The Ohio Masonic Home

Mailing Address: 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504

Phone: 937-525-3067 or 1-877-679-4869

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Welcome to The Ohio Masonic Home blog. In this area, you can expect to be informed and maybe entertained by the thoughts of our experienced staff members on a range of topics. The world of retirement living and senior care is a fast-changing area and we are primed to stay on top of it and would enjoy sharing it with you. Please stop back by soon for the first in this exciting series.

The Ohio Masonic Home Benevolent Endowment Foundation is teaming with Ohio Grand Master Terry Posey and First Lady Cheryl Posey for “Paws…and More…For Pathways.” The campaign will raise funds to benefit residents at the Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s Care on the Springfield Masonic Community campus. This is Most Worshipful Brother Posey and Cheryl’s designated charity for the 2009-2010 year.

Funds raised will help establish a pet therapy program at Pathways, along with other activities for residents such as gardening and therapeutic motion. Grand Master Posey’s mom was a resident at Pathways and he was grateful for the comfort she found there and wants to help others. For more information or to make a gift, contact the Foundation at 888/248-2664 or go to http://www.omhbef.org/.

Browning Masonic Community residents have opened their own campus gift shop, “Trifles and Treasures” in the main building of the Waterville campus, located at 8883 Browning Drive.

Items for sale at “Trifles and Treasures” will be donated, such as crafts the residents have created. The vision is to eventually handle items as diverse as toiletries, snacks and jewelry. The store will be open Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays, from 12:30 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m. but hours may expand during other campus activities. For more information, call Browning Masonic Community at (866) 878-4055.

The nursing homes at Springfield Masonic Community and Western Reserve Masonic Community have earned deficiency-free surveys from the Ohio Department of Health in recent annual surveys.

A deficiency-free survey is the highest rating a nursing facility can earn. A team of state surveyors inspects facilities for compliance with numerous state and federal regulations on-site during a 3-day period, to determine a rating.

Springfield Masonic Community president Marion Leeman and Western Reserve Masonic Community president Jay Dettorre said they were proud of the skilled and dedicated staffs that make such high rankings possible.

Both facilities have earned multiple deficiency-free surveys in recent years. Springfield Masonic Community also earned the overall 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Ratings System of Nursing Homes.

Ratings are based on three sources including health inspections, quality measures and staffing. The system was created as a guide to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and help identify areas in which they may have questions. For more information on the system, go to www.medicare.gove/nh/compare.

Western Reserve is located at 4931 Nettleton Road, Medina. For more information, call 866/433-1514. Springfield Masonic Community is located at 2655 West National Road, Springfield. For more information, call 888/290-2664.

As part of our mission to the Masonic Fraternity, The Masonic Financial Assistance Corporation (MFAC) exists to help provide financial assistance to residents who become financially distressed and are unable to continue to provide for the costs of their care by their own means.

Traditionally, financial assistance, or “benevolent care” as it is often referred to, is viewed as providing charitable relief to individuals in need and who have no other resources. This goes to the core of the Masonic ideals.

While the direct charitable relief is the most obvious form of financial assistance, MFAC is also providing other forms of financial assistance as well. This includes a wide array of services, such as financial education, which have the intent of helping people to make the best choices to preserve their resources in order to avoid future reliance on others such as government funded assistance or private charities such as ours.

The following information is available to provide more information on issues related to seniors and their finances. Please take a moment and browse through the newsletters. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions or suggestions.

Masonic Financial Assistance Services and Programs

• Financial Assistance Programs
• Educational Resources
• Managing the Charitable Obligation
• Testimonials
• FAQ

The Ohio Masonic Home is a leader in the industry in understanding and managing our long term charitable obligation. We have developed a very efficient model for calculating and controlling our charitable obligation. MFAC has worked with other not-for-profit communities to assist them in the development of effective processes and procedures to better manage their programs.

