SUMMER ISSUE 2013 YOUR GUIDE TO RESOURCES

NEWS FROM THE HOME

Announcing a RetirementRemembrances from a leader Page # 16

HELPFUL TIPS

Paging Dr. RightChoosing a doctor for the right reasonsPage # 18

Series Three ofour benefits and Resource Guide for Veterans & Military

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Long & Short TermFinancial ProgramsMaking differences in people’s livesPage # 6

MissouriMissouriOutreach

A publication of the Masonic Home of Missouri

OutreachA publication of the Masonic Home of Missouri

Executive Director NotesThe Missouri Outreach magazine is published quarterly, with our fall edition being an Annual Report which is available at Annual C om mu n i c at i on . All past issues are also avaiilable on-line at our website h t t p : / / m o h o m e .org/Publ icat ions .html. As part of our continued commitment to c o m m u n i c a t i n g with our Fraternity members, we also mail to our honored widows and send three (3) copies to each Order of the Eastern Star Chapter. Our mailing list comes from the Grand Lodge and our own Widows database. Please make sure to keep your contact information current to assist us in avoiding unnecessary postage charges.

Much effort is put into what articles are in this magazine and how they can assist our Fraternity members. We want everyone to know the newest trends when it comes to financial responsibility, medical/health issues, Veterans benefits, and resources available. We also continue to use social media to communicate with our brethren. Our use of Facebook and Twitter continues to enhance our outreach and our following on both sites has grown over the past year.

If at any time, you do not wish to receive this magazine, simply clip and return the mailing label from the back cover and we will remove you from the list. You can also email Rhonda at rlightfoot@mohome.org and she will remove your name from the list.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Missouri Outreach Magazine and the Masonic Home of Missouri wishes you a safe, fun-filled summer.

Fraternally Yours,

Keith Neese Executive Director

Board of Directors

David L. Ramsey, Chairman/GMJon B. Broyles, President

David W. Haywood, Vice PresidentC. Brent Stewart, SecretaryRichard L. Smith, Treasurer

William J. BowserBarry V. CundiffSteven D. DuncanChris T. Harrelson

Jeffrey D. LeeH. Lee StallingsCharlie Wiegert

William E. Zimmerman

Executive DirectorKeith Neese

Director of Outreach ProgramsBarbara Ramsey

Director of FinanceJodi Blake

EditorRhonda Stone Lightfoot

Masonic Home of Missouri6033 Masonic Drive, Suite A

Columbia, MO 65202573.814.4663 Phone

1.800.434.9804 Toll Free573.814.4660 Fax

mohome.org

7

Contents

4 Healthy Summer Time Meals

Summer abounds with opportunities for eating healthy

Spotlight on Outreach ProgramsLong-Term & Short-Term Financial AssistancePage 4 Page 10

6

13 Tips for Hospice VisitsWhat to say and do when visiting someone

10 Veterans Benefits

Page 13

The Third in a Series on Military Benefits

Page 14 Page 15

Page 18 Page 22

16 Announcements from the HomeSaying Goodbye...and Hello

20 Retirement BenefitsWhen to start receiving yours.

15 A Criminal in Our MidstAre you aware of these common traps?

Corrections:

In the Spring 2013 Missouri Outreach magazine (page 19), Chantana Irvin’s last name and email were incorrectly typed. Her email is cirvin@mohome.org

What’s in a

Number?

RWB Timothy Fowler (front cover) explains why he has long-term remembrances of our Short-Term Financial Assistance Program. Page 8

SummertimeEating

The Healthy Way

Busy people need energy to keep them going, and (nutritious) food is the fuel we need to create this energy. Nutrition is one of those important things we intend to manage, but often gets sidetracked or placed on the back burner. Revel in the bounty of the summer season and get your nutrition back on track while giving your taste buds something to talk about!

Summer abounds with opportunities to buy local, fresh fruits and vegetables for great prices. Start mixing things up and experimenting, with the goal of keeping it going in the fall.

Best Bites of the Summer:

Berries! All those deep colors equal great plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that can increase your immune system and protect against a variety of health risks, including some cancers and heart disease. Berries are also a great source of fiber. Get creative by adding them to salads with sweet vinaigrette or pureering them in a food processor and using them for a sweet sauce on grilled meats. Berries are excellent for breakfast too - try them in smoothies

or as toppings on cereals or pancakes.

Eggplant: This vegetable is a great source of fiber and is low in calories.

Eggplant is also packed with those aforementioned cancer-fighting plant nutrients. Sample this filling vegetable grilled with a little olive oil; grilling brings out a sweeter taste. Eggplant pairs well with peppers and pinapple on a kabob. For picky eaters, give this a whirl:

Strawberry Vinaigrette: A wonderful topping for summer salads! In blender, puree 3/4 cup strawberries (washed and de-stemmed) with 2 Tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle over salad greens and top with cheese and almonds.

Cut one large eggplant into 1/2 inch-thick slices and brush each slice with a little olive oil. Place on a hot grill and grill each side 4 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup feta cheese, fresh chopped mint and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Pineapple: The best time to purchase this delicious fruit is March through July. Pineapple is high in Vitamin C, fiber and bromelain (a plant enzyme that aids in d i g e s t i o n ) . Pineapple is a food that pairs

Page 4 Missouri Outreach

very well with a variety of meats. Try grilling it and partnering it with chicken and peppers.

Want a deal? Most deli sections of the supermarket will cut your fresh pineapple for you at no cost and it only takes 5 mintues.

Summer Squashes (Yellow and Zucchini): Looking for a vegetable high in calcium? Look no farther than summer squashes, also great sources of vitamins A and C. Like eggplant, grilling the squash inreases the sweetness. Try cutting squash lengthwise into thin strips and grilling. Grilled squash is a great

Roasted Beets: In 9” by 13” roasting pan, toss 2 pounds of beets (washed, skin on) with 1 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Roast at 450 degrees F for 1 hour or until tender (knife should slide right through beet). Cool beets; peel and discard skins. Dice beets; toss with 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

filling for sandwiches and wraps - add humus of mayonnaise, garlic and lemon juice for extra zing!

Beets: Beets are a nutritional p o w e r h o u s e , yet people seem to avoid them. If you don’t think you like beets, give roasting a try - a truly delicious way to eat a beet!I hope you have been inspired to try something new this summer! Here are some quick tips for keeping fruits and vegetables part of mealtimes year round:

1. Fruits and vegetables are healthy in fresh, dried frozen or canned form. Sometimes companies add sugar or salt to frozen or canned varieties, so check the label. You can rinse canned fruits

or vegetables to decrease the amount of sugar or salt.

2. Partner fruits and vegetables in different ways. Try different varieties in sandwiches or salads - apple, ricotta cheese and cinnamon pitas are a big hit at our house.

