MNRAAA Announces Jason W. Swanson as New Executive Director

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The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging’s Board of Directors (MNRAAA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Executive Director Jason W. Swanson.

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New Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Ends March 31

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Minnesotans on Medicare have until March 31, 2019 to make changes to their Medicare Advantage Plan for the calendar year.

New in 2019, people who have their Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage Plan can make a one-time plan change from January 1 through March 31. This new open enrollment period gives Medicare beneficiaries a second opportunity to decide which Medicare Advantage Plan is right for them.

During this new open enrollment period, those on Medicare can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage, said Robin Thompson, Information and Assistance Director at Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging. They can also disenroll from their Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare and join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if they choose to, added Thompson.

However, during this open enrollment period, those on Medicare cannot:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
  • Join a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if on Original Medicare)
  • Switch from one Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan to another (if on Original Medicare)

Medicare can be complicated, but the Senior LinkAge Line can help. The Senior LinkAge Line is a free statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging. Call 1-800-333 -2433 for help with Medicare and much more.

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Linda Giersdorf, Executive Director of MNRAAA to Retire

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Linda Giersdorf has announced her retirement as the Executive Director of the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA).

In her 35 years of service to the MNRAAA, Linda has served in a variety of positions advancing from an entry level position to executive director; the position she has held for the past 25 years. Through her work she has demonstrated her commitment to enriching the lives of all people and her passion for older adults, caregivers and all those who serve and support them. Linda has been the chair of the Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging (m4A) since 2014. She has been an active member and former treasurer of the Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA) and a board member of the Chesley Center on Aging.

“Working on behalf of MNRAAA’s mission to provide advocacy, information, resources and assistance so that older adults can maintain the lifestyle of their choice has been a rewarding career,” Linda said. “I am proud of our Board of Directors and to our talented staff for their commitment to fulfilling MNRAAA’s mission.  It has been my privilege to lead this multi-faceted and amazing organization.”

Linda has played an active role in effecting change throughout her years of service. She has supported and advocated for older adults to thrive in southwest Minnesota and maintain the lifestyle of their choice.  As the executive director for MNRAAA and the chair of m4A, she advocated for the rights of older adults and caregivers with elected officials; focusing her efforts on evidence-based health promotion programs to maintain the health and well-being of older adults and caregivers.

“During her tenure as executive director, Linda has led MNRAAA through both great structural change and the way the organization, and its staff, deliver services to older adults in southwestern Minnesota,” said Bob Roesler, MNRAAA Board Chair.

Linda’s last day will be Friday, October 5, 2018.

A MNRAAA search committee has launched a regional search for her replacement. Visit this page for more information.

About the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

As the designated area agency on aging for 27 counties in southwest Minnesota, the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is a catalyst in building communities where older adults live with dignity, mutual respect and shared responsibilities across generations and cultures.

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Medicare is Changing in Minnesota

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Medicare Cost Plans, a type of Medicare plan very popularMedicare is Changing in Minnesota in Minnesota, will be ending on December 31, 2018 for many, but not all Medicare beneficiaries. This will affect Medicare coverage for many people on Medicare across the state.

Cost Plans are ending, because a law passed by Congress requires the plans to end in most counties in Minnesota in 2019. This law requires that Medicare Cost Plans end in counties that have at least two other coverage choices (known as Medicare Advantage) that meet enrollment requirements.

If you are impacted by the Cost Plan changes, you will receive notices from Medicare and your Cost Plan in September. Read and keep every piece of mail you receive from Medicare and your plan. The notices you receive will provide you with important information about the changes.

If the Cost Plan changes affect you, you will need to take action to make sure you have the coverage you need on January 1, 2019.

It is important to know that you have options!

There will be plenty of time to learn about your plan choices and to make the best decision for you.

You can connect with experts to help you weigh your options by calling 1-800-Medicare, or Minnesota’s Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.

So, relax and enjoy your summer, because you do not need to do anything about your Medicare plan now. But, keep an eye out for mail from your plan and Medicare in the fall, so you can make a decision that is right for you.

Visit the Senior LinkAge Line’s website at: seniorlinkageline.com

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