Masonic Financial Assistance Services and Programs

• Financial Assistance Programs
• Educational Resources
• Managing the Charitable Obligation
• Testimonials
• FAQ

The Masonic Financial Assistance Corporation provides financial assistance through a variety of programs. Those programs are:

• Masonic Financial Assistance Program (MFAP)
• Benevolent Financial Assistance Program (BFAP)
• OMH Student Scholarship Program (OMH Scholarship) (Click to download the application)
• Masonic Helping Hands Financial Assistance (MHH FAP) (Click to link to MHH site)
• Eligibility for financial assistance through MFAC is based on a person’s affiliation with the Masonic Fraternity. Eligibility for different programs varies depending on the program.

Masonic Financial Assistance Services and Programs

• Financial Assistance Programs
• Educational Resources
• Managing the Charitable Obligation
• Testimonials
• FAQ

The purpose of this document is to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the financial assistance programs (FAP) offered by Masonic Financial Assistance Corporation (MFAC). If there is a question which is not answered or is not clear, please feel free to request additional information.

Summary: The financial assistance programs were created as a means of assisting in the care of worthy and distressed Master Masons, their wives, widows and family members. The source of the funding for these programs comes from an endowment created from the contributions of many generous individuals over time. The annual earnings of the endowment funds are used to provide continuous financial support to the financial assistance programs.

One of the roles of MFAC is to ensure the continuity of this financial support for many generations to come. This is accomplished through prudent financial management including continually updated projections of our future charitable obligation for existing participants and those residents projected to require assistance in the future.

Questions

1. How do you determine who might need financial assistance?
2. How much money would I need to have to cover my expected lifetime costs?
3. Who is eligible to apply for assistance from MFAC?
4. Do I have to give you everything I have to live there?
5. I have plenty of money, why do I have to go through the financial review to be “pre-qualified”?
6. What is this financial review?
7. How much time will this review take?
8. What happens during and after the review?

Private Pay Period

This Section of questions pertains to some of the specifics of the financial assistance program guidelines. There are two specific time periods involved with those residents predicted to need financial assistance.

This is the period of time beginning when you move in until such time as your resources are no longer sufficient to pay your own way without assistance from MFAC. This time period could be months or years depending on your specific situation. The questions below are in regards to some of the most commonly asked questions about this period. Borrowing terminology from Medicaid, this is sometimes referred to as the “Spend Down” period.

Questions

1. Are there limits on how I spend my money?
2. Can I incur debt?
3. Can I keep my life insurance?
4. Can I keep my bank accounts?
5. What about my health insurance?
6. Can I keep my own car?
7. What about my pets?

Receiving Financial Assistance

This is the period of time beginning when you are no longer able to provide for the costs of your residency from your personal resources. These questions pertain to the specific guidelines for those receiving financial assistance. These guidelines do not pertain to those paying privately. Please reference the above questions regarding paying privately.

Questions

1. How long can I stay on the campus if I run out of money?
2. Can I incur debt?
3. What expenses are covered under the Financial Assistance Program?
4. Will I receive a Spending allowance?
5. What will I be required to pay for from the spending allowance? **
6. What will happen to my monthly income such as Social Security and Pension?
7. What is the “resident liability”?
8. Can I keep my life insurance?
9. What about my funeral/burial expenses?
10. Can I keep my bank accounts?
11. What about my health insurance?
12. If I keep my health insurance how will I pay the premiums?
13. Will the Financial Assistance Program pay for me to go to my doctor once I am receiving assistance?
14. What if I need glasses or hearing aids after I am receiving assistance?
15. Can I keep a vehicle?
16. Can I accept gifts?
17. Am I allowed to have a pet?

Answers

1. How do you determine who might need financial assistance?

Every applicant who seeks admission to one of our campuses is asked to complete a residency application. This application includes several questions relating to financial matters. When an application is submitted, we utilize a software program to accurately predict expected future costs and compare that to an applicant’s financial resources. Our prediction determines whether an applicant has the available resources (income and assets) to provide for their expected lifetime costs. If there are insufficient resources, and the applicant is eligible, we require that a further financial review is completed by MFAC prior to admission to determine whether an applicant can “pre-qualify” for future financial assistance.

