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New York Connects Conducting Survey

Our NY Connects program is doing a survey! Why? Because we want to know what it is that people in Chautauqua need. What keeps them from getting the services they need and want? We believe that people will need more help in the future with long-term care services and support. When we age in our homes; people generally have more complex care needs. So, we are asking that everyone take a short survey if you fall into one of three categories. 1. A consumer: those receiving some kind of long-term services or support or are in need of them 2. A caregiver for an individual of ...

How To Live Your Best Life

Total Wellness. This is a big concept. The definition of wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to better health outcomes. There are two important concepts in this definition. First, health is not a passive or reactive state of being. Second, it is multi-dimensional. It extends beyond just our physical health of what we eat and exercise programs we participate. Instead, our personal wellness is determined by our choices, behaviors, and lifestyles as well as being strongly influenced by physical, social, and cultural environments in which we ...

Know The Signs Of Alzheimer’s

Americans are living longer than ever before. While longer life brings great opportunities, older adults also face an increased risk of developing a chronic health condition or a cognitive disorder. Since September is Alzheimer’s awareness month, we want people to recognize the differences between normal aging-related changes and something more serious like dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term for a decline memory and thinking ability such that it interferes with everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of ...

Medigap Plans May Be Answer To Rate Increase Frustration

Question: I just got a letter from my Medicare Supplement Plan and the letter says the monthly premium rates are going up? It is a HUGE increase! Answer: Well, I have to say that I have heard this from a lot of people recently on this topic. Each year at about this time, the insurance companies send a letter to all their enrollees informing them of the proposed rate increase to begin January 1. The letter you received states that this increase has been submitted to the New York State Department of Finance Services, so it is not the final word. The final announcement of the actual price ...

How Long Before Flex-Spending Account Has To Be Used

Question: I have a Flex-Spending Account how long do I have to use the money that I have in it? Answer: In the past I have talked about Flex-Spending Accounts (FSA) and HSA (Health Savings Account) and the differences between them. An HSA is a pre-tax way of saving money to pay for medical expenses later. The HSA is available for those individuals who have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). A HSA is an account that is in your name. The money deposited into the HSA is not taxed when taken directly from your wages. You can also deposit money into this account from other sources. ...

Is Long Term Care Insurance A Good Purchase?

Question: I have been considering Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI), and would like to know what you recommend? Answer: Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) can be a useful tool to help pay for healthcare services you may need in the future, but not for everyone. As a Geriatric Care Manager, I can work with individuals who already have LTCI and want to begin using it to help pay for their care. I can also help evaluate whether LTCI is a useful purchase for you. It is important to understand how LTCI protects you and helps pay for care. LTCI usually reimburses you for care you have already ...