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Golden Inspirations |
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"We are not the web of life, but merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves."
- Chief Seattle
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Home  In this Issue Senior and Senior News
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Resources and Links ...
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 Keep On Driving
(ARA) - Age alone does not determine a person’s ability to drive safely; however certain physical changes that are a natural part of the aging process do affect one’s capacity to anticipate and react to dangerous driving situations. More than 19 million people over the age of 70 are driving in the United States.
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Marci's Medicare Answers
Dear Marci,
I'm interested in getting a Medicare drug plan, but don't think I can afford it. What can I do?
--Bruce
Dear Bruce,
If you are single and your monthly income is below $1,276 ($1,711 for couples) and your assets are below $11,710 ($23,410 for couples), you may be eligible for Extra Help, a federal program that helps you pay for some or most of the costs of your Medicare prescription drug coverage. Even if your income or assets are above the limit you may still qualify, because certain types of income and assets may not be counted.
You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration, using either the agency's print or online application (available at www.ssa.gov). You can also apply at your local Medicaid Office. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you automatically qualify for Extra Help, so you do not have to apply for it.
--Marci
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My Golden Years
By Helene Rothschild
Have you noticed that some mature men and women look so old and others of the same age appear much younger? It is true that there are many factors contributing to these differences. However, I believe that we can take charge of our lives and enjoy the golden years as a vital, active, healthy contributing person.
The following guidelines can assist you to set your intent to enjoy your senior years and make a difference in the world.
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A New Face of Volunteering
(ARA) - As the oldest baby boomers move closer to retirement, studies indicate that approximately one-third have intentions to participate in community service.
Although one would think that individuals volunteer in greater numbers once they retire, as a general rule, the percentage of those giving of their time actually peaks at mid-life and then gradually declines. At the same time, Americans who do volunteer during their early years of retirement do it with greater frequency than younger volunteers.
A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health followed 1,200 elderly adults over a seven-year period and found those that volunteered even a little, lived longer than those who didn't.
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Original Medicare or a Medicare Private Health Plan? Things to Consider
It's fall again, the season when health insurance companies begin marketing Medicare private health plans. Each year, from November 15th to March 31st, everyone with Medicare has the option to change their Medicare coverage, either to Original Medicare or to one of the private health plans known as Medicare Advantage plans. The vast majority of people who have Medicare stick with Original Medicare-the traditional fee-for-service program run by the federal government-which offers access to virtually any doctor, specialist and hospital in the country.
Many insurance companies advertise Medicare private health plans that have low premiums or offer special benefits. These plans must cover at least the same inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) services covered by Original Medicare. Private health plans may also offer additional benefits, like dental or vision care, that Original Medicare does not cover. Many offer Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of their benefits packages. Keep in mind, however, that there is much more to consider when choosing how to get your Medicare health coverage. Regardless of what health plan you choose, most people will be locked into that plan from March 31st until the end of the year.
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Do you need special equipment to help you use the telephone more effectively?
We live in an age where most people take using the telephone for granted. At least several times a day, most of us use a telephone to call friends and family members, schedule appointments, place orders, and handle any one of a number of other tasks. A person's inability to use a telephone due to a physical disability can often result in loneliness, isolation and a sense of increased vulnerability. An inability to place telephone calls to personal and professional contacts can leave a person feeling isolated and dependent on others to assist with routine tasks but, with the proper assistive telecommunication equipment, many individuals can regain their independence.
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Marci's Medicare Answers
Dear Marci,
I like Original Medicare because it allows me to see nearly every doctor in the country. Since I don't have retiree coverage, how can I supplement Medicare?
-Anne
Dear Anne,
You can buy a Medigap plan. Unlike private health plans, that may offer additional services but require that you follow the plan's rules, Medigap plans simply supplement Original Medicare. There are 12 Medigap plans (A-L) that each cover health costs that Medicare does not cover, like the hospital inpatient deductible, coinsurance for doctors' visits and coinsurance for a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility. Insurance companies can charge different premiums for the same Medigap plans, so shop around to find the least expensive plan. You can call 800-MEDICARE to learn more about Medigap plans.
-Marci
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Senior Discounts: Boon or Bane?
By Barbara Morris, R.Ph.
In a recent "Dear Abby" column, a woman who signed herself "Upset" complained about having been given a senior discount without her requesting it.
She wrote in part, "Abby, I have more than 10 years before I turn 65. By today's standards, this is far from old. This has caused me considerable embarrassment. . . I think these employees should be given some sensitivity training. I'd like your thoughts on "senior citizen" discounts."
Dear Abby replied, "The age of eligibility for senior discounts can begin from a person's mid-50s "and they can be a blessing for people who are no longer working and living on fixed incomes." Dear Abby went on to suggest that instead of being embarrassed, "Upset" should simply say she is not eligible for the senior discount and would prefer to pay full price.
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