“Medicare Facts for New or Pre-Retirees”

     Are you nearly or newly retired and confused about choosing Medicare plans?  We can help!  Attend one of these free seminars to get the facts and learn to better navigate the Medicare system.

The following topics of interest will be presented:

·        Review of benefits provided under Medicare

·        Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plan coverage options

·        Medicare prescription drug coverage and tools to navigate the “Drug Plan Finder”

·        Medicare Savings Programs

·        Medicare Preventive Services

·        Supplemental Insurance/Medigap Plans

·        MyMedicare.gov and other technological tools

    The scheduled seminars are as follows:

     Monday, September 8, 2008, at the York County Annex, located at the Penn State Extension Offices, 112 Pleasant Acres Road, York, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This event will be presented by the York County Area Agency on Aging’s APPRISE Program.  Pre-registration is required by calling (717) 771-9008 or 1-800-632-9073.

     Tuesday, September 30 2008, at the Hanover Community Health and Education Center located at 400 York Street, Hanover, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  It will be presented by the APPRISE Programs of the York and Adams County Offices on Aging and is sponsored by the Greater Hanover Area Seniors Task Force.  Pre-registration is required by calling (717) 633-8873.  

     Wednesday, November 5, 2008, also at the York County Annex, located at the Penn State Extension Offices, 112 Pleasant Acres Road, York, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This event will also be presented by the York County Area Agency on Aging’s APPRISE Program.  Pre-registration is required by calling (717) 771-9008 or 1-800-632-9073.

2008 Immunization Schedule

York County Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with WellSpan Health, and York City Bureau of Health will be offering FLU and PNEUMONIA shots to York County residents.

Tuesday, October 7th, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Dillsburg Senior Activity Center
1 North Second Street, Dillsburg

Wednesday, October 8th, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Delta Senior Center

5 Pendyrus Street, Delta

Receipts will be given to those who pay for the shots at the clinic.  Some insurance companies may reimburse the cost with this receipt.

Registration form can be downloaded from the bottom of the New and Events Page.

For additional information call the York County Area Agency on Aging at (717) 771-9001.

Whats's the Scoop?

     What's the Scoop? is a free program for all York County residents age 60 and older to learn about Identity Theft and Fraud, and facts on Medicare Suplement Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans.  The program will be presented by the PA Attorney General's Office and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  It will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Springwood Golf Course, 601 Chestnut Hill Road, York.  This program is sponsored by ManorCare Health Serivces and the York County Area Agency on Aging.
     Pre-registration is required by calling (717) 771-9042.  Deadline for registration is October 20, 2008.

  The n4a Senior Housing Locator powered by SNAPforSeniors is a current database of more than 60,000 senior housing listings, including all licensed senior housing in the U.S. Visit them at www.seniorhousinglocator.org.

2008 FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION
VOUCHER PROGRAM

     The York County Area Agency on Aging, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, have distributed the Farmers Market Nutrition Program to eligible York County senior citizens.  This program provides $20.00 in vouchers to eligible seniors to buy fresh fruit and vegetables from participating local farm markets.  The vouchers can be used at the markets between June 1, 2008 and November 30, 2008.

Stimulus payments: Help spread the facts

More than 130 million households will receive economic stimulus payments under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, beginning in May.  In most cases taxpayers will not have to do anything extra this year to get the rebate.  All you have to do is file a 2007 tax return and the IRS will do the rest.  You do not need to call or fill out any other special forms. If you qualify, the IRS will automatically figure your payment, send you a notice showing the amount, and send it to you. For more facts and to read some Q&As, visit the Information on Stimulus Payments Web page on www.irs.gov.

Even those who normally don’t file must file to receive a stimulus payment.  This includes: 

·         Low-income workers,

·         Social Security beneficiaries,

·         Certain railroad retirees and

·         Those who receive certain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There are special filing instructions and a sample Form 1040A (.pdf) that highlights the simple, specific sections of the return to fill out.   
 