3. Use your grater. Try grating or shredding up carrots or zucchini and adding to lasagna, meatloaf, pasta sauce or bread mixes/pancakes.

4. Buy local when possible. Most farmers markets run through the fall.

5. Make a habit of trying a new fruit/vegetable each week.

Good luck and have fun experimenting with nutrition!

Amanda Stevens, M.Ed, R.D., L.D. is a registered dietitian with Central Missouri Dietetic Association. Amanda is the Assistant Director of the Wellness Center and the Wellness Program Director at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.

Reprinted with author’s permission.

“You are what you eat. What would YOU like to be?”

Julie Murphy, Nutrition Across A Lifetime

Masonic Home of MissouriRepresentative Luncheon

Monday, September 23, 201311:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn Executive CenterColumbia, MO

(Annual Communication Weekend)

Please RSVP by August 30, 2013 to Rhonda at rlightfoot@mohome.org or by calling (800) 434-9804. We regret that we are unable to accomodate spouses or more than one (1) representative from your Lodge due to limited space & training material needs.

Page 5Summer Issue 2013

Two of the Masonic Home of Missouri’s financial Outreach Programs are the Long-Term & the Short-Term Financial Assistance Programs. These programs provide financial assistance to Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

The Long-Term Financial Assistance Program provides financial assistance for primarily elderly Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. This assistance can help each month for someone living in a facility, such as an assisted living or independent living facility, or for someone living in their home or apartment. In the Masonic Home’s Fiscal Year 2012, the Home provided monthly financial assistance to 74 clients in facilities totaling $944,031.94. The Home also provided monthly assistance to enable 14 clients to remain in their homes, totaling $111,788.00. Without this monthly assistance, these clients would not have been able to remain in their homes or facilities. They would not have been able to recieve the level of care they needed, and may have been forced to prematurely move to an unnecessary level of care.

In addition to providing monthly assistance, the Home can provide assistance to clients through one-time payments. Clients can receive multiple one-time payment assistance and/or monthly assistance. For example, a client might receive monthly assistance

Spotlight on Long-Term

&Short-Term

Financial Assistance Programs

Age of Applicantwhen became a Missouri Master Mason

Continuous Good Standing Requirements prior to application

Prior to the age of 40

5 years

40-49 years 10 years50-59 years 15 years60+ years 20 years

to remain in his/her home to pay for things such as utilities and medication. That same client could also recieve assistance for a one-time payment to help pay for an unexpected dental bill. The Masonic Home assisted 37 Long-Term Assistance clients with one-time payments totaling $82,909.30. Many of these clients also received monthly financial assistance.

The Short-Term Financial Assistance Program provides monthly financial assistance primarily to younger Missouri Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. This program recognizes that members of the fraternity may need assistance during unexpected hardships, such as unexpected medical problems. Typically, Short-Term Assistance lasts 6 months or less, and qualified applicants may receive monthly assistance, one-time payments, or a combination of both.

There are Age and Length of Membership Requirements for both of these programs, which are reviewed on all applicants. (see chart) In addition, applicants must complete a financial application to demonstrate a financial need.

Page 6 Missouri Outreach

Brother and Mrs. Pat L. King are participants of the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Long-Term Financial Assistance Program. They reside in an independent living center in a suburb of St. Louis where they can be close to their three sons and grandchildren.

The couple’s spacious apartment is decorated with collectibles and memorabilia of their life together. Mrs. King, who recently broke a hip and is still recovering, says that she enjoys living at the center and the view from their patio. Brother King enjoys recounting his early days as one of the elite Frogmen in the Navy during World War II and there are photographs of that time placed throughout the apartment. Listening to him explain how the Frogmen did their job makes one want to re-open their history books and read more about the group.

On July 29th of this year, Pat and his lovely wife, Shirley will celebrate 70 years of marriage. When asked if the couple had any advice for other married

couples, Brother King simply chuckled and replied “say ‘Yes Dear’...a lot!”. Mrs. King grinned and agreed.

Brother King stated that when he was first starting to look into receiving some assistance, he had spoken to RWB Richard “Dick” Smith, who referred him to the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Outreach

In FY12, the Masonic Home assisted 7 clients in their homes with Short-Term monthly assistance totaling $31, 172.00. In addition, the Home assisted 35 clients with one-time payments totaling $95,268.44. Four of the short-term assistance clients received both monthly assistance and one-time payments.

Masonic Brothers Taking Care

of Each Other

Programs. “Doing the application was very simple and the program is so complete,” stated Brother King. “Masonic Brothers take care of each other and the Masonic Home reflects that.” The couple is very thankful for the Masonic Home’s assistance and feel that it is a “precious gift to us, and we wouldn’t have made it without this help.”

Brother King fondly remembers the “fine gentlemen who helped him to become a Mason.” It was 1955 and he was working with them on a jobsite. “They had a way about them that made you want to be like them”, explains Brother King, “I just remember wanting to be a man of integrity.”

Brother King is celebrating his 58th year of Masonic service this year through his membership with St. Louis Missouri Lodge No. 1. When asked what his membership as a Mason had taught him, Brother King quickly stated that “tranquility and having peace of mind” was the most important part of Masonry for him.

The Kings graciously allowed their story to be told to assist others in learning about the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Long-Term Finanical Assistance Program.

This magazine was in production when we recieved word of the passing of Brother King. The family wished for their parents’ story to be told as appreciation to and support of the Masonic Home of Missouri. The Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors and Staff would like to express our sympathy to the family of Brother King in their loss. Brother Pat L. King and his wife, Shirley

Page 7Summer Issue 2013

At the age of 18 years old, Timothy Fowler joined Cuba Lodge No. 312. He knew about Masonry through his stepfather, Charles Russell, and his grandfather, Billy Gene White, who were very active in the Cuba Lodge. He soon joined the Cuba Chapter No. 398, Order of the Eastern Star, where his grandmother, Sarah

White belonged. Then Brother Fowler embarked on a career of serving his country in the U.S. Army but always maintaining connections and membership with his home Lodge and Chapter.

In 2005, SSG Fowler suffered a career-ending back injury while serving as a helicopter crew chief. After medically retiring from the

military, Brother Fowler and his wife returned to Merriam, Kansas, her hometown, to begin the transition to civilian life. Bills soon began to pile up as the couple waited for the retirement pay to start and the continuation of hospital visits to the Veterans Hospital in Kansas City began to take its toll on the young couple.