2. How much money would I need to have to cover my expected lifetime costs?

There are several factors that go into the prediction to determine whether financial assistance would be needed. A person’s current age, income, expenses, and assets all have a large impact on the prediction. Because our prediction is individualized based on many variables, it is impossible to determine a specific amount which would be necessary to avoid the process.

3. Who is eligible to apply for assistance from MFAC?
Currently, Ohio Master Masons, their wives and/or widows in addition to some family members are eligible to receive financial assistance. In order for these people to be eligible, they must have been an Ohio Mason in good standing for a minimum of the previous 5 years. Contact MFAC to determine eligibility.

4. Do I have to give you everything I have to live there?
No, the old program known as “Asset Surrender” was eliminated in 1995. Under the current program, a resident pays privately from their own resources until their funds and assets are exhausted. At that point, the resident continues to pay their costs to the extent available and the Program provides subsidy to cover the difference between the cost of care and all other available resources. It is required that a resident will strive to preserve their available resources prior to needing assistance.

5. I have plenty of money, why do I have to go through the financial review to be “pre-qualified”?
As mentioned above, all of our applicants must submit a residency application and a prediction is made for each person. Our prediction determines whether an applicant must apply for financial assistance. While your current assets may be sufficient to provide for your current care, there may not be enough to provide for the many years to come in our community. Since we are making a commitment, to the extent resources are available, to provide for your future care from the day you move in, everyone who does not have sufficient income and assets must apply and be approved before moving in. By doing so we ensure, to the best of our ability, that we are able to provide for your future care and that of many generations to come.

Here is an example to further illustrate:

The average life expectancy for an 80 year old female with minimal health problems is 9.1 years. Statistically, the maximum life expectancy approaches almost 20 years. If this person reached the average life expectancy, she could expect to have incurred approximately $300,000 in expenses between her 80th and 89th birthday. If she was fortunate enough to live to the far end of her life expectancy, she could expect to have incurred approximately $600,000 in costs. While this is intended only as an example, it shows that the true costs of aging are higher then the general perception.

6. What is this financial review?
The MFAC financial review process is very similar to that of the Medicaid program. We require a “look back” which is essentially a comprehensive review of the previous financial history. The Board of Trustees of The Ohio Masonic Home requires a thorough financial review to determine eligibility and need. More information is available by contacting MFAC.

7. How much time will this review take?
Typically a financial review will be completed within a few days assuming all of the requested documentation is provided. More information is available by contacting MFAC.

8. What happens during and after the review?
You will work with an MFAC representative during the review to gather all the necessary documents and complete the process. When the review is completed and a decision made, you will be notified via phone call and certified mail. Assuming your request is approved, you will continue to work with marketing staff regarding the move in process.

This Section of questions pertains to some of the specifics of the financial assistance program guidelines. There are two specific time periods involved with those residents predicted to need financial assistance based on the predicted time frame until assistance is required.

Private Pay Period Answers

This is the period of time beginning when you move in until such time as your resources are no longer sufficient to pay your own way without assistance from MFAC. This time period could be months or years depending on your specific situation. The questions below are in regards to some of the most commonly asked questions about this period. Borrowing terminology from Medicaid, this is sometimes referred to as the “Spend Down” period.

1. Are there limits on how I spend my money?
Since a possible need has been determined in the future, it is important to strive to preserve your assets as long as possible through responsible measures. There are no specific limits with regards to how you spend your money, we only ask that you consider our prediction in your financial decision making process and make efforts to preserve your assets. There are guidelines stipulated in both the FAP and Residency agreement regarding “Spendthrift” activity. The term means the consumption or expenditure of funds or other financial resources available to the resident which were used in an extraordinary or extravagant fashion. This includes divestitures (gifts) of funds and other means of asset disposal, which is not part of a normal lifestyle of the resident. An example of spendthrift activity would be to prematurely divest one’s self of considerable assets or living a lifestyle well above your financial means.

