A PAVE volunteer wrote to Medicare on the clent's behalf, protested denial of coverage, and enclosed supporting documents. Volunteer help resulted in bill cancellation for the client. A client was held liable for his wife's credit card bills in her name only, even though she is in a nursing home and on Medicaid. In addition to the resolution of their specific problems, all 175 clients received a public benefits check-up to make sure they were receiving all the benefits to which they were entitled. Thus, a paralegal volunteer may handle several issues for one client if the client is eligible for additional benefits.
Clients receive assistance over the phone or come in for personal interviews scheduled beforehand.
The PAVE office number is the Hot Line number, so clients' calls can be handled during business hours. An LSNV staff attorney or senior elder law paralegal is always present during the Saturday PAVE session to assist volunteers with complex cases and advise them on a course of action. The volunteer paralegal is the prime caseworker. While he may contact the PAVE office coordinator and supervising attorney for help, the volunteer is totally responsible for bringing the case to a conclusion. Elderly residents learn about the PAVE Program through a flyer distributed to all senior housing and recreational centers in Northern Virginia.