Page 14 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - March 2020 - 27-03
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Page 14 Senior Times - March 2020
                                                   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 Saving Money on Medicare and Prescriptions
By: Karen Courtney, Regional MMAP Coordinator,
Three Tips for Building New Connections
By: Liz Lawson Young, Marketing Specialist, CareWell Services SW
 “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
~ C.S. Lewis
   CareWell Services SW
 You may be eligible to save on your Medicare costs!
The “Extra Help” Program
is a Low Income Subsidy (LIS) which helps some Medicare beneficiaries pay for their monthly prescription premiums, co-pays, and/or annual deductibles related to their Medicare Prescription Drugs. Even if you make too much for State Medicaid,
you might still be eligible
for Prescription Extra Help! The 2020 eligibility limits are below:
The monthly income limit is $1,595 or less for an individual or $2,155 or less for a married couple. This is gross income, which is all incoming money- -including pensions, annuities, social security, etc. before
any premiums, taxes or other expenses are taken out. As
of February 17, per the ssa. gov Social Security website, LIS Asset or Resource limit with included irrevocable burial set-asides is $14,610
per individual or $29,160 per married couple.
The Medicare Saving Program is a State Medicaid administered buy-in program which pays Medicare Part
B (and sometimes part A) premiums, co-pays, and/
or deductibles for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. The 2020 eligibility limits are below:
The monthly income limit
is $1,063 per individual or $1,437 per married couple. This is also gross income. Asset or Resource limit is $9,360 for an individual including $1,500 burial allowance, or $14,800 for a married couple, which includes $3,000 burial allowance.
Call 1-800-803-7174 to reach your nearest MMAP office to be screened or apply. MMAP is administered by Carewell Services Southwest in Calhoun and Barry Counties, and funded in part by Calhoun County Senior Millage.
Friendship is important at all stages of life. The support of someone else who understands what you’re experiencing and walks alongside you on your journey is invaluable.
As we age, we may find that our circle of support becomes smaller due to relocation, changes in family situations, or death of loved ones. It can feel difficult to build new connections in later stages of life, but these social connections can add joy
to life and keep us from feeling isolated, which can negatively impact quality of life and health, and bring about depression.
chapter, the local library, schools, and other local agencies.
If you are feeling like your support system is growing smaller or you have begun to feel isolated, here are three ideas for building new connections and creating a strong support system:
3. Join a support group. Spending time with others who are experiencing similar things can be a great way to build meaningful connections. CareWell Services offers monthly caregiver support groups, as well as caregiver workshops.
CareWell Services, along
with several area partners,
offers a variety of programs, workshops, support groups, events, and other activities to help you stay connected to a supportive community. For
more information about our programming call (269) 441- 0930. Call us, we’re here to help!
Caregiver Connections
If you are caring for someone and would like to talk with a group of your peers, please join us for uplifting support in your journey. You do not need to be alone on your path.
Meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00pm–7:30pm at CareWell Services Southwest 200 W. Michigan Ave, 2nd Floor
Call (269) 441-0930 to register
 1. Volunteer in the community. Getting involved in the community through volunteering has been shown to reduce the feelings of isolation and depression in seniors, and it’s a great way to meet new people! Volunteer opportunities can be found through the local AARP
2. Learn something new. There are many opportunities to learn something new through classes and workshops at local seniors centers, such as Heritage Commons and Forks Senior Center, or through the local library. You can develop a new skill such as knitting
or painting, join a book club or regular card game, or try a new exercise class. Learning new things with others is
 a great way to create new friendships!
         PROMOTING
HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE CHOICE
  



















































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