over 60 exhibitors will be in attendance, all of which will be showcasing many of their available solutions for housing, lifestyle, personal care, and support services. If you are more interested in this week long event then visit the website of Housing Bureau for Seniors. There is loads of information available on the website, including the brochure, workshop registration form, and event flyer. Though, you must act quickly if you’d like to register for one of the 19 available workshops; the registration deadline is April 22^nd.

If you plan on attending the expo then stop by and see Advantage Mobility. We hope to see you at the show!!

Ever wonder where used wheelchairs and medical equipment go? Well you probably won’t be shocked to know that most equipment ends up in garages or landfills. Why do people just let their used equipment go to waste? The answer is because there weren’t many other places for it to end up. Now there is. Wheelchair and mobility equipment recycling is on the upswing.

In recent years this area of recycling has been steadily gaining recognition and becoming more prominent in society. There are now an increasing number of nonprofit organizations taking hold, with the mission of providing refurbished wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to new users at little or no cost. This is a great thing after you think about the challenges wheelchair users face. New power wheelchairs can range from $5,000 to $25,000! However, finding the wheelchair may be the easiest part. The wheelchair user may then have to deal with their insurance company and could end up having a long wait before they actually receive their equipment. Repairs to mobility equipment are no different; they can also become expensive and have long turn around times. Wheelchair recyclers intend to simplify this entire process.

If you need mobility equipment and are prevented from getting it due to financial constraints there are options available to you. In addition to wheelchair and mobility equipment recycling programs, there are also free classifieds and other online resources dedicated to those in need of mobility devices.  On the flip side, if you have used equipment you no longer use, help someone out and either donate or sell it to someone in need. It’ll be a good way to ‘pass it on’.

Teachparentstech.org was designed by a few Googlers to help teach users how to better use their computers and the web. Even though the website was unappealing at first because I’m not a parent, nor plan to teach tech to my parent’s, I still found it very helpful. There are loads of videos on the website all focused on teaching the viewer how to interact with technology.

The website is a minimalist’s dream. There are not a lot of pages or buttons to click which makes the webpage very straightforward. It’s also super easy to navigate and find the information you need. On the homepage there is a questionnaire to fill out if you plan to send videos to a friend, uncle, parent, or anyone else that could benefit. If you’re on the site to teach yourself, just click on the words ‘view all videos’. This link will take you to a different page that contains all of the instructional videos. You’re then able to scroll through all of them or choose between five different categories. No need to ask friends for computer advice anymore, after a few videos you’ll be a pro!

Advantage Mobility understands not everyone is technologically savvy so we hope this information will be helpful to you and those you care about.