Brother Fowler finally mentioned his financial situation to a Veterans Officer at the hospital and was told to see if there was anything that the Masonic Fraternity might be able to provide in the way of financial assistance until the retirement pay situation could be fixed. After doing some research on the internet, Brother Fowler sent an email to the Masonic Home of Missouri. Dana Morgenthaler, Financial Outreach

Caseworker drove to Kansas City to visit with Brother Fowler and take his application. Brother Fowler recalls “as the caseworker left, she turned to me and said ‘you have some immediate needs that we will have to begin at once’” and the relief that he felt knowing that he might have someplace that could help him was overwhelming. Since Brother Fowler qualified under the Age & Length of Membership Requirements and after the Board of Directors reviewed his case, the rest of his bills were taken care of for the next 2 months until his Army retirement pay started. Brother Fowler says “I never expected true financial help. Rather I thought they would help me find different resources in the State that might be able to help me with some things here and there”. Brother Fowler continues to remain a member of the Cuba Lodge partly due to the fact that he knows that a of his dues go to help the Masonic Home of Missouri. Now RWB Fowler remains very active in the Masonic Fraternity. He jokingly relayed that “since I’m retired, Masonry is now my job”.

Long Term Remembrances

of a Short-Term Program

SSG Timothy A. Fowler. US Army RetiredDistrict Deputy Grand Master 22nd KS Masonic DistrictWorshipful Master Solomon City Lodge #105Secretary Heritage Lodge #458Scottish Rite Mason Valley of Salina Orient of Kansas AASRYork Rite Mason Salina York Rite BodiesHistorian Isis Shrine Legion of HonorMember Salina Lodge #60Member Cuba Lodge #312 MissouriMember Cuba OES #398 Missouri

Page 8 Missouri Outreach

At the age of 18 years old, Timothy Fowler joined Cuba Lodge No. 312. He knew about Masonry through his stepfather, Charles Russell, and his grandfather, Billy Gene White, who were very active in the Cuba Lodge. He soon joined the Cuba Chapter No. 398, Order of the Eastern Star, where his grandmother, Sarah White belonged. Then Brother Fowler embarked on a career of serving his country in the U.S. Army but always maintaining connections and membership with his home Lodge and Chapter.

In 2005, SSG Fowler suffered a career-ending back injury while serving as a helicopter crew chief. After medically retiring from the military, Brother Fowler and his wife returned to Merriam, Kansas, her hometown, to begin the transition to civilian life. Bills soon began to pile up as the couple waited for the retirement pay to start and the continuation of hospital visits to the Veterans Hospital in Kansas City began to take its toll on the young couple.

Brother Fowler finally mentioned his financial situation to a Veterans Officer at the hospital and was told to see if there was anything that the Masonic Fraternity might be able to provide in the way of financial assistance until the retirement pay situation could be fixed. After doing some research on the internet, Brother Fowler sent an email to the Masonic Home of Missouri. Dana Morgenthaler, Financial Outreach Caseworker drove to Kansas City to visit with Brother Fowler and take his application. Brother Fowler recalls “as the caseworker left, she turned to me and said ‘you have some immediate needs that we will have to begin at once’” and the relief that he felt knowing that he might have someplace that could help him was overwhelming. Since Brother Fowler qualified under the Age & Length of Membership Requirements and after the Board of Directors reviewed his case, the rest of his bills were taken care of for the next 2 months until his Army retirement

If you have an article on how your Lodge is utilizing our Outreach Programs and would be interested in submission to the Winter edition of the Missouri Outreach magazine, please contact Rhonda Stone Lightfoot at (800) 434-9804 by October 20, 2013. All photos will have to have a photo release form accompany them. Photo release forms can be downloaded from our website at www.mohome.com/form.html or be mailed upon request. Photographs submitted for publication will not be returned. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject, subedit and rearrange material submitted for publication. Submit articles to: rlightfoot@mohome.org

If you do not wish to continue receiving this free magazine or have an address correction, please mail the mailing address (with any corrections) to:

Masonic Home of Missouri Attn: Membership Relations 6033 Masonic Drive, Ste. A Columbia, MO 65202

Important Dates

Saturday, September 21, 2013Columbia, MO • Grand Lodge Session• Truman Club Dinner

Saturday, July 20, 2013Columbia, MO• Board of Director’s Meeting

Saturday, August 3, 2013Butler, MO• Ladies Luncheon & TeaRSVP to Rick Hurshman by July 27th. (660) 424-9450 or butler254@ yahoo.com

Monday, October 7, 2013Columbia, MO• 11th Annual “Leaves of

Autumn” Golf Outing

Saturday, August 17, 2013Columbia, MO • Board of Director’s Meeting

Page 9Summer Issue 2013

Monday, September 23, 2013Columbia, MO• MHM Representative

Luncheon

Veterans honorably discharged from active duty, members of the military who die while on active duty, and spouses and dependent children of veterans, may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. Do you know what Veteran Burial and Memorial Benefits you are entitled to?

Military Funeral HonorsThe Department of Defense (DoD) provides military funeral honors at the burials of veterans on request. Funeral honors can be given at private or government-operated cemeteries.

For military funeral honors, the rights of veterans and the responsibilities of the federal government were written into a law, the National Defense Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-65), which took effect in 2000.Military funeral honors include the presence of an honors detail to fold and present the U.S. flag to the next of kin and play “Taps,” either by a high-quality recording or by a bugler. The law defines a military funeral honors detail as two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran’s branch of military service. Taps will be played by a bugle if available, but today the military services have so few buglers that they often cannot provide them.Funeral home directors request funeral honors from the Department of Defense (DoD), whether burial

is in a national cemetery or another cemetery. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staff at national cemeteries also can assist to arrange funeral honors at VA national cemeteries.

Some local veterans organizations may provide military funeral honors or assist military members rendering honors. When honors are desired at a national cemetery, they are arranged by the funeral home in advance of the committal service. A few VA national cemeteries are served by veterans groups or other volunteers who regularly provide funeral honors. The DoD maintains a military funeral honors web site at www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.

Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?• Military members who died while on active duty or

in the Selected Reserve• Former military members who served on active

duty or in the Selected Reserve and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions

• Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions

• Further clarification on eligibility is available through the Department of Defense.

VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

Page 10 Missouri Outreach

Who is NOT eligible for Military Funeral Honors?• Any person separated from the Armed Forces

under dishonorable conditions or whose character of service results in a bar to veteran’s benefits

• Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not actually inducted into military service

• Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty

• Any person convicted of a Federal capital crime and whose conviction is final (other than a person whose sentence was commuted by the President)

• Any person who has been convicted of a State capital crime and whose conviction is final (other than a person whose sentence was commuted by the Governor of a State)

Any person who

How do I establish veteran eligibility?The preferred method is to provide the member’s DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any discharge document showing honorable service can be used. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by completing a Standard Form 180; once the DD Form 214 is received send it to:

National Personnel Records Center(NPRC)9700 Page Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63132

If requested, the NPRC can provide a Standard Form 180 by mail, or it can be downloaded from the Internet at: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html

Is anyone else eligible to receive Funeral Honors?Yes, members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Certain Civilian or Contractual Groups who have been given Active Duty Service Determinations are eligible as well as National Guard members.

