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2 Social Events To Celebrate Our Golden Anniversary!

The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (OFAS) turns 50 this year! In May, we will be celebrating our Golden Anniversary with 2 socials events for our older residents to enjoy! You can choose to attend on May 3rd at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel or on May 10th at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Dunkirk. The theme appropriately is “Thanks for the Memories” and we hope everyone will come and celebrate with us and share your memories of the last 50 years. Call NY Connects at 716-753-4582 for tickets and reservations. OFAS was established on May 11, 1973 through ...

Is There Help To Pay For Internet Service?

Question: I have been told there is help to pay for my phone, but what about my internet service? Answer: Well your question got me doing a little research and I am learning a lot! I have worked with phone discounts for many years called “Lifeline”. I will explain the benefits for those that don’t understand what the Lifeline Discount program is. Lifeline is a monthly discount on your phone service of $9.25 per month (more if you live on Tribal lands). This discount can apply regardless of how you receive your phone service, traditional landline, cell phone or through ...

Are COVID-19 Tests Still Covered By Medicare?

Question: How does Medicare cover COVID-19 tests? Answer: Medicare coverage for COVID-19 related issues has changed as we have moved through this pandemic. In the beginning it was about isolation and CDC protocols. The immunization process began to make us feel more comfortable with COVID-19 and being around others. We are approaching the end of the National Department of Health and Human Services declared Public Health Emergency (PHE), which is set to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. This PHE expiration will end many of the other declarations and legislative actions taken ...

South County Annual Senior Social To Be Held May 3

The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary during May’s Older Americans Month. The anniversary also gives us the opportunity to honor the conty’s older adult community that we have the privilege to serve. This year the OAM’s theme is “Aging Unbound”, which offers the opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes and ageism discrimination. Our communities only benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. Our annual social will be a celebration including ...

What Seniors Can Do To Safeguard Their Mental Health

No one is immune to issues that can adversely affect their mental health, including men and women nearing retirement age and those who are already retired. Though the term “golden years” suggests life in retirement is one sunny day after another, many individuals 60 and older are dealing with mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 percent of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. What makes that statistic even more troubling is that the WHO acknowledges it likely doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of ...

What To Do After A Medicare Denial

For many, Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Medicare Part B (Medical) denials are due to reasons such as not meeting medical necessity; frequency limitations; and even basic coding mistakes. Denials are subject to appeal, since a denial is a payment determination. It is beneficial for an individual to understand why they have received a Medicare denial letter. Medicare’s reasons for denial for Part A and Part B can include: ¯ Medicare does not deem the service medically necessary. ¯ A person has a Medicare Advantage plan, and they used a healthcare provider outside of ...