2. Can I incur debt?
Yes, while you are paying privately, you can maintain any credit accounts and incur debt. Keep in mind however that upon conversion to FAP assistance, debts must be satisfied and no additional debt may be incurred. It is also important to understand that any debt incurred takes away from available resources you may have remaining for your own care.

3. Can I keep my life insurance?
While continuing to pay privately we encourage you to keep your life insurance policies. If a policy has a cash value, it is considered an asset. As you get closer to exhausting your resources, we would expect you to cash in your life insurance policies prior to receiving assistance from MFAC.

If your policy has no cash value (Death Benefit only) it is your decision whether you want to continue that policy. Many people have chosen to use these types of policies as a means to purchase prepaid funeral arrangements. If you ultimately need financial assistance, MFAC will determine whether it is beneficial to continue paying the premium for this type of policy.

4. Can I keep my bank accounts?
Yes, You should keep all of your accounts open as usual. You will continue to pay all of your bills as you have previously.

5. What about my health insurance?
We will need copies of all medical insurance cards for our records. While you are paying privately, you will keep all of your Health insurance as usual. You are responsible for maintaining the payments for your insurance and all other medical costs. Once you begin receiving financial assistance, we will typically maintain your same insurance coverage assuming it is cost effective. We are available for consultation regarding your current policies as we may be able to direct you to a more cost efficient or better plan.

6. Can I keep my own car?
Yes. You may keep your vehicle if you choose to, keeping in mind that you are responsible for all expenses associated with the vehicle. When your funds and assets are close to being exhausted, please contact MFAC to determine whether your vehicle is in line with the MFAC vehicle guidelines.

7. What about my pets?
While paying privately, you may have pets assuming you meet all of the other requirements set forth by the campus where you have chosen to live. Keep in mind that should you need assistance while you still have the pet, you must be able to provide for the cost of maintaining a pet through your own means. The Financial Assistance Program shall not be responsible for costs associated with any pets.

Receiving Financial Assistance

This is the period of time beginning when you are no longer able to provide for the costs of your residency from your personal resources. These questions pertain to the specific guidelines for those receiving financial assistance. These guidelines do not pertain to those paying privately. Please reference the above questions regarding paying privately.

1. How long can I stay on the campus if I run out of money?
Although your Resident Agreement provides no guarantee of lifetime care, the corporation will endeavor to provide continuing care for you subject to the availability of its resources. You must comply with the terms of your Resident Agreement and the Financial Assistance Agreement to remain in the Program.

2. Can I incur debt?
Upon conversion to FAP assistance, debts must be satisfied and no additional debt may be incurred. This includes monies owed to any individual or company for any period of time. Examples include: Cell Phone contracts, Department store accounts, personal loans to others, etc.

3. What expenses are covered under the Financial Assistance Program?
MFAC will cover the following expenses to the extent that the expenses are determined to be appropriate, necessary and sufficient, and are not covered by available insurance or other resources:

• Room & Board: In accordance with MFAC guidelines.
• Medical charges: In accordance with MFAC Medical guidelines
• Pharmacy bills: In accordance with MFAC Medical guidelines
• Medical supplies: (limited to medically necessary items as defined by MFAC)

Medical expenses shall be pre-authorized by the Medical Director and MFAC administration. Guidelines regarding items paid are subject to change with proper notice at the discretion of the Corporation.

4. Will I receive a spending allowance?
Currently, residents are permitted to keep $90.00 per month of their income assuming they have paid their defined “resident liability” payment. These funds are typically kept in a personal funds account managed by the campus on which you reside. There are guidelines in place regarding the spending allowance, please contact MFAC for additional information.

5. What will I be required to pay for from the spending allowance? **
Any charges which are not defined in writing as payable by MFAC, examples might include, but are not limited to: Beauty & Barber Shop services, Medical items not deemed to be “medically necessary”, phone service, personal transportation, on campus charges, subscriptions, etc.
**The amounts of the monthly allowance are subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of the Corporation.