How is PHS eligibility for Funeral Honors established?For PHS Personnel, Funeral Honors eligibility is established by submitting PHS Form 1867, Statement of Service (equivalent to the DD Form 214). If the family does not have a copy of the Statement of Service, it may be obtained by contacting the Privacy Coordinator for the Commissioned Corps at (240) 453-6041 or by writing:

Division of Commissioned Corps Officer Support Attention: Records Officer 1101 Wootton Parkway Plaza Level, Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20857

How is NOAA eligibility for Funeral Honors established?For NOAA personnel, eligibility is established by submitting NOAA Form 56-16, Report of Transfer or Discharge. If the family does not have a copy of the NOAA Form 56-16, it may be obtained by contacting the Chief, Officer Services Division, NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center at (301) 713-7715 or by writing:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Personnel Center Chief, Officer Services Division (CPC1) 8403 Colesville Rd.,Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD 20910

How does a family request Funeral Honors for NOAA or PHS decedents?The families of PHS and NOAA decedents request Funeral Honors through their funeral director. The funeral director will contact the applicable points of contact at PHS or NOAA to arrange the Funeral Honors detail.

a. is found to have committed a Federal capital crime or a State capital crime, as set forth in section 2411(c) of title 38, but,b. has not been convicted of such crime by reason of such person not being available for trial due to death or flight to avoid prosecution.

For additional information, refer to Title 38, United States Code, Section 2411 on the Department of Defense policy, which can be found at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/mfh/getLinks.do?tab=DoD. See also paragraph 4.7.4 of Department of Defense Instruction 1300.15.

Page 11Summer Issue 2013

Military Funeral Honors for PHS or NOAA decedents is provided by the Coast Guard.

How do you request a Headstone, Marker or Medallion for the Veteran?Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.

For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to the privately purchased headstone.

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. The style chosen must be permitted by the officials in charge of the private cemetery where it will be placed.

When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state veterans’ cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.

Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veteran’s cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant’s responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.

Setting Government Headstones and MarkersCemetery staff in national, military post, and military base cemeteries are responsible for setting the headstone or marker at no cost to the applicant. Some state Veterans’ cemeteries may charge the applicant a nominal fee for setting a Government-furnished headstone or marker.

Arrangements for setting a Government-furnished headstone or marker in a private cemetery are the applicant’s responsibility and all placement costs are at private expense.

Cleaning and Caring for Government Headstones and MarkersThe National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training completed a study in 2011 to evaluate general cleaning needs of marble government-issued headstones. The findings are found in Best Practice Recommendations for Cleaning Government-Issued Headstones.* For more information, see: http://ncptt.nps.gov/best-practice-recommendations-for-cleaning-government-issued-marble-headstones.*

Checking Status of a Headstone, Marker or Medallion RequestIf more than 30 days have passed since your claim was submitted to the VA in Washington, D.C. by you, or someone assisting you, please call the Applicant Assistance Unit to verify receipt of your claim.

If more than 60 days have passed since submitting your claim and the grave is still not marked, you should contact the cemetery, funeral home, or other party responsible for accepting delivery of the headstone, marker or medallion to see if they have received it. If they have not received it, you may call the Applicant Assistance Unit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday, at 1-800-697-6947. This telephone number is for questions related to headstones, markers and medallions only.

Memorial Headstones and MarkersMemorial headstones and markers, for individuals or groups, are furnished for eligible deceased active duty service members and Veterans whose remains are not recovered or identified, are buried at sea, donated to science or whose cremated remains have been scattered. Memorial headstones and markers may also be furnished in national, military post/base or state Veterans cemeteries to eligible spouses whose remains are unavailable for interment, whether or not they predecease the eligible Veteran. These headstones and markers bear an “In Memory of ” inscription, as their first line and must be placed in a recognized cemetery. Memorial headstones and markers for spouses and other dependents are not available for placement in private cemeteries.

*This is the third of several articles in a series dedicated to Missouri Masons who are also Veterans. All materials in this article were excerpted from the Veterans Affairs website and the Department of Defense website at http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/factsheets/fs_military_honors.pdf. The Masonic Home of Missouri does not represent nor is affiliated with the Veteran Affairs or the Department of Defense.

Page 12 Missouri Outreach

Page 13Summer Issue 2013

Visiting someone who is dying or critically ill is an experience many of us will have in the course of our lives. Whether your visit is to be in the person’s home, a facility, or a hospital, there are a few rules of thumb to guide your time together so that it can be mutually satisfying.

The following tips help introduce some of the basics.

1. Call ahead. Find out what prime visiting times might be. You may want to contact family for guidance about the timing and length of your visit. If you are not certain and the person is very weak, plan for 15 minutes—a time frame you can alter if the person you are visiting encourages it.

2. Get comfortable. Once there, take off your coat if you have one, move a chair in close and sit so that your eyes on the same level as the person you are visiting. You can signal a sincere interest in the person you visit just by making eye contact at their level.

3. Cooperate with medical staff. If medical personnel or family interrupt your visit to give meds or take vital signs, ask outright whether or not you should leave, then act upon their direction.

4. Show appropriate affection. If kissing, hugging, or holding hands have been part of your relationship in the past, do include them in your visit. If such gestures have not been part of your relationship previously, this may not be the time to introduce them for the first time. If you are uncertain, ask: “I’d like to hold your hand. Is that okay?”

5. Offer casual conversation. Offering information about mutual friends, the weather, or other casual matters may be very much appreciated. Let your conversation be as natural as possible and remember

Tips for Visiting Someone inHospice Care

that appropriate humour can be good medicine. Try to take your lead from the person with whom you are visiting.

6. Sometimes silence is golden. Not every visit needs to be filled with words. Sometimes it is enough just to sit quietly with a friend or loved one, or perhaps listen to music together. Someone who is very weak or medicated may take time to shape their responses so do your best to relax and wait.

Excerpted from the website KevinMD.com from MedpageToday’s social media’s leading physician voice. http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2012/02/preparing-visit-hospice-care.html.

7. Leave with a promise if you can. If you can honestly promise that you will be thinking of or praying for your friend, or that you will return to visit again, please say so. This can be comforting and can help the person you are visiting to retain a sense of hope. If you aren’t sure you will be able to keep such a promise, don’t make it.

Follow these general guidelines, prepare to listen and be yourself: your visit will have meaning and make a difference.

Page 14 Missouri Outreach

What’s in the Numbers?

