Don’t Leave Money on the Table

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Many people in Minnesota are eligible to get help to pay for their Medicare costs and they just don’t know it. There are federal and state programs to help people with lower income and limited resources pay their Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket costs. Estimates show that only one in three people who are eligible ever apply.

Don’t leave money on the table, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 to find out if you or someone you know might be eligible. If you decide to apply, staff and volunteers can help you complete the application.

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Help Wanted

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At the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA), our mission is to provide advocacy, information, resources and assistance so that older adults can maintain the lifestyle of their choice. To support our mission, we are looking for people with a passion for aging-related issues.

We are currently seeking additional members to serve on the MNRAAA board, board committees or as a volunteer.

If you are interested in learning more about MNRAAA, our board or volunteering opportunities, please contact Jason W. Swanson at [email protected].

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CAPABLE

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The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Allina Health New Ulm Medical Center and Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota have created a coalition to assist older adults in rural areas to live more safely in their homes by implementing the Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) Program.

CAPABLE, a Johns Hopkins University program, is a client-directed home-based intervention to increase mobility, functionality, and capacity to “age in place” for older adults. CAPABLE consists of time-limited services from an occupational therapist, a nurse, and a handy worker working in tandem with the older adult as an interprofessional team.

A key component of this approach is having the older person drive the goal setting and brainstorming strategies with the team toward reaching their goals. This program will be starting in the New Ulm area in early 2021.

For more information contact Jason W. Swanson at [email protected].

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Voting Safely in 2020

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November 3, 2020 is Election Day. There are many races on the ballot this year in Minnesota including judicial, local, state, and federal ones. Here are some steps to make voting a smooth and safe process this year:

  • Check your voter registration status online at: mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/VoterStatus.aspx If you need to register or re-register you can do it in-person on Election Day at your polling place. Just remember to check the proof of residence requirements beforehand. To vote in Minnesota you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, lived in Minnesota for 20 days, and completed all parts of a felony sentence.
  • Decide how you will vote. Early voting in Minnesota has begun and continues until November 2. You can vote early in-person at your local election office during scheduled hours or you can request a mail-in ballot at: www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-by-mail/.
  • Review your sample ballot to research the candidates before voting. You can bring your sample ballot with you into a voting booth.
  • If voting by mail this year, return it as soon as possible. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned in-person to the county election office by 3 PM on Election Day. You can also return your mail-in ballot in person before Election Day or have someone deliver it on your behalf, which is called “agent delivery.”
  • Due to COVID-19 there is no witness requirement for mail-in ballots for registered voters. Non-registered voters will still need a witness to indicate their proof of residence.
  • Track your mail-in ballot online: mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx to find out when it was mailed to you and ensure it was received and will be counted.
  • If voting in-person this year, double check your polling location: pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. It may have moved due to a shortage of election judges. Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day and anyone who is in line at 8 PM is allowed to vote. Remember to wear a mask to keep you, the election judges, and your fellow voters safe.
  • If you need assistance with voting, you can bring someone to help, ask an election judge, use a machine to help you mark your ballot or even vote from your car. Find more information about voting accessibility and assistance at: www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-day-voting/get-help-voting/.

Need additional information? Call 1-877-600-VOTE (8683), go to the Secretary of State’s website or contact your county election office.

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