LEWISTON – There’s prompt help out there when senior citizens run into confusion or outright fraudulent threats about debts, drug plan requirements or other legal subjects.

That was the message at an elder rights forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, on Friday morning at the community room of the Oak Park Senior Housing Complex. Michaud joined several representatives of Maine Legal Services for the Elderly to outline the agency’s free and confidential services.

“Things do get mixed up,” Michaud said. He described his observation of the tremendous complexity of rules and regulations that often confront the elderly. He said he worked in recent months to have a multipage application document revised to four simple questions.

Congress passed a bill Thursday dealing with curbing exploitation by credit card companies, he said.

“I think we have got to do an even better job for the protection of senior citizens,” Michaud said. One of the problem areas still needing attention is the loss of health insurance when an employee is laid off, he said.

The congressman noted that health care and the high cost of heating fuel were priority issues in recent months. “We are still addressing these things in Congress.”

Jaye L. Martin, executive director of Legal Services for the Elderly, said many state and federal programs have rules that are “cumbersome and hard to understand for all of us.”

The program’s mission as a private, not-for-profit agency is to answer seniors’ questions. Its confidential services are free to Maine residents over the age of 60, regardless of income.

“You’re not alone, so call us,” said Lindsay Hocking-Hauser, the lawyer whose voice a caller often hears on the Legal Services for the Elderly toll-free help line. She described five situations related to debt collection. Some threatening calls are attempts to get money fraudulently, she said.

“We can help you stop the calls,” she told the group.

Hocking-Hauser explained that only a Maine attorney can bring action that would land a Maine citizen in a Maine court.

Sometimes, debt collectors threaten attachment of Social Security checks. Only a few debts can result in Social Security benefits being attached, she said, and the payments can’t be reduced below $750 a month.

Maureen Dea, supervising attorney for the agency, outlined services provided by the agency’s Medicare Part D Appeals Unit. She said prescription drug plans are among the most confusing topics seniors face.

Sarah Peterson, staff attorney in Androscoggin County who deals with issues of self-determination and safety, explained details of advance directive and living wills.

She emphasized that when people name someone to have power of attorney, they are not giving away their rights. They are authorizing someone to carry out their wishes and speak for them if they are unable to communicate.