need help paying for medicare? - steuben county · if you enroll in a medicare savings program, you...
TRANSCRIPT
Second Season 1 Jan/Feb 2016
Need Help Paying for Medicare?
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), also known as Medicare Buy-In programs, are programs
that help pay your Medicare premiums and sometimes also coinsurance and deductibles. There
are three main Medicare Savings Programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified
Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) program. Each
program has different eligibility limits.
**2016 MSP income limits will be released in April**
2015 New York Gross
Monthly Income Limits
2015 New York Asset Limits
Program Individuals Couples Individuals Couples
QI $1,345 $1,813 No limit No limit
SLMB $1,197 $1,613 No limit No limit
QMB $1,001 $1,348 No limit No limit
Medicaid $845 $1,229 $14,850 $21,750
These income limits are based on 2015 federal poverty limits and include a standard $20
disregard. You may qualify even if your income is slightly higher. Ask a Medicaid counselor
about whether you can subtract certain expenses from your income.
If you enroll in a Medicare Savings Program, you will also automatically receive full Extra
Help, the federal Low Income Subsidy (LIS) benefit that helps pay most of your Medicare Part
D prescription plan costs.
For more information about MSP and LIS, please call SCOFA at 607-664-2298.
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$50 deposit (cash or check) required with each reservation. Reservations open on Feb. 22, 2016.
Final payments must be received by April 22, 2016.
New Opportunities to Serve With RSVP!
RSVP has been working hard to provide our volunteers with assignments that meet critical needs in the community, can provide meaningful and fulfilling service, and will fit into our volunteer’s busy schedules. We would like to highlight the opportunities where you can help meet the greatest needs.
Home Delivered Meals: Ensuring that our communities’ homebound seniors have proper nutrition is a growing concern. Many times, the meal delivery is the only chance they have to see another person.
Transportation Assistance: Not being able to drive makes it difficult to get to the doctor’s office, the pharmacy or the grocery store. RSVP works with several agencies offering transportation assistance – from giving a person a ride to helping them learn local busing schedules.
Companionship: Loneliness is a primary contributor to a person’s decline in overall health, but kindness is the cure! Companionship can be offered in a variety of ways; a phone call, a visit, picking up a person’s groceries, going out for coffee, or doing a little housekeeping will make a homebound senior or person with disabilities feel connected and nurtured.
Education: Without a good education, the chances of a child succeeding in the future are blocked. RSVP works with schools and libraries to develop programs that give pre-school and school aged children the tools they need to succeed.
Feeding the Hungry: In Steuben County, RSVP volunteers serve nearly 10,000 hours a year with food pantries. RSVP is also working on opportunities for volunteers to help ensure our kids receive nutritious meals during the summer, too.
Keeping Active: A great way to stay healthy is to keep moving! Staying active increases strength and balance, and contributes to avoiding falls. RSVP volunteers help provide programs to older adults and the community that encourage people to stay active.
Supporting Veterans and Military Families: You can show your appreciation to our Military Personnel and their families in a variety of ways with RSVP. Assembling and giving out comfort kits for hospitalized veterans, reaching out to newly enlisted Service Member’s families, and helping out at Military Reconnection Brunches are only a few ways you can thank our Service Personnel through RSVP.
Disaster Services: RSVP volunteers play important roles in preparing for and responding to emergencies throughout Steuben County. Believing in the “ounce of prevention,” RSVP volunteers also help educate individuals and communities to prepare for emergencies.
Contact RSVP at 607-664-2298 to find out more about these and the many other ways you can make a difference in your community.
Group Travel with RSVP
Maine: Featuring Tours of Portland & Kennebunkport June 14
th – 17
th (4 days, 3 nights)
$529.00 Double Occupancy ($658.00 Single Occupancy)
Join us on a thrilling adventure to Maine, where you can explore safe harbors, hidden coves and ocean beaches. This package includes:
3 nights lodging and breakfasts
3 full course dinners, including a “Downeast” lobsterbake
Tours of Portland and Kennebunkport
Visits to the historic Portland Head Light and Nubble Lighthouse
Narrated cruise of Casco Bay
Boothbay Harbor Tour
Visit to the Eartha – the world’s largest rotating globe
Outlet shopping and more!
