ASCOG Advocate: October 10, 2014

On this date, in 1973, this vice-president of the United States resigned after being charged with income tax evasion.  What was his name?

Medicare open enrollment begins October 15.  Contact Vonn at 580.736.7973 for more information.  Medicare Part B premiums will remain unchanged in 2015.

It's time to get your flu shots.

Life expectancy in the United States has reached an all-time high.

CMS plans to take action to improve the five-star rating system for long-term care facilities.

Pioneer businesswoman icon, Edna Hennessee was memorialized with a highway dedication near Lawton.

ASCOG Hosts Free Medicare Events During Open Enrollment

 The Association of Oklahoma South Central Governments (ASCOG) is hosting free county-wide events to help seniors prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment period, October 15-December 7.  During Open Enrollment, Medicare-eligible consumers can sign up for coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plans, as well as change their options for the coming year.  At this year’s events, general information will be offered about Medicare, and Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) counselors will be available to assist with signing up for Part D plans, reviewing comparisons of coverage, checking eligibility for “Extra Help” and signing up for a personal account on MyMedicare.gov. The current income guidelines for “Extra Help” are $1,459/month or less for singles, or $1,966/month or less for married couples.

Medicare events are scheduled at: Duncan Red River Technology Center, Oct. 17 and 20, 9 am-2p.m.;  Waurika City Hall Depot, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Walters Library, Oct 23, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Altus Southwest Oklahoma Community Action, Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Temple City Hall/Nutrition Site, 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.;  Medicine Park Wichita Mountains Senior Center, Nov. 3, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.; Lawton Public Library, Nov. 4, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Ryan Drug Store, Nov. 6, 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Lawton Rose Hill Church Health Fair, Nov. 8, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Lindsay Library, Nov. 12, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Frederick Community Action, Nov. 18-19, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Pauls Valley Library, Dec. 2 , 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Medicine Park Wichita Mountains Senior Center, Dec. 4, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

For other event dates and locations, or to schedule a private appointment, contact Vonn Saltzman, Medicare Assistance Specialist, (580)736-7973 or (800)658-1466 at ASCOG.

ASCOG Advocate: October 3, 2014

On this date, in 1955, Annette Funicello and gang starred in the first episode of this popular children's television show on ABC.  What was the name of the show?

Oklahoma's State Long-term Care Ombudsman, Esther Houser, retired on Tuesday.

The U.S. Census Bureau released its annual report on income and poverty.

Laser therapy is the preferred treatment for varicose veins.

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15 thru December 7

Get the most out of your Medicare.  Each year, Medicare plans can make changes to their coverage, benefits, and costs.  Every fall, all people with Medicare should review their current health and prescription drug coverage.  Do you, or someone you know, need extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage?  If a person has limited income and resources, they may qualify for “extra help.”

Take the time to gather all the things you’ll need to make a decision about your health and prescription drug coverage.  You’ll need a list of medications you take, a list of providers you want to use, like your doctor or pharmacy, any notice from your plan (called the Annual Notice of Change), Social Security, or Medicare about changes to your costs and coverage for next year, and information about other plans in your area for next year.

You may then visit www.medicare.gov website to compare all of your options, search for plans in your area, and check to see if you qualify for “extra help.”  If you don’t have internet access, open enrollment events have been scheduled in Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Jackson, Jefferson, Tillman and Stephens counties.  Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) Counselors will be at these events to assist with plan comparisons, enrollment, and answer questions regarding Medicare.  Or, you can schedule a private meeting with a MAP Counselor. 

For enrollment event dates and locations, or to schedule a private appointment, contact Vonn Saltzman, Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG), Medicare Assistance Specialist, (580)736-7973 or (800)658-1466.

ASCOG Advocate: September 26, 2014

 

Delta, MaddieLuke and ASCOG staff at the
2014 SWOK Senior Games at the
Simmons Center in Duncan

Medicare:  Six things to know about fall open enrollment.

A Medicare scam that just kept rolling.

The fiscal reality of being a caregiver.

Lawton seniors learned about disaster preparation at the Center for Creative Living.

Minorities are more likely to end up in a long-term care institution.  October is Residents' Rights Month.

Likelihood of later dementia diagnosis higher for those worried about memory loss.

Kathy Greenlee:  Elder abuse...international crisis.

Over 100 seniors were pre-registered for the 20th Annual Southwest Oklahoma Senior Games.

September 23 was National Falls Prevention Awareness Day.

Victoria De La Rosa of Duncan enjoys her time at the
2014 SWOK Senior Games

Free Advocacy Training Offered by ASCOG

ASCOG (Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments) will offer free advocacy training for any person over 18 years old who would like to become an ombudsman volunteer and assist persons with long-term care issues or concerns. The training will be on Wed., Oct. 1 and Thur., Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Plains Technology Center, room 623B, 4500 Lee Blvd, Lawton. Contact ombudsman supervisor Ruben Sotelo at ASCOG for detailed information: sote_ru@ascog.org, direct: 580-736-7975 or toll free: 1-800-658-1466..

Ombudsman Supervisor Job Announcement Extended to September 30

ASCOG has an opening for a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Supervisor. Duties include resolving complaints and advocating for residents of long-term care facilities, recruiting, training and supervising volunteers, assistance to individuals regarding care choice, and technical assistance to facility staff.  Documentation and extensive local travel is required. 

 Bachelor’s degree and related experience working with aging individuals required.

Minimum salary is $27,739.

Send resumes to ASCOG Attn:  Nancy English, P O Box 1647, Duncan, OK  73534.  Resumes accepted through Friday, September 30, 2014.  ASCOG is an equal opportunity employer.