It’s that time of year again for all those enrolled in Medicare Part D when you decide to stay with your current plan if you’re satisfied with its coverage, or you can shop around for a policy that better fits your needs. The Medicare annual election period begins on November 15 and runs to December 31.
It seems every year there are more and more companies offering Part D Plans and trying to decide on the right plan for you can be mind boggling. We remind you to carefully evaluate your health care needs and seek assistance if needed to prepare for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
Medicare beneficiaries in need of enrolling in a Prescription Drug Plan for 2011 are invited to attend a free enrollment event in Desoto County on Friday, December 10, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm here at Senior Friendship Centers, 23 No. Polk Ave., in the Way Bldg.
This event is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida in conjunction with the department of Elder Affairs SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. SHINE is the state health insurance counseling and assistance program funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
SHINE volunteers will be available at the event to answer your Medicare questions and/or help you enroll in a Drug Plan for 2011. Be sure to bring a list of your medications with you. For more information, contact the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
Can you believe we are about to celebrate Thanksgiving? I guess not everyone is as unprepared for the upcoming season as I am, because we’ve been getting calls from many wonderful folks asking what they can do for our elderly for the Holidays.
Not to hurt anyone’s feelings, but we really can’t use donations of canned goods and food baskets. We do appreciate the thought, but keep in mind that a majority of our clients are unable to stand and cook meals. A can of vegetables would be enough for several meals and a turkey or ham, which require a bit of preparation, can last forever for one person living alone.
The thought is so kind, but the reality is actually a waste of food. May I suggest if you’d like to donate food you contact our colleagues at Catholic Charities who work so hard in helping all the needy in the community and are always there to help us out when we have a client requiring their help. Catholic Charities is located at 1210 East Oak St., or phone 863-494-1068.
We will once again be collecting our annual “Santa Sacks for Seniors.” We will be accepting these gifts up until Monday, December 13, in order to allow delivery prior to Christmas. This annual event is a highlight each year for the staff and volunteers who deliver the gifts to our clients. We look forward to it each year and we are never disappointed by the outpouring of love shown to our seniors.
In the next couple of weeks, we’ll be discussing further the Santa Sacks and giving some ideas of items to fill the sacks. From the calls we’ve been getting, it seems many of you look forward to this sharing event each year, too.
Remember, together we can make DeSoto County a caring place to grow old.
Karen Blanchette is Director of Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County and can be reached at 494-5965.