Welcome to our newest RSVP Volunteers! (September 1
st – December 31
st, 2015)
Linda Conway – Painted Post Gregory Golding – Bath Ray Long – Bath Darlene Rook – Bath Joyce Talbot – Bath Sally Westbrook - Hammondsport
Laura Cotcamp – Lindley Robert Kiklowicz – Bath Stephanie McEnroe – Painted Post Dorothy Rook – Bath Lee Westbrook – Hammondsport
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In this New Year, we are introducing the new look for our NY Connects logo:
NY Connects is a key component of the State’s effort to
improve systems of long term services and supports.
The program is supported with funds and guidance
from New York State Office for the Aging.
What does the NY Connects program do? We provide free, unbiased, up-to-date information on options available in our community that
allow people to live as safely and independently as possible. We are a resource center for older
adults and individuals of all ages with disabilities, as well as their caregivers.
We connect with people in a variety of ways; telephone counseling, office appointments,
professional providers, home visits, family meetings, and through public education events. We
help individuals plan for their future by exploring options that are available to them.
Preferences Support system
Legal Finances
Housing Wellness
Match a person’s needs & preferences with available benefits,
services and supports
What to expect when you contact NY Connects?
We will ask your name, and if you are a caregiver, the person’s name you are calling about. We
will ask general questions about social, medical and financial status to help us narrow options
for your geographic location and circumstances.
Information discussed remains confidential. We do take notes during calls. This allows us to
review topics discussed during future calls. It also allows us to understand popular areas of
need and solutions in our community.
We offer application assistance to ease the stress of completing forms.
We offer to forward materials in the mail or email to summarize topics discussed.
Call NY Connects at #607-664-2322, toll free at #1-800-342-9871,
or email us at [email protected]
Person
Care Partner News For more information, call (607) 664-2298 or email [email protected]
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Caregiver Page
Support groups are a place to connect with caregivers, family and friends of persons with
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The following support groups are hosted locally
in partnership with Alzheimer’s Association of the Southern Tier and Steuben County Office
for the Aging’s Caregiver Resource Center:
Peer support for Persons living with Dementia and their Caregivers
Big Flats 1st Thursday of each month 2:00PM-3:30PM
Big Flats Community Center at 476 Maple Street in Rooms A & B
Peer support for Caregivers
Bath 2nd Monday of each month 10:30AM-12noon
Steuben Center at 7009 Rumsey Street Extension in the Second Floor Classroom
Corning 3rd Tuesday of each month 3:00PM-4:30PM
Corning Senior Center at 1 Park Lane in the Greenhouse Meeting Room
Hornell 4th Thursday of each month 1:30PM-3:00PM
Office for the Aging at 20 Broadway Mall Sit & chat learning sessions
Call 607-664-2298 extension 4716 or toll free to the Alzheimer’s
Association at 1-800-272-3900 prior to attending your first time.
Free Community Education Events
The Basics: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Hornell YMCA Tuesdays, February 11th, 18th & 25th 2:00PM-4:00PM
18 Center Street call to register for classes
The Basics: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Bath VA Medical Center Wednesdays, March 16th, 23rd & 30th 2:00PM-4:00PM
76 Veterans Avenue call to register for classes
Diagnosis of Dementia and Clinical Care with Dr. Thomas Caprio, M. D. from the University of
Rochester Medical Center Associate Professor Department of Medicine, Geriatrics & Aging
Southern Tier Library System Video Conference Tuesday, April 12th 5:30PM-7:00PM
Appearing live at Wayland Free Library and via video at participating libraries
Call to register & inquire about libraries near you
Additional opportunities for support may be found through:
www.caregiving.com www.alzheimersnavigator.org
The Alzheimer’s Association of the Southern Tier free monthly newsletter.
If you are interested in viewing or receiving it, please send your request in care of
Marleah Denkenberger [email protected]
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Steuben County Senior Dinner Clubs
Open for Lunch Monday through Friday with some exceptions listed below.
Suggested Donation $3.00 if 60 years old or older, $6.00 cost if under 60 years of age.
