Senior Call Check

It's not too late to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage options! You have until December 7th to switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, change to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Changes will take effect on January 1, 2024. Before you make any changes to your plan, go to https://ow.ly/uTvx50Qe5pv or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find the best plan for you. You can find additional information on how to protect yourself from Medicare marketing fraud at https://ow.ly/4l1U50Qe5pu.

In Maryland, there are an estimated 760,000 unpaid caregivers who provide 710 million hours of care valued at $12.5 billion. Be sure to let them know you appreciate their commitment, compassion, and dedication. Find caregiver resources and events at: https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/national-family-caregiver-support.aspx

Native American Heritage Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is celebrated to encourage Americans of all backgrounds to appreciate and honor indigenous cultures with ceremonies & activities. To learn more about cultural and heritage festivals taking place in Maryland, go to https://ow.ly/h1iP50Q8vTK.

Now's your chance to review your Medicare coverage and see if you can save money next year! By comparing all your coverage options, you may find lower premiums and lower prescription drug costs. You may also find a plan that offers extra benefits, like vision, dental, or hearing coverage, transportation, or fitness benefits. If you need assistance contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office at aging.maryland.gov/SHIP.

During National Family Caregivers Month, it's important to remember that many grandparents and older adults are taking care of grandchildren or other children in their family. Maryland’s Kinship Navigator Services is an information and referral program that supports kinship caregivers who are caring for their minor relative(s), who are unable to safely remain in the care of their parents. For more information, contact your Local Department of Social Services or go to https://dhs.maryland.gov/foster-care/kinship-care/

By 2034, adults 65 and older will outnumber children under 18, and the share of potential caregivers is projected to keep shrinking compared with those likely to need long-term care. The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was created to support family caregivers of all ages, from youth to grandparents, and regardless of