42

100%The Home spends 100% of each unrestricted dollar given to the organization on direct assistance to our clients. In FY12, the Home expended $1,492,396.00 to provide assistance to eligible Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows, female members of the Order of the Eastern Star and children throughout the State of Missouri. Total donations for the same period were $1,075,049; only covering 72% of the aid given.

The remaining assistance, other program costs, and all administrative costs were paid for with investment and other income. Protecting our donor dollar and providing assistance to our clients is of utmost importance within our model of operations.

Individuals have participated in the Financial Counseling Program since January 2012.

41

4C a s e w or ke r s work the f i n a n c i a l a s s i s t a n c e p r o g r a m s covering the entire State of Missouri.

They meet with potential clients and take the initial financial application. They are also responsible for preparing requests for financial assistance that will be presented to the Board of Directors.

8Distinct Outreach Programs that the Masonic Home of Missouri offers are:

• Long-Term Financial Assistance • Short-Term Financial Assistance• Children’s Financial Assistance • Creating-A-Partnership • Masonic Family Cares• Social Services • Widows• Financial Counseling

C r e a t i n g - A -P a r t n e r s h i p applications have been received since January 1, 2013. This matching fund program creates a partnership between the Masonic Home and the Lodges/Chapters to assist children in their communities.

1,409Widows pins were mailed by August of 2012. These pins honor our widows and we encourage them to wear them to Masonic events.

13Members serve on our Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Deacon and eight at-large members elected by the Grand Lodge.

A Criminal In Our Midst

it nearly impossible for them to report. If they do report, they often recant their stories for fear of becoming institutionalized.

DHSS receives and investigates reports of financial exploitation of elderly and disable Missourians. If you suspect one of your elderly or disabled customers is being financially exploited, call the Department of Health and Senior Services’ toll-free hotline at (800) 392-0210. We can help.

elderly loved ones in 19% of financial exploitation cases, followed by friends and neighbors at 8.7%. Those who commit the crime tend to be young or middle-aged; almost one-half are less than 40, while almost 40% are between 41 and 59.

N a t i o n w i d e , f i n a n c i a l exploitation is the third most frequent type of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of seniors and the disabled. Advanced age increases a person’s chance of being victimized. For instance, almost one-half of all victims are 80 or older, but only 3 percent of victims are between 60 and 64 years old. This late-life trend is the result of mental and physical impairments that limit one’s ability to understand and make reasoned decisions.

Last year, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) received 1,184 reports of financial exploitation of the elderly. Though this number is on the rise, the crime is vastly undereported because of the emotional bond between victim and perpetrator. Often seniors and disabled persons are socially isolated and physically and emotionally dependent on a son, daughter, or caregiver, making

A crime is about to occur at the bank. Only there will be no screams. No guns. No masked men. The victim-possibly your elderly mother, father, or grandmother-will walk into the bank, acting on behalf of or even accompanied by your brother or sister-the prepetrator. After being intimidated, coerced or tricked, your parent or grandparent will hand over $5,000 to your sibling.

Financial exploitation of the elderly occurs when there is an illegal use of a vulnerable adult’s resources for another person’s profit or gain. The vulnerable adult is at least 60 years old, or disabled and between 18 and 59. And it’s the person’s vulnerability-due to frailty, illness, confusion or depression-as well as their close proximity to the prepetrator, that make them an easy target.

Adult children victimize their parents in 60.4% of substatiated financial exploitation cases investigated by state adult protective services agenices. That’s according to a 1998 National Center on Elder Abuse report. The primary reasons include the easy access adult children have to their mother or father or other elderly relatives, as well as the love parents have for their children-a love which can function to lower the potential victims’ suspicions and defenses. Grandchildren and other relatives also victimize their

Reprinted from a brochure distributed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. For more information on financial exploitation of the elderly and disabled, please visit DHSS website at http://health.mo.gov/seniors/mosafe/

Page 15Summer Issue 2013

Page 16 Missouri Outreach

Announcing a Retirement

Home of Missouri says, “For me, Keith will always be more than my supervisor or the Executive Direc-tor for the Masonic Home. Keith became a mentor to me, which has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career. Keith believes in helping people grow, and I am a better person for having known and worked with him. He provides you with opportunities to learn and try new things, while being there to support and provide advice. He truly believes in teamwork, and he demonstrates this in the way he manages. Keith is kind and generous, but he is also strong and willing to make difficult decisions. Keith used all of his talents and skills to move the Masonic Home of Missouri forward, and the organization is stronger today than it was 5 years ago when he came to it. Although we will all miss working alongside Keith, I am so very happy for him and his lovely wife, Beverly.”

Brother Neese plans to stay active in Masonry but has a large list of ‘honey-do projects’ waiting for him at home. He plans to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren and once again, become active in hobbies that he enjoys, including camping and competitive skeet shooting.

“I know that the Masonic Home of Missouri is in good hands with the new leadership team. The Board of Directors is very supportive of Barbara Ramsey and Jodi Blake, Director of Finance. I truly believe that the programs will continue to expand and the Home will continue to fulfill its mission of ‘To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the principles of Freemasonry.”

The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Board of Directors and staff would like to express their appreciation for Brother Neese’s leadership and wish him well in his retirement.

The Masonic Home of Missouri wishes to announce the retirement of the Executive Director, RWB Keith Neese. Brother Neese has announced his intention to retire from his position as of July 31, 2013. Over the past five (5) years of leading the charity, Brother Neese has seen many changes, including the closure of the Western Unit, the expansion of the Outreach Programs and the growth of the organization as a whole.

Brother Neese remembers his first day as one of “being really nervous and scared. I didn’t know any of the employees and they had no idea about my team-management style. Everyone came together as a team and we have gotten things done. I couldn’t ask for a better group of co-workers”.

As a member of Acacia Lodge No. 602, RWB Neese has advanced through the chairs and became Mas-ter of the Lodge in 2001. Brother Neese has also been on the following Grand Lodge Committees: Building Supervisory, Long Range Planning, Ways & Means, Entertainment of Distinguished Guests, and Investments. In 2003, Brother Neese was appointed Grand Orator. “I have been involved in Masonry since the 1970s and have been honored to know some truly outstanding men through my member-ship”, recalls Brother Neese. “When I was asked to take the reins of this wonderful charity, I just knew I had to give back to those within the Fraternity who were in need. We have consistently worked to provide for those who needed financial or resource assistance within the State.”

Barbara Ramsey, Former Director of Outreach Services and New Executive Director of the Masonic

Page 17Summer Issue 2013

New Executive DirectorThe Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri wishes to announce the selection of Barbara Ramsey as the new Executive Director. Barbara has been the Director of Outreach Programs for the past twelve (12) years.

