|
|
AUGUST 2010
Now that we're in the "good ole' summertime"
it's time to kick back and relax. Get a good book and sit by a
fan, prop up your feet and "chill out"! Seriously, be
careful; drink cool beverages, avoiding alcohol & caffeine,
wear lightweight clothing, avoid strenuous activity, and come
to the center where it's air-conditioned!!!
One area you don't want to relax in is protecting
your identity. I've recently obtained a list of ways to minimize
your risk of Identity Theft:
- Never give your S.S. #. Last 4 digits
or other I.D. will do.
- When buying new checks, use only your
first initial and last name. PO Box is best for address. Your
bank knows how you endorse a check, a thief won't! Close
all inactive accounts.
- Keep your hand over the ATM key pad.
Memorize your pin # - don't write it anywhere. Be sure the
ATM "looks" like a real ATM.
- Cut up old or expired credit cards.
Close inactive accounts.
- Invest in a shredder.
Shred any trash with account and/or S.S. numbers on it.
Another
area not to relax in is Investment Fraud.
Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Before you invest, talk to someone
you trust- family member, banker, accountant.
- Junk Mail? Delete or tear it up. The
Web site www.opt-out.cdt.org/online provides links to remove
your
info from sites containing personal information.
- Before making investments, check with
$AIF. Visit www.corp.ca.gov
or call 866-ASK-CORP. If it sounds
too good to be true, it probably is.
- Register with the National Do Not Call
Registry, a free government service, so you won't receive
telemarketing calls. www.donotcall.gov
- If you have already fallen for a scam,
change your phone number so you won't be on a "sucker's
list"
that is sold to other crooks.
Those of you who have a Medicare Part D
Plan and go into the "Donut Hole" will receive a one
time check for $250.00 in 2010. This check will be automatic -
you do nothing!! There are scam artists out there calling for
information that will only allow them to have access to your accounts
- S.S. has all the information they need to pay you.
Seniors are targeted because many are lonely
or bored. That's why it is so important to keep occupied. Come
to the Senior Center regularly and be around other people. Idle
minds can think of a lot of foolishness. Stay busy.
The deadline for filing PA RENT & TAX
REBATE Forms has been extended to December 31st. Stop by if you
need help.
Stay cool and have a great August!
Sally
SEPTEMBER 2010
Are we having fun yet? With
2/3rds of 2010 history and the last rose of summer in front
of us, I hope that you've been having fun - enjoying life!!
If you have PACE/PACENET,
you have probably received an informational letter explaining
the program that combines PACE/PACENET with Medicare Part D
now called PACE Plus Medicare. This means cardholders may enjoy
the best benefits both programs have to offer. If you have a
Medicare Part D prescription plan, and Pace, show both cards
when you go to the pharmacy. Should your card be turned down,
immediately have the pharmacist contact the PACE program, you
should remain there until it is resolved. This is a positive
change and Pennsylvania continues to offer one of the most generous
prescription plans for seniors in the country. The PACEplus
program is here to stay.
| Another plan for Seniors is the Property
Tax/Rent Rebate program. Applicationsbased on your 2009
income have been extended to 12/31/10. Rent Rebate income
limits remain at $15,000 and Tax Rebate household income
limits are $35,000, as shown on the table. The applications
already filed for rebates for property taxes and rent paid
during 2009 are now in process for distribution. |
| TAX REBATE TABLE |
| $0 AND $8,000 |
- |
$650 rebate |
| $8,001 to $15,000 |
- |
$500 rebate |
| $15,001 to $18,000 |
- |
$300 rebate |
| $18,001 to $35,000 |
- |
$250 rebate |
Getting ready to collect Social Security?
You can now apply for Retirement or Disability benefits, get
a replacement Medicare card, request a benefit statement, and
change your address on-line. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov
Stop by if you need help and Colleen or I can help you get on-line.
It's easy and secure. Re-enrollment for Medicare Part D plans
begins Nov. 15th. If you're interested in checking out your
options, call for an appointment. As you can see, some things
do improve over time. Call if you have any questions. Have a
great September. Take time to smell the leaves burning, take
a walk, enjoy the beautiful weather.
Sally
REFER
WEB
The Chester County Department of Human Services is pleased
to introduce Refer Web, an Information and Referral
web-based application. Simply visit their website at
www.chesco.org/human.
Once on the site, locate the Refer Web icon, click on
it and start searching. |
|
