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December
Leaves are nearly gone and winter is just around the corner. Didn’t we just get out the grills and lawn furniture? Time to cover them up and get the Christmas trimmings in place. I’ve been very busy with Medicare Part D appointments and I think I shall never be organized again. Open Enrollment!
It’s insurance renewal time. For Medicare Part D coverage (prescriptions), and Medicare Advantage health coverage, you may make changes up until December 7th. They advise you to try to have changes done early so you have no lapse in coverage and computers have the necessary time to calculate changes. We have a Medicare 101 class scheduled for Monday, December 9th at 12:45pm here at the Center. Medicare 101 classes are also being offered on the Chester County Library website (https://www.ccls.org/ then click on Events Calendar, you can search for “Medicare” or search by library).
Some of what I told you in past letters bears repeating:
- Medicaid: You will automatically be placed in a plan at no cost to you.
- HMO & PPO Participants: You are now receiving renewal forms which show your previous coverage and in what plan they will place you. If you agree, you do NOTHING. If you wish to increase or decrease coverage, you may make your election at this time, before December 7th.
- Medi-gap Participants: You need to read the letter from your insurance plan to see if there are any changes (other than cost!!). If you have a stand alone prescription plan, you may want to compare plans again to see if any of the new plans available will better cover your current needs. You’ll need to bring your list of medications so we can do some comparison shopping, and do I like to shop!!
- Company Retirees: Just like medi-gap participants, their letter will let you know what your next step should be. I can help you sort out your choices.
- If all you carry is basic Medicare A & B, we’ll need to check your current prescription plan to see if it’s meeting your needs.
- Pace/Pacenet: You do NOTHING. They place you with the plan they choose. Income requirements for Pacenet has been increased by $4000. You may now qualify. See me to apply.
- Discontinued Plans: If your plan has been discontinued, see me for your options.
Just a reminder, Medicare never calls you. Be careful of scammers who are targeting seniors, trying to get personal information to steal identities. If you get a suspicious call, hang up. If you get something questionable in the mail, bring it in and we’ll check it out! “Obamacare”/ACA has nothing to do with your Medicare options. DO NOT try to call the exchanges!!
The Chester County Senior Food Box Program is available to any person over 60 whose income is within the limits set by the county. The Federal SHARE Food Box program info is on page 17. See me for income amounts and if you have any other questions.
As the year comes to a close, remember to stop and smell the roses. Remember the good times, make someone happy and you’ll be sure to have a blessed holiday season. Don’t let holiday blues get you down.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!”
Sally
Chester County Food Bank
Chester County Senior
Food Box Program (CCSFBP)
Is a county funded program that helps seniors gain access to nutritious foods so they can better improve their health.
If you or someone you know is at least 60 yrs. old and has low income, please register for the CCSFBP box that is available to qualifying seniors each month.
Each box may contain packaged fruit, non-perishable proteins, vegetables, carbyhydraes & dairy!!
Proof of age is required at sign up. There is no charge for this food. If you qualify then CCSFBP Box can be picked up the 1st Monday of every month between 1:00-3:00pm.
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FREE FOOD FOR SENIORS
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
PA SENIOR FOOD BOX PROGRAM
What do you need to know to be eligible?
- If you are 60 years of age or older.
- If your total household income is below 130%.
- Household 1 person: Monthly income $1,632
- Household 2 people: Monthly income $2,215
What will you receive in the food box
- FRUITS & JUICES: 1 juice & 3 fruits or 1 juice, 2 fruits, 1 raisin
- VEGETABLES: 6-8 vegetables & dehydrated potatoes
- CHEESE: 2-pound block
- MILK: 2 UHT milk –32 oz each
- MEAT, POULTRY & FISH: 1 beef or 1 chili & 1 poultry or fish
- PLANT-BASED PROTEIN: 3 peanut butter, canned beans, dry beans, or lentils
- CEREALS: 2 dry, farina, rolled oats or grits
- PASTA & RICE: 2 pasta or white/brown rice
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For more information and qualifications for either/both programs
contact
Sally Arter
(610) 932-5244
12 East Locust Street
Oxford, PA 19363 |
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WHAT IS INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE?
From time to time we all know we need information but have no idea how to find answers. |
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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. |
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WHO IS SALLY ARTER?
Sally is the Center's very own Information & Assistance Specialist. Her responsibilities included helping you find the answers to your questions. |
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