Please make reservations one day in advance
Addison: Addison Place Apartments 43 William St (607) 377-9951
Bath: Clyde F. Simon Lakeview Apts 105 Geneva St (607) 776-4310
No reservations required
Corning: Corning Senior Center 1 Park Lane (607) 962-2009
Dayspring II Apartments 220 Tioga Ave (607) 769-9786
Hornell: Hornell Senior Center 20 Broadway Mall (607) 324-8609
Church Street Court Apts 71 Church St (607) 324-0814
Hammondsport: Presbyterian Church 1 Park Place (607) 569-2712
Tuesday
Pulteney: First Presbyterian Church Main St.Cty Rt 74 (607) 522-5121
Monday and Thursday
Call ProAction at (607) 776-2125 or 1-800-553-2033 for more information.
GOOD NUTRITION plays an important role in how well you age.
Eating a low salt, low fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber can reduce age-related risks of chronic diseases. Eating a variety of foods will help meet your nutrient needs. Wise choices: Low fat quality protein – poultry, fish, eggs or egg substitutes, soy, limited amounts of nuts and low fat meat and low fat dairy. Complex carbohydrates – vegetables and whole grains. Eat fewer simple carbohydrates such as sugars in sweets, desserts and beverages. Heart healthy fats - monounsaturates in olive oil, avocados and nuts. Eat less saturated fats and trans fats from meat fats, dairy fats, stick margarine and processed foods. Water – best beverage to keep body hydrated. Lower calorie foods – calorie needs slowly decrease with age. Calcium rich items – bones lose mineral content with age. Include low fat dairy as a good source of calcium.
Source: nutrition411.com
Sponsors: United Way, Steuben County Office for the Aging,
New York State Office for the Aging & Administration on Aging
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Be a Safe Senior and Don’t Get Scammed! The New York State Attorney General’s Office offers up-to-date information about
identity theft and scams. The most common scams include:
1. The Sweepstakes Scam- You have won money, prizes, a trip, etc., but you must either cash a check and
wire part of the money back or provide your bank account information for a deposit. If you have to pay
money to get money, it’s a scam!
2. The Grandparent Scam- You receive an urgent call from a family member asking you to wire money as
they are in jail, in police custody, or have been in an accident. Don’t rely on voice recognition without
checking with other family members or verifying the caller’s identification. Don’t fall for this one!
3. Home improvement Scam- The drive-by contractor indicates that he has left-over materials for you at a
discount or offers a free home inspection. Many times they will ask for full payment up-front, but will
never finish the job or complete shoddy workmanship. Get everything in writing, check their business
reputation, and get more than one written estimate.
An informative 25-page booklet entitled “Smart Seniors” detailing scams, identity theft, and much more is
available through the Attorney General’s website at
http://www.ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/publications/Smart-Seniors.pdf
Jim Allard, Steuben County Undersheriff, confirmed that his office has had reports of these scams locally. He
also warned of the IRS scam- the IRS calls and insists that you pay a fine immediately- typically $5000. If you
don’t, you will be arrested and put in jail. Remember- the IRS will never call you directly about payment. Feel
free to report scams to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department at (607) 622-3901.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Because needs are always greater than the resources available to meet them, the Steuben County Office for the Aging encourages financial contributions.
Name________________________________________________________________________________
(May we publish your name? Yes_____ No_____)
Address______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________ Phone____________________
I designate my contribution of $__________________for: All donations are
greatly appreciated.
_____USE WHERE MOST NEEDED _____Newsletter
_____Caregiver Resource Center _____Nutrition Program ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE
_____In-Home Services _____Ombudsman TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE
______Information & Referral ______Project CARE EXTENT OF THE LAW.
______Legal Services ______Transportation
CLIP AND RETURN THIS COUPON WITH YOUR DONATION.
PLEASE SEND TO STEUBEN COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING,
3 EAST PULTENEY SQUARE, BATH NY 14810-1557.
THANK YOU!
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HOW TO CONTACT US
o Bath at 3 E. Pulteney Square #664-2298
o Corning at 1 Park Lane #936-4661
o Hornell at Broadway Mall #324-4891
o NY Connects #664-2322
(toll-free) #1-866-221-7324
You may also email us at: [email protected]
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Daylight Saving Time 2016 begins at 2:00AM on Sunday, March 13th
Meet Me at the Museum - 2nd Monday of each month 1:30 – 3:00p.m.
