Page 14 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2019 - 26-09

Page 14 Senior Times - September 2019
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-800-626-6719 General Agency Telephone: (269) 966-2450
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102 Battle Creek, MI 49017
www.region3b.org
My Medicare Matters Open Enrollment
By: Karen Courtney, Regional MMAP Coordinator, CareWell Services SW
CareWell Program Receives Innovation Award
By: Liz Lawson Young, Marketing Specialist, CareWell Services SW
CareWell Services, in partnership with Oaklawn Hospital, and local pharmacy Hemmingsen Drug Store, launched the Care Connection Health Intervention Program (C-CHIP) to reduce burdens and increase joy by reaching older adults who have limited health literacy living in rural areas by visiting them in their homes.
to receive honors during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 27-31, New Orleans.
Part D Prescription Plan
Open Enrollment Period (OEP), October 15 through December
7, is the busiest time of year for our MMAP sites. This is when you can see 2020 costs, verify coverage of your medicines,
and get or switch your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. Lower income persons enrolled in “Extra Help” prescription assistance have the option to change plans outside of the OEP dates.
“The work the Innovations winners have done, especially,
is remarkable. These AAAs
have developed truly innovative programs in their communities to better meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers,” said Sandy Markwood, chief executive officer of n4a. “[We] commend them all and urge them to continue creating great programs like the ones highlighted in this year’s 2019 Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards.”
Walking is a Great Way to Improve Your Health
By: Kitty Knoll, Senior Center Coordinator, Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center
Through the program patients receive a visit from a certified community health worker. During the visits, the health worker uses technology to communicate with the patient’s pharmacist and primary care office in real time
Overall, patient self-management confidence increased to 92.8 percent from 78 percent, as reported through the Self- Management Confidence Scale.
MMAP is now setting appointments for unbiased, neutral, Part D counseling sessions. Local sites include the Kool Family Community Center in Battle Creek, 1-800-803- 7174, Forks Senior Center in Albion (517) 629-3842, Albion HealthCare Alliance (517) 629- 5080, Calhoun County Office of Senior Services in Marshall (269) 781-0846, or Barry Commission on Aging in Hastings (269) 948- 4856. Save money by reviewing your plan annually.
to get answers to medication questions, conduct a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) review, and more.
In late July, C-CHIP received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies
on Aging (n4a) with a 2019 Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a
to member agencies. The n4a recognizes aging programs that develop and implement cutting- edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers. CareWell Services was among the top 16 of 48 local aging programs
Since the start of the program, of the 198 referrals, 141 received in-home visits with options counseling, health coaching, and resource navigation. The hospital readmission rate for qualifying referrals was only three percent.
MMAP works by appointments only; walk-ins can rarely be accommodated during open enrollment. Phone ahead for an appointment, please.
What to bring: ID, Medicare Card, all health and prescription insurance cards (including green Medicaid card, if you have one), and a complete list of your prescription medications and dosages. Ask your pharmacist to print out your list.
One of the most overlooked things you can do for your health is right at your feet! Just start walking and you’ll reap health benefits. Unless you have been immobilized and need specific instructions from a physician, most people know they need to exercise to maintain their health. Walking has enumerable health benefits: walking strengthens bones, increases stamina, and improves your cardiovascular system. Moving is a good way to keep your weight in check too. Many people also experience positive effects on their mental outlook while walking.
and walk all the way to Dark Horse Brewery and back. We will meet up with hike leaders Mark Lelle and Jane Norton. Come
and learn more about the North Country Trail and its connections with the Riverwalk and various parks in Calhoun County.
Want to “do it yourself?” Research Part D information at https://medicare.gov, then click on “Find health and drug plans” or you may call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to review your plan choices and enroll over the phone. Remember – don’t enroll in ANY Medicare Advantage plan until you verify your doctors and hospital accept
that exact plan-regardless of what any insurance seller or TV Commercial tells you!
Heritage Commons has several ways to encourage you to walk more. Beginning September 4, Heritage Commons Walking
Club will meet from 3-4pm in the parking lot behind the downtown businesses, near the Harvester Flower Shop. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared to walk and gab! If it is raining or the weather
is threatening rain, consider it canceled for that day. We will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 3pm through September and tour different locations throughout Marshall. We will provide updates and other locations every week. Please check with us at (269) 558-6150.
We have a bountiful array
of beautiful parks and other places to walk all around the county. Please contact Heritage Commons at (269) 558-6150 for more information on other health and wellness activities. We are located at 13444 Preston Drive near Marshall and we are open Monday through Thursday from 9am-3pm, Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm, and half days on Friday from 9am-1pm.
– NEWS UPDATE – WellCare recently bought out the Aetna Medicare prescription drug program, so Aetna clients are getting letters now about the change. Those letters are legitimate.
We also have a special collaboration with the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. We have a Riverwalk hike planned for Friday, September 20 at 10am. We will start at Stuart’s Landing
Heritage Commons is a collaboration between four partners: Calhoun County Senior Services, CareWell Services Southwest, Oaklawn Hospital, and the City of Marshall.
PROMOTING HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE CHOICE