“The Board of Directors and Keith Neese have worked diligently over the last five years to strengthen the Masonic Home of Missouri, and I’m very excited about this opportunity to continue building on that strong foundation. The Masonic Home’s staff works closely with the Board of Directors and the membership to fulfill the mission of the organization through our Outreach Services and to secure the overall financial strength of the organization,” states Ramsey. Mrs. Ramsey has many goals that she wishes to accomplish, but the Board of Directors has clearly established Fund Development as a priority for the organization. “We have been blessed by many people who have remembered this wonderful charity over the years in their wills and through their donations. Our organization is strong and durable, but we need to continue working hard to ensure that assistance will be available to meet the needs of the fraternity for future generations. In order to plan for the future, we must also plan how to fund the future,” said Mrs. Ramsey.

Beginning in 2014, the Masonic Home of Missouri will celebrate its 125th Anniversary. The staff is working on plans to celebrate throughout the 2014 calendar year, but we are particularly excited for the Open House Celebration Event that will be held on June 14, 2014 at the Masonic Complex in Columbia, Missouri. “We have many exciting ideas for next year’s big celebration,” explains Mrs. Ramsey. “We will have several traveling timelines of the history of our organization, and we are excited to partner with lodges and chapters throughout the state to bring them to your community to share the story of the Masonic Home, past and present. These exhibits will be on display in areas throughout the State and

then rotate on a monthly basis, so everyone can view them. We are also working to restore and display the incredible stained glass windows that the Order of the Eastern Star had donated for the chapel located at the Masonic Home in St. Louis. These have been stored away for some time now, and we want to display them during our celebration event for our guests to see at the Open House Celebration. The ability to celebrate 125 years of compassionate giving by the fraternity to help those in need is an extraordinary opportunity.”

Mrs. Ramsey has been a driving force behind the Outreach Programs, and she believes that the programs will continue to strengthen and evolve to meet the always changing needs of the fraternity. “We have added a Financial Counseling Program this past year, and the Creating-A-Partnership Program has grown by leaps and bounds. The Widows Program has also launched our Ladies Luncheons & Teas, which help our Masonic wives, widows, and Order of the Eastern Star ladies learn more about how our Outreach programs operate and can assist them,” said Mrs. Ramsey.

Mrs. Ramsey lives in Columbia, Missouri, and is married to Jason and has two children, Olivia and Isabelle. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. “I’m very appreciative of the support and dedication of our Board of Directors and to Keith Neese for his mentoring. I am truly blessed and thankful for this opportunity to help guide this wonderful charity in the years to come.”

Page 17Summer Issue 2013

It is important to establish a good relationship with your doctor. Whether you need to make a change in your primary care doctor, or if you find you need a specialist to take care of specific symptoms, you will want to follow these guidelines to choose the right doctor for your medical care.

• Assess Your Doctor / Practitioner Needs Are you in need of a new primary care doctor? If so, it is most important to find one you can trust, with whom you can communicate well and establish a long-time relationship.

A specialist requires a different sort of expertise. You’ll still need to communicate well, but depending on the nature of your health problem, bedside manner and that need for a long-term relationship may be less important. There are additional considerations for finding the right specialist, too.

Sometimes the best doctor for you isn’t a doctor at all. Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) are considered “physician-extenders.” There are also naturopaths and other practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) who may be able to help you.

• Find a Respectful Communicator Regardless of the type of practitioner you need, you will want to be sure you can communicate effectively, in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Many patients complain that they can’t understand their doctors’ use of “medspeak”, or that they don’t feel as if their providers listen to them, or give them enough time.

Sometimes those problems are due to a disregard for

the needs of the patient. Other times there are good explanations. Respectful communication requires understanding on the parts of both doctors and patients to get beyond those hurdles.

• Find a Practitioner Who Works with Your Insurance

This step gets more difficult as time goes on. The nature of health insurance means relationships between insurers and practitioners change over time. Doctors who accepted insurance from Company A this year, may work only with Company B next year. Put the other way, if you have insurance through Company A, you’ll need to visit only those doctors who accept Company A’s insurance, or you’ll have to pay for his services separately.

• Make Sure Dr. Right is the Right Type of Specialist

Patients are surprised to learn that seeing the wrong type of specialist, someone who focuses on only one body system, can stand in the way of accurate diagnosing and therefore, correct treatment. Work closely with your primary care physician to be sure you’re being referred to the right type of specialty for your health problem.

• Dr. Right’s Credentials are Important Where did your doctor go to medical school? Did he specialize in the medical service you need? Where did he complete his fellowship program? Is she board certified? Has she completed continuing education coursework? Is he licensed in your state? Does he stay current with publications and research in his field of specialty? Is she affiliated with any organizations that speak to her area of medicine?

PagingDr. Right

Page 18 Missouri Outreach

Doing a background check into your doctor’s credentials is important to be sure they are appropriate and current.

Dr. Right’s Track Record is Important The amount and level of experience your new doctor has can be vitally important, especially if you have a difficult to diagnose medical problem, or one that requires a difficult treatment. You’ll also want to know that the doctor has a successful and clean record.

Like doing a background check on your doctors’ schooling and certification, you’ll want to research your doctor’s track record to be sure your doctor has a clean record, free of malpractice or other problems.

• Are You Interested in Alternative or Complementary Medicine?

If you take nutritional supplements, want to try meditation or acupuncture, or even rely on your spirituality for some of your treatment decisions, you’ll need a practitioner who understands and supports your choices. You’ll need to ask this question directly of the physician you are considering, or you can check in with support groups and other patients to learn about doctors in your area who practice integrative medicine.

• Hospital Affiliation May Be a Consideration If you think you may need to be hospitalized at some point now, or in the future, and you have a strong preference for one hospital (or a disdain for a certain hospital), you’ll want to keep those choices in mind when you search for Dr. Right. Doctors will affiliate with one or more hospitals in their area of service. You’ll want to find out which doctors are affiliated with your choice of hospitals.

As healthcare reform gains ground, more and more doctors are limiting their affiliations. If you know hospitalization is in your future, you may even want to choose your hospital first - and then choose your doctor.

Some Further Considerations:Your doctor’s location may be important to you, especially if good transportation is difficult, or if you live in a more rural area.

You may be more comfortable choosing a doctor of one gender or the other for no other reason than you are just more comfortable. This choice actually addresses your need to communicate respectfully. Keep in mind, however, that excellence in medical care knows no gender.

Consider a doctor’s age. Some doctor relationships will last the rest of your life, as with a primary care doctor or one you see for a chronic disease. Consider choosing a doctor younger than you who will, presumably, outlive you.

Just like choosing gender, you may consider a doctor’s native language or culture in your choice. When it comes to something as personal as medical care, you need to be able to communicate well, and language barriers, in particular, can get in the way. Culture can also affect bedside manner and sometimes is not translated as it is intended.