Meet Me at the Museum is a free social program for individuals with dementia and their
caregivers. Join a guided opportunity to stimulate conversation and meaningful memories.
The experience concludes with a small reception. This program is offered in partnership with
the Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester & Finger Lakes Region, Corning Museum of Glass and
the Rockwell Museum.
Registration for Meet Me at the Museum is required. To register or to learn more, call toll free
1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/rochesterny
HOT TOPICS: Income Tax Season
Whether you are a senior citizen or a caregiver for one, tax season means
accounting for the past year's medical expenses. Both individuals and
people who care for qualifying relatives can claim tax deductions and
credits for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Ask your financial account to
learn more.
AARP has useful information and free tax help for people with low and moderate incomes.
Visit resources on-line at http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-02-2013/6-tax-
tips-for-family-caregivers.html and https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-
Employed/Family-Caregivers-and-Self-Employment-Tax
WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES:
Evidence-based programs Have you heard this catch phrase? In general, they are programs that have defined goals
with scientifically proven results for a specific population. Our society is living longer. Many
aging adults are also living with one, or more than one chronic illness. When we learn about
STEUBEN COUNTY OFA
BULLETIN BOARD
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an illness and decide to incorporate a life-style change to help manage and improve
symptoms … we feel better!
The term “evidence-based” indicates community programs that demonstrate reliable and
consistently positive changes in participants’ overall health and functional abilities.
Program instructors are trained to follow a strict outline and timeframe for classes. Program
participants complete a pre-test and post-test that measure health outcomes. The following
programs are available in our area; Chronic Disease Self-Management, Diabetes Self-
Management and A Matter of Balance. There are additional opportunities in neighboring
counties like; Living Healthy, Walk with Ease, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers.
Visit the on-line directory for current programs through the Center for Excellence in Aging &
Community Wellness at: https://ceacw.org/find-a-workshop
If you do not use a computer, call NY Connects for help at #607-664-2322.
White House Conference on Aging wrap up Last year we urged Steuben County citizens to participate in a survey collecting ideas on
your concerns, ideas and solutions for aging well. The final report has been released. It is
available on-line for you to view at http://www.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/
We will feature a focus area with suggested resources in upcoming newsletters.
Healthy Aging ~ There are new initiatives to help Americans remain healthy and active as
they age. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a fantastic website that serves as your
personal trainer of sorts. Visit Go4Life at https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/ to get started. You will
learn about exercises, set goals, make a plan and track your activities. There are even Free
DVDs, audio guides, tip sheets and motivational posters to help boost motivation!
It’s interesting to know that the Surgeon General joined with the YMCA in issuing a challenge
to the 850 YMCA associations across the country to host intergenerational physical activity
events to promote opportunities for young and older Americans to be active together. Ask
your YMCA what they plan to offer.
Email & Large Print These versions of our Second Season Newsletter are available upon request.
Are You a “Snowbird”? If you receive a physical copy of our Second Season Newsletter, please let us know of your
temporary change of address. This way you don’t miss out on any of our more recent issues.
“Perhaps the hardest part of being this age is other peoples’ set assumptions about what an
80 year old can do and can’t do. Mostly can’t.”
~ quote from Mary McHugh’s How Not to Act Like a Little Old Lady
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Your “Second Season” newsletter from Steuben County Office for the Aging …working together for senior solutions 3 East Pulteney Square Bath NY 14810-1510 Phone 607-664-2298
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Dear Readers,
Another new year is upon us and I am hopeful that we can create some new opportunities for our
readers to age with grace! Since most prefer to remain in their own homes as they age, we are
working feverishly to use our collective expertise to shape cutting edge programs that allow for
that. We need you to be our ambassadors in the community to spread the word about the
important work that we do. Even if you can’t remember all of the programs that we offer, you
certainly can suggest to a friend in need that help is available by calling one of our 3 offices
listed in this publication. Got a pet peeve or a suggestion? I welcome your input throughout the
year. I work for you! Think Spring!
~Patty Baroody, Director