Low- and moderate-income workers, including veterans, can get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate the nearest VITA site.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. The York County Area Agency on Aging is an AARP Tax Aide site and appointments can be made by calling (717) 771-9042, or visit the AARP Web site.

See the bottom of this page for more information on the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.

PROPERTY TAX & RENT REBATE

     The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is based on the property taxes paid or included in the rent you paid during the previous calendar year.

ELIGIBILITY:

YOU ONLY DECLARE I/2 OF YOUR GROSS SOCIAL SECURITY AND ALL OTHER INCOME IN FULL

1) AGE 65 OR OLDER

2) UNDER 65 WITH SPOUSE AGE 65 OR OLDER RESIDING IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD

3) WIDOW OR WIDOWER AGE 50 TO 64

4) PERMANENTLY DISABLED AGE 18 TO 64

QUALIFICATIONS:  OWNED & OCCUPIED YOUR HOME OR RENTED AN APARTMENT, NURSING HOME, PERSONAL CARE BOARDING HOME OR SIMILAR RESIDENCE IN PENNSYLVANIA DURING THE PERIOD FOR WHICH YOU ARE CLAIMING THE REBATE.

Participants will now receive:

Homeowners:            Income                                    Rebate

                                   $0 to $8,000                             $650

                                   $8,001 to $15,000                     $500

                                    $15,001 to $18,000                   $300      

                                    $18,001 to $35,000                   $250       

Renters:                    Income                                      Rebate

                                    $0 to $8,000                               $650      

                               $8,001 to $15,000                       $500      

Deadline for filing a 2007 claim is December 31, 2008.  

For more information

Call:

24 hour Toll-free FACT & Information Line1-888-728-2937

OR  the local York Office 717- 845-6661

Web Site:

www.revenue.state.pa.us

If you use "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna with your analog television, you must take some action to continue receiving television broadcasts. After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will switch from the analog method of transmitting TV signals to only broadcasting a digital signal which cannot be received by analog TV sets. Know Your Options 1. Buy a converter box that will plug into your analog TV. 2. Buy a TV with a digital tuner. 3. Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service. Federal Assistance The Federal Government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to help with the cost of certified TV converter boxes. A converter box is a one-time purchase that will allow you to use your analog TV after February 17, 2009. Certified TV converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70. For more information or to request coupons, call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY), visit online at www.DTV2009.gov, apply by mail at PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208, or fax 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Produced by the U.S. Department of Commerce.	2-2008

HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

People of all ages are sensitive to extremes in temperature. But as you age, your body may become less able to respond to extremely hot or cold temperatures. In addition, taking certain types of medications can affect how your body responds to heat.

Be aware of days when extreme heat conditions are predicted by paying attention to your local weather forecast. On hot days, you should:

· Drink plenty of water;

· Avoid long periods in the direct sun or in unventilated rooms;

· Keep air conditioning or fans running;

· Avoid vigorous activity when it is hot and humid;

· Reschedule activities for cooler times of the day;

· Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing;

· Wear a hat or other head covering when out in the sun;

· Wear appropriate sunscreen protection; and

· Take frequent baths or showers and remain in a cool place.

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

Heat-related health problems may include the following:

Heat Cramps

Symptoms: Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.

First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin may be cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.

First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)

Symptoms: Extremely high body temperature (106 ). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.

First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Dial 911 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

If you know someone who may be in a high risk situation, call YCAAA at 717-771-9610 or 1-800-632-9073.

RENT-A-KID

Do you need help with chores?

Rent-A-Kid may be available in your area!

Call the Rent-A-Kid Coordinator
York County Area Agency on Aging

771-9610
or
1-800-632-9073

Recommended payment is $5.00 per hour.

Don't wait until your grass is long - Call now for information

on Rent-A-Kid participants in your area.

Arrange for the help BEFORE you need it!