Medicare Open Enrollment is Here

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The Medicare Open Enrollment period is October 15 until December 7. Robin Thompson, Information and Assistance Director with the Senior LinkAge Line, wants people to remember, “This is the time of year people on Medicare should review their Medicare plan options for 2020.” She added, “Taking time now to do your research can save you money and help you to find coverage based on your situation and your healthcare needs.”

The Senior LinkAge Line receives calls every year from people who failed to review their plan changes for the coming year. Since Medicare changes every year, the Senior LinkAge Line recommends that each person review their options for the coming year and open and read every piece of mail received from Medicare, Social Security and their current plan. Annual plan changes can include:

Medicare Part D:

  • Premium
  • List of medications covered by your plan (formulary)
  • Medication restrictions such as adding prior authorization and quantity limits
  • Cost-sharing: deductible, copays and coinsurance
  • Pharmacy network

Medicare Advantage and Cost Plans:

  • For plans that include Part D the list above will also apply
  • Coverage area
  • Premium
  • Out-of-pocket maximum costs
  • Cost-sharing: deductible, copays and coinsurance
  • Provider network
  • Covered-benefits and restrictions

Use the new revamped Medicare Plan Finder tool at www.medicare.gov to compare your current plan with other plans available in 2020. This will help you plan for the coming year and give you confidence and peace of mind.

If you need Medicare help, contact the Senior LinkAge Line, a free statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging. The Senior LinkAge Line is Minnesota’s federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and the place to call for non-biased Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-333-2433 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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Madelia Hosts MNRAAA’s Staff Retreat

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Downtown Madelia was busier than usual on September 9. Staff, volunteers and board members converged on Madelia for their bi-annual staff retreat.

“We had a great turnout and we were excited to be in Madelia” stated Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director, “we were able to utilize numerous local businesses to assist us during the training.” The retreat was held at Lost Sanity Brewery and catering was provided by Sweet Indeed Bakery and Fox’s Pizza Den.

“Although we have offices in Mankato and Slayton, some of our 39 staff are based throughout our 27 county planning and service area, so it is nice to get everyone together once in a while.” The training that took place featured Age Sensitivity Training which had everyone go through what it may feel like to have vision and dexterity impairments and other conditions associated with the aging process. A specialist presented on keeping yourself safe when working with potentially dangerous individuals. Staff was also training on communicating positively about aging. “Currently, people are living longer and healthier lives, and I personally think this is great! We have an opportunity to embrace this and work to establish communities throughout the region that are friendly for every generation!” stated Swanson.

MNRAAA provides support through different avenues, which include, administration of funds under the Older Americans Act, developing services in communities where gaps in service may exist, information and assistance through the Senior LinkAge Line and providing advocacy for older adults and caregivers at the local, state and federal level.

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Census 2020

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Over two hundred years ago, the first United States Census took place. At that time, there were roughly four million people; today the population has increased to roughly 329 million people.

The census takes place every decennial, which means the next census will occur in 2020. We’re hearing a lot of talk about the importance of the census and why an accurate count is important.

The census, at its highest level, informs us how many people currently live in the nation. Equally important, the census is tied to funding for non-profits and government agencies. This funding supports Medicaid, highways, low-income households, rural communities, older adults and caregivers, to name a few. It also ensures that we have the appropriate representation in our government. That’s why it’s so important to get an accurate count.

Census Day is observed nationwide on April 1. By this date, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You should respond to the invitation in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail (most contact is by mail). Here are several tips to help you through the census process as presented by AARP:

DO DON’T
  • Do verify that a census taker who comes to your home is legitimate. They should have a Census Bureau photo ID badge (with a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date) and a copy of the letter the bureau sent you. You can also search for an agent’s name in the Census Bureau’s online staff directory.
  • Do confirm the questionnaire you’ve received is on the Census Bureau’s official list of household surveys.
  • Do check that a census mailing has the National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, IN return address. If it’s from somewhere else, it’s not from the Census Bureau.
  • Don’t give your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, or bank/credit card numbers to someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau. Genuine census representatives will not ask for this information.
  • Don’t reply, click links or open attachments in a suspicious census email. Forward the message to [email protected].
  • Don’t trust caller ID — scammers can use “spoofing” tools to make it appear they’re calling from the Census Bureau. Call the National Processing Center at 800-523-3205 or 800-877-8339 (TDD/TTY) to verify the phone survey is legitimate.

For more information about the 2020 United States Census or if you have questions, visit 2020census.gov. The Census Bureau website also includes a page on fraud and how to spot census scams by mail, phone, email and home visit.

Shape your future and get counted!

Jason W. Swanson

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