Dispelling myths on social security
By Lynn Kellogg Few federal initiatives have had such broad sweeping success as Social Security. Medicare and Medicaid come close, but Social Security stands alone in its universality, pay-in, earned right status, and nationwide success. The idea of Social Security goes back to the Civil War era. The first U.S. federal pension plan was created […]
Be on the lookout for Medicare fraud, elder abuse
By Sara Duris Q. My father went to a local health fair and was offered a knee wrap to help his arthritis. He was told it was free but on his recent Explanation of Benefits, it appears Medicare was billed for an expensive knee brace that isn’t even like what he got from the vendor. […]
Does Medicare cover mental health counseling?
Q. My father lost his second wife last year and his behavior has really changed. I’ve suggested grief counseling, but he refuses. Lately even watching the news seems to make him agitated and he acts out in anger to his kids and grandkids. I’m worried he is having some sort of mental breakdown or has […]
My favorite day of the year
By Alexandra Newman I’m not exaggerating when I say the Senior Expo is my favorite day of the year. OK, maybe it’s second to my birthday (and my grandma’s birthday) but it really is a special day for me. When I was first tasked with planning the Senior Expo when I started at Area Agency […]
Replacing a Medicare card, and when you should carry it
By Sara Duris Q. My Medicare card has been water-damaged. How do I get a new one? A. You can get a replacement card by logging into or creating a Medicare account to order or print an official copy of your Medicare card, or you can call to request one. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order […]
Protecting older adults and the programs that serve them
By Lynn Kellogg “The budget reconciliation act (H.R. 1)—formerly named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or OBBBA—was signed into law on July 4, 2025. It cuts over a trillion dollars from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).” Implementation is planned after the mid-term elections. The quote above is from Justice in Aging, […]
What’s the difference between Initial Enrollment or a Special Enrollment in Medicare?
By Sara Duris Q. What’s the difference between Initial Enrollment or a Special Enrollment in Medicare? A. When you turn 65, you are eligible to enroll in Medicare. This is your Initial Enrollment period, spanning seven months — the three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after your birthday. […]
Being ‘dually eligible’ and treatment at nursing facilities
By Sara Duris Q. I’ve had the same chore provider for three years and now I found out they won’t get paid anymore. What is happening? A. I’m going to speculate that you have both Medicare and Medicaid insurance coverage, or in other words you are dually eligible. Individuals who are dually eligible can have […]
Services available for veterans, Medicare recipients
By Lynn Kellogg Kindergarten rules are sometimes cited as being good for adulthood. They tend to focus on safety, kindness, respect, listening and picking up after yourself. Another set of rules might easily be coined “Depression era” rules. I had the good fortune to be born of WWII, Depression era parents. Born in 1915 and 1920, […]
Breaking Barriers: Hard times, but we can get through
By Lynn Kellogg When in town I’ve taken to joining a weekly tai chi class. Promoted as “moving meditation” or “the gentle martial art”, it seeks balance in life. With different movements, you inhale the energy you need and exhale what you don’t need. Its positive impact on mental and physical health is proven. One […]