6. What will happen to my monthly income such as Social Security and Pension?
You will continue to receive your monthly income as usual. You will be assigned a “resident liability” which you are responsible for paying monthly from your income and any other available resources.

7. What is the “resident liability”?
MFAC determines the amount which a resident can pay towards their cost of residency on each campus. This amount is based on the resident’s income and any expenses for which the resident must pay from their income. The amount of the resident liability is determined at least annually but could be modified more frequently as necessary. The resident will receive a monthly billing statement showing the resident liability which is due to the campus billing office.

8. Can I keep my life insurance?
Life insurance policies with a cash value are considered assets, unless assigned for funeral expenses, the policies shall be surrendered and applied to the cost of your care.

For “Death Benefit Only” policies such as term policies, after converting to FAP assistance the beneficiary shall be transferred to MFAC to offset the costs of financial assistance or may be used to cover pre-paid funeral expenses.

9. What about my funeral/burial expenses?
For residents who are receiving financial assistance, the Ohio Masonic Home offers a basic package including services and burial at our cost for those without previous arrangements.

If you have not prepaid your funeral/burial expenses, you may use your current funds to make arrangements at a reasonable cost. (Usually less than $6000). If you have any questions about this please contact us for more information.

10. Can I keep my bank accounts?
Yes. You may keep your bank account to the extent you are able to manage the account. MFAC will not provide any assistance or make any allowance towards the cost of bank fees or other costs associated with a bank account. In most cases, residents elect to convert their account to a “free” checking account and establish a monthly automatic draft for payment of the resident liability. This can be done through the business office.

11. What about my health insurance?
You will need to bring your current medical insurance policy to MFAC administration for review. In most cases, we will maintain your health insurance. MFAC does have the right to enroll participants in other plans if determined to be more cost effective.

12. If I keep my health insurance how will I pay the premiums?
MFAC will pay your health insurance premiums once you begin receiving financial assistance if we determine that the policy is advantageous to maintain.

13. Will the Financial Assistance Program pay for me to go to my doctor once I am receiving assistance?
Yes, MFAC will pay for fair and reasonable charges for doctor visits and any referrals to consulting physicians and ancillary service providers, to the extent these charges are not covered by insurance or other available resources. The Medical Director and MFAC administration shall determine whether charges are necessary and appropriate. Please contact MFAC for a copy of the Medical Guidelines.

14. What if I need glasses or hearing aids after I am receiving assistance?
These items are covered in accordance with the MFAC Medical Guidelines. In most cases, pre-authorization is required if there is any remaining balance to be paid. MFAC follows the same criteria as Medicaid with regards to glasses, hearing aids and other equipment.

15. Can I keep a vehicle?
While being covered under the financial assistance program, a resident is permitted to maintain a vehicle, at their own expense, as long as the value of the vehicle is under $1,500 based on a national valuation guide. In some cases, family members have agreed to maintain the cost of resident’s vehicles (fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc.). Residents must comply with all campus and governmental guidelines regarding vehicles. MFAC will not be responsible for determining a resident’s ability to operate a vehicle.

16. Can I accept gifts?
Typically, you may keep nominal gifts (less than $50 value). Gifts of greater value should be applied towards the cost of your care in order to help preserve financial assistance for others. Families are always encouraged to provide whatever assistance available.

17. Am I allowed to have a pet?
If you are living in an apartment or patio home you must meet all the rules of the campus regarding pets. All costs associated with the pet are the responsibility of the resident. ( Keep in mind food costs, any damage caused by the pet and any costs for Veterinary services.) The Financial Assistance Program shall not be responsible for costs associated with any pets and does not make an allowance in the calculation of the resident liability for pets.

Additional questions?
Please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-564-9016 (toll-free) or locally in Springfield at 937-525-4985. We can also be contacted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our Mailing Address is:

• Financial Assistance Programs
• Educational Resources
• Managing the Charitable Obligation
• Testimonials
• FAQ

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