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Senior News

Changes Coming To County OFAS

Like all of you, the Office for Aging Services (OFAS) is itching to get back to in-person programs and activities that have been on hold during the pandemic. While I can’t say that we are done with COVID-19, my staff and I feel that we are at a point where we can set aside some of the emergent things we were doing and focus on rebuilding programs and activities that have been on hold for the last two years. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes by our nutrition team to modernize and streamline our Dining-In (Home-delivered), Dining-Out (Restaurant) and Dining-Together ...

Are There Ways To Cut Prescription Costs?

Question: My pharmacists said I can get some of my medications cheaper. How can that be? Answer: I often have individuals tell me their medication is cheaper for cash than their insurance coverage price. Remember than your insurance company is negotiating that cost with the pharmacy and the pharmaceutical company. Sometimes those prices seem to be inflated and then they discount the cost to your copay structure. Companies like “GoodRx” and CostPlusDrugs are medication discount opportunities you can use. We regularly talk with clients about GoodRx and CostPlusDrugs. First, let ...

How To Plan For Post- Retirement Medical Expenses

People need to be aware of the potential costs of medical care in retirement and plan ahead so they can meet those obligations if and when the need arises. When individuals retire, they not only walk away from work, but also relinquish thier steady paychecks. For many, retirement can be a ...

Medicare Savings Program Expansion In Effect

Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who have a limited income may be newly eligible to receive help with their health care costs through a Medicare Savings Program in 2023. Currently, people who enrolled in Medicaid at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are largely still enrolled. In 2020, Congress put limits on states curtailing it for those individuals, but that requirement ends in April 2023, at which point states will begin or continue recertifying Medicaid eligibility. Those who no longer qualify will lose coverage, and enrollees who have difficulties navigating these ...

Aging Is A Time To Focus On Flexibility

If moving is more difficult now than in your younger years, it may be a result of deceased flexibility. Flexibility refers to your body’s ability to move through its full range of motion without pain or difficulty. If you do not move your body regularly, the lack of physical movement will affect your flexibility as your tendons stiffen and your muscles degenerate from lack of use. As you stop getting into certain positions that were once easy, you lose function and your quality of life becomes impaired. Flexibility is very much a case of use it or lose it, as the saying ...

How To Get Senior Services Renewed

Many people as they get older receive programs and services from different government agencies. Maybe you have Medicaid in addition to Medicare to help with medical bills. Long-term Medicaid that pays for services in your home or nursing home expenses. You may receive SNAP to help pay for groceries or HEAP to help with your heating bills or to replace/repair your furnace. Often we hear complaints from older adults that services were cut at their annual review or do not meet their needs. So this month, I wanted to explain the process to have your services reviewed. It is called a ...