Page 15 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2021 - 28-06

How Healthy is Your Car?
By: Lynn Moss, Medicare/Medicaid (MMAP) Regional Coordinator
My Medicare Matters - Still working and turning 65?
By: Karen Courtney, MMAP Counselor,
Senior Times - June 2021
Page 15
If you are like me, your vehicle is just a mode of transportation that takes you from point A to point B. I know to change the oil and rotate my tires, but how often should that be done and what else am I missing?
CareWell Services SW
Even if you have insurance coverage through current employment, you may still need to make some important Medicare enrollment decisions about Part
A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) when you are turning 65. It's important to understand how your current coverage works with Medicare before making any enrollment decisions.
If your workplace offers credible coverage, you may be able to
delay Medicare enrollment. Some workplaces require you to enroll
in Medicare once it is available to you. Contact your HR department to ask about their policies a few months before you turn 65 to be sure you have the information you need.
If you delay enrollment in Medicare insurance because you are still working at age 65 and
you aren't getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement income benefits, you should be aware of how that decision can impact your enrollment and timing for Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), and Medicare Advantage (Part C).
The Medicare website at Medicare.gov, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at CMS.gov each offer great information. Medicare.gov is easy to navigate and has a search box to help you find specific topics.
The CMS.gov National Training Program offers self-paced online training courses on Medicare topics. You can find these courses online at cmsnationaltraingprogram. cms.gov.
CMS also has info and
training modules about Medicaid, Marketplace, and the children’s CHIP insurance programs. NOTE: Consult MiBridges.gov for Michigan-specific Medicaid assets and income limits.
I strongly encourage you
to become an empowered and educated consumer, by exploring the available online resources and tools which explain your health insurance options.
Contact MMAP at 800-803-7174 for local personalized assistance with your Medicare questions.
Since getting a new (to me) car six months ago, I have taken much more of an interest in its upkeep and what I can do to keep it running in tip top shape. I have started by keeping a small notebook in my middle console with notes a.nd reminders about my vehicle’s maintenance. For instance, I am keeping a record of my vehicle’s oil changes, tire rotations, and what size wiper blades I need. I not only keep a record of the date of change, but also the mileage that my vehicle is at during that time.
Replacement – These days, tires can last up to 50,000 miles. It
is recommended that you have them rotated every 3,000 miles
include coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and wiper fluid. It is not uncommon for the service center that changes your car’s oil to also check the rest of your fluid levels and even top them off for you at your request.
Once I started thinking of my vehicle maintenance as the health of my car, the importance of its upkeep has made more sense to me. Here are some specific items to keep in mind when caring for and maintaining your vehicle.
Brake Pads and Rotors – Pay attention to how your vehicle sounds and feels. If the brakes start to feel soft or have a grinding sound to them, it is best to have them checked by a professional. Your brakes and routers should be checked every 12,000 miles or once per year.
It is also important not to ignore the check engine light should it appear. Also, having your vehicle washed regularly
is important to rid your car of all sorts of elements that may develop, especially salt buildup in your undercarriage during our rough Michigan winters.
Oil Changes – It is recommended that you have your oil changed every 3,000 miles and most engines require five-to- seven quarts. The type of oil that is recommended for your vehicle can often be found in the owner’s manual.
Wiper Blades – Clean your blades once per month and make sure to top off your wiper fluid. It is recommended to change your wiper blades every six to 12 months, depending on how often you drive.
Lastly, I have been refueling when my vehicle gets to a quarter of a tank. I am on the go regularly and don’t always have to fill up on my way to local appointments and events. By keeping my gas tank at least a quarter full, I
know I have enough gas to get me where I need to go and home safely.
or every six months. It has also been proven helpful to check the air pressure in your tires once per month.
Tire Rotation and
Fluid Levels – Fluid levels should be checked when you have your oil changed. These fluids
Let Assistive Tech Make Your Summer Driving Easier
By: Carolyn Boyle, LLMSW, AT Coordinator, CareWell Services SW
Summer is here and opportunities to get outside our homes and into the community are opening back up. You might find that you are experiencing
a little more difficulty getting settled in your vehicle this year. Don’t worry! There are devices out there to make your travels safer and allow independent living while enjoying your summer adventures.
car to help you as you maneuver in and out. It is comfortable and has a washable cover.
can help with that too. The Seat Belt Helper attaches to any car seat belt and creates an extended handle for a driver or passenger to effortlessly reach the seat belt buckle. Those with limited arm mobility will appreciate this assistive tool and will find the soft silicone comfortable to hold. The device installs in seconds without tools and can be moved from car to car if needed.
If you are having a hard time getting in and out of your vehicle you can try a Swivel Seat to make things easier. This device
is placed on the seat of your car. The swivel allows you to easily twist into place in the seat of your
Another handy device for your vehicle is a Car Cane. This device has multiple uses. This portable handle hooks instantly into the door latches of any car to assist you in getting out of the car. Simply open your door and snap it on! Car Cane hooks into place and will not move. Some also have flashlights built in, as well as a seat belt cutter, and a tool to break the glass for a quick exit if needed.
For more ideas on how to use assistive technology to improve your life and support your independence, contact Carolyn Boyle, LLMSW, AT Coordinator at CareWell Services, by calling (269) 441-0949 or email cboyle@ carewellservices.org.
Finally, if you are struggling to reach your seat belt and lock it in place, there is a device that
PROMOTING HEALTH INDEPENDENCE CHOICE