It is important to remember that neither language nor culture will be likely to affect the ability of the doctor to take care of you; rather, they may affect your ability to communicate effectively with each other. As with gender, it is important to acknowledge that excellent doctors speak every language and come from all cultures.

Finally, doctors’ practices are not comprised of doctors alone. They are surrounded by others who help them deliver the care you need. From receptionists to billing specialists, to nurses and nurse practitioners or physician assistants, your experience with one doctor will actually be a cumulative experience with the entire team.

When it comes time to choosing the right doctor for you, you’ll need to account for the entire team that will deliver your care. The doctor leads that team, so your assessment of him or her will be most important. But you can get clues to the doctor’s ability to care for you based on your experience with others who work for him or her. Use that information to help you make your choice, too.

Article contains information from “Choosing the Right Doctor for Your Medical Care” by Trisha Torrey from about.com guide. December 22, 2011. All decisions regarding physicians or health should be made with due consideration and with input from your loved ones and current physician. The Masonic Home of Missouri is not a health-related entity and does not endorse any physicians or medical treatment facilities.

Page 19Summer Issue 2013

When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits

Your decision is a personal one

Monthly payments differ substantially based on when you start receiving benefits

Retirement may be longer than you think

Monthly Benefit Amounts Differ Based on the Age You Decide to Start Receiving Benefits

This example assumes a benefit of$1,000 at a full retirement age of 66

$0

$300

$600

$900

$1,200

$1,500

62

$750 $800 $866$933

63 64 65

$1,000 $1,080

$1,320$1,240$1,160

66 67 68 69 70

Age You Choose to Start Receiving BenefitsM

onth

ly B

enefi

t Am

ount

At Social Security, we’re often asked, “What is the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?” The answer is that there is no one “best age” for everyone and, ultimately, it is your choice. You should make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. We hope the follolwing information will help you understand how Social Security can fit into your retirement decision.

Would it be better for you to begin receiving benefits early with a smaller monthly amount or wait for a larger monthly payment later that you may not receive as long? The answer is highly personal and depends on a number of factors, such as your current cash needs, your health, and family longevity, whether you plan to work in retirement, whether you have other retirement income sources, your anticipated future financial needs and obligations, and, of course, the amount of your future Social Security benefit. We hope you will weigh all the facts carefully and consider your own circumstances before making the important decision about when to begin receiving Social Security benefits.

If you live to the average life expectancy for someone your age, you will receive about the same amount in lifetime benefits no matter whether you choose to start receiving benefits at age 62, full retirement age, age 70 or any age in between. However, monthly benefit amounts can differ substatially based on your retirement age. Basically, you can get lower monthly payments for a longer period of time or higher monthly payments over a shorter period of time. The amount you receive when you first get benefits sets the base for the amount you will recieve for the rest of your life, though you do recieve annual cost-of living adjustments and, depending on your work history, may receive higher benefits if you continue to work.

The following chart provides an example of how your monthly benefit amount can differ based on the age at which you decide to start receiving benefits.

Let’s say your full retirement age is 66 and your monthly benefit starting at that age is $1,000. If you choose to start getting benefits at age 62, your monthly benefit will be reduced by 25 percent to $750 to account for the longer period of time you receive benefits. This is generally a permanent reduction in your monthly benefit.

If you choose to not receive benefits until age 70, you would increase your monthly benefit amount to $1,320. This increase is from delayed retirement credits you get for your decision to postpone receiving benefits past your full retirement age. The benefit amount at age 70 in this example is 32 percent more than you would receive per month if you chose to start getting benefits at full retirement age.

When thinking about retirement, be sure to plan for the long term. Many of us will live much longer that the “average” retiree, and generally, women tend to live longer than men. About one out of four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one out of 10 will live past age 95. Social Security benefits, which last as long as you live, provide valuable protection against outliving savings and other sources of retirement income. Again, you will want to choose a retirement

Page 20 Missouri Outreach

You can estimate benefit amounts and find more information to help you decide when to start receiving retirement benefits by using our Benefits Planners online at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. You also can use our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator or create an account and get your Social Security Statement at www. socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. Both provide retirement benefit estimates based on your actual earnings record.

When you are ready for benefits, you also can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits. Many people can continue to work and still receive retirement benefits. If you want more information on how earnings affect your retirement benefits, ask for How Work Affects Your Benefits (Publication No. 05-10069), which has current annual and monthly earnings limits.

A wealth of other information - including copies of our publications - is available on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. You also can call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). The Administration can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day.

Your decision could affect your family

You can keep working

Don’t forget Medicare

Additional resources

Social Security AdministrationSSA Publication No. 05-10147ICN 480136Unit of Issue - HD (one hundred)August 2012 (July 2008 edition may be used)

The Masonic Home of Missouri is not a financial planning agency nor is licensed to give financial advice. This article is for informational use only. Any use of retirement benefits should be done with due consideration and with the assistance of professional financial planners. The Masonic Home of Missouri is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.

age based on your circumstances so you will have sufficient income when you need it.

Your spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on your work record (spouse benefits are reduced if claimed before the spouse’s full retirement age). If you die before your spouse, he or she may be eligible for a survivor benefit based on your work record, particularly if you have earned more than your spouse over your lifetime. If you begin receiving Social Security benefits early, the Administration cannot pay your suviving spouse a full benefit from your record. Also, if you wait until after the full retirement age to get beneifts, your surviving spouse-if he or she is at least full retirement age-generally will receive the same benfit amount that you will have received.

Your children also may be eligible for a benefit on your work record if they are under age 18 or if they have a disability that began before age 22. For them to receive benefits, you must be getting benefits, too.

When you reach your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want and still receive your full Social Security benefit payment. If you are younger than full retirement age and if your earning exceed certain dollar amounts, some of your benefit payments during the year will be withheld.

This does not mean you must try to limit your earnings. If the Administration’s withholds some of your benefits because you continue to work, the Administration will pay you a higher monthly benefit amount when you reach your full retirement age. In other words, if you would like to work and earn more than the exempt amount, you should know that it will not, on average, reduce the total value of lifetime benefits you receive from Social Security - and may actually increase them.

Here is how this works: after you reach full retirement age, the Adminnistration will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for any month in which you did not receive some benefit because of your earning. In addition, as long as you continue to work and receive benefits, the Administration will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings will increase your monthly benefit.

If you plan to delay receiving benefits because you are working, you should sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65, regardless of when you reach full retirement age. Otherwise, your Medicare medical insurance, as well as prescription drug coverage, could be delayed, and you could be charged higher premiumns.

Page 21Summer Issue 2013

The first thing most people envision when they hear the words long-term care is a nursing home. The truth is long-term care is actually any kind of assistance a person might need if they are no longer able to care for themself. There are many different forms of long-term care available. Some of these include in-home care, adult day care, senior independent living, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing care. All are very different, offering different services and levels of care. The one thing they all have in common is that they all can be very expensive. The question is, how does a person fund long-term care? There are several ways to pay for long-term care and most people use a combination of public and private funding sources.

Public Funding Sources – It is widely believed that Medicare will cover long-term care expenses, but this is not true. Medicare covers medical expenses, not assistance with activities of daily living. It is a federal health insurance program for the elderly and may provide temporary coverage for skilled nursing care for an acute illness or injury. However, if the patient requires nursing care beyond the time limit set by Medicare, funding from Medicare will not cover the continued care. Medicare also might fund some short-term in-home services, such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and some nursing care. However, the patient must first be certified by their doctor to need such care and eligibility for payment is based on the amount of services a person needs. Medicare will not pay for any assistance or services provided by an independent living facility or assisted living facility. There is a website for Medicare that gives specific details for what care Medicare benefits will cover. http://medicare.gov

Medicaid benefits, known as MO HealthNet in the state of Missouri, will pay for more of these services if the patient meets the financial criteria. Medicaid is a joint state and federal health insurance program that serves low-income individuals. It will fund on-going long-term care in nursing and skilled care facilities as well as provide some in-home and adult day care services. There are also programs offered for residents of Assisted Living Facilities, such as Personal Care Units, Supplemental Nursing Care, and Personal Spending, which can help defray costs. Another MO HealthNet program that assists seniors with severe vision loss is the Blind Pension and is available to those who live in their homes or in facilities. The best way to find out if you or a loved one qualifies for any of the MO HealthNet programs is to contact your local office for the Missouri Department of Family and Senior Services. http://health.mo.gov/index.php

Another source for public funding is through Veteran’s Affairs. The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit Pension can provide income to veterans or their surviving spouses should they need assistance with their activities of daily living, regardless of where they live. The money can be used to pay for in-home care or toward facility costs. Also available to disabled or aging veterans are VA nursing homes and VA hospitals for reduced or free medical care and prescriptions. For more information or to complete application for benefits, contact the Missouri Department of Public Safety Veterans Commission to speak with a Veteran Service Officer. http://mvc.dps.mo.gov

Private Funding Sources – While public funding sources can cover a good portion of long-term care

Affording Long-Term

CareWritten by Carly Dibben, Financial Counseling Caseworker

Page 22 Missouri Outreach

costs, it is likely that private funding will be necessary as well. Personal funds from savings, liquidation of assets, pension and retirement funds, and income from investments can quickly be depleted. One option for private funding is the purchase of long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance can be purchased from an insurance provider and can cover a variety of supportive services and facility costs at different levels of care. It differs from medical insurance in that it does not focus on the improvement of a medical condition. Instead, it focuses on the maintaining a person’s quality of life. Limitation on services covered, benefit amounts, and the length of coverage all depend on the type of policy a person purchases. Long-term care insurance policies are most appropriate for those who have considerable income and substantial assets and retirement savings. The Missouri Department of Insurance can provide more information about long-term care insurance. http://insurance.mo.gov

For those who own their own homes, a reverse mortgage could help pay for long-term care. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows a homeowner to convert part of the value of their home into cash. This sounds much like a traditional home equity loan. However, unlike a home equity loan, no payments on the loan are required until the owner sells the home, no longer uses the home as a main residence, or passes away. There are several drawbacks to a reverse mortgage, the biggest being the loss of equity in the home. More information regarding reverse mortgages can be found through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD

Some life insurance policies can be a source of additional income if the policy has an accelerated death benefit. An accelerated death benefit is a cash advance against the amount to be paid to the beneficiary upon the insured’s death. This type of advance is available to those who require long-term care for an extended period of time, are terminally ill or have a life-threating diagnosis, or will need to remain in a skilled care facility for the remainder of their lives. It is also possible to cash-in a policy for its current value, but that would leave the insured without funds for final burial arrangements. If this option is chosen, it is suggested that part of the funds from the cash received be used to purchase a pre-paid burial plan before being used towards care costs.

Charitable organizations, such as the Masonic Home of Missouri, can also be a source of financial support for long-term care costs. The Home’s Long-Term Financial Assistance Program may assist Master Mason’s, their wives and widows, and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star with some of their long-term care costs once they have utilized all their assets for their own care and can demonstrate a financial need. For more information regarding this program or to request an initial application, contact the Home to speak with a Financial Assistance Outreach Caseworker at 800-434-9804 or www.mohome.org.

According to the Missouri Department of Insurance, “at least 70% of people 65 or older will require some long-term care services”*. There is no one way for all of those people to pay for their long-term care. The best way to pay for your care will be determined by which form of care you choose and the level of care you require. Talking to trusted professionals and government agency workers can help you to make choices that will get you the most for your money.

Information for this article was collected from: • * http://insurance.mo.gov/consumers/LongTerm/FAQ.php• h t t p : / / n i h s e n i o r h e a l t h . g o v / l o n g t e r m c a r e /

payingforlongtermcare/01.html• http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/fedstes.htm#who• http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services.html

Please consider contributing to the Silent Auction for the 11th Annual “Leaves of Autumn” Golf Outing. Gifts can either be items or financial assistance to purchase items.

Funds raised during this event help support the Masonic Outreach Programs. This is also a great way to donate funds towards your Truman Club membership and help the Masonic Home of Missouri help our brothers and sisters in time of need.

If you have items that you would like to donate, please contact before sending them to ensure that we have the ability to accept them and are able to use them during the event.

Please contact Julie at (800) 434-9804 if you have a contribution or questions.

Page 23Summer Issue 2013

The Square & Compass Courtyard is located behind the Masonic Complex in Columbia and offers a unique way for donors to leave a lasting impression! Personalize a stone for yourself, a family member, your lodge/chapter, or someone close to you. Stones are cut from high quality granite and are available in three sizes: 12x12, 18x18 or 24x24. Benches in the Courtyard are also available for engraving.

Order OnlineTo place your order online at www.mohome.org, please enter your stone inscription information in the comments section at checkout.

Stone Size # Characters # Masonic Symbols

Price

12 x 12 40 1 $30018 x 18 70 2 $55024 x 24 100 2 $800

Order By MailSimply print the Square & Compass Courtyard Order Form that appears on our website at www.mohome.org and mail with payment to:

Masonic Home of MissouriAttn: Development Office6033 Masonic Drive, Suite AColumbia, MO 65202

If you have questions, please contact Julie Wiecken, Donor Relations Specialist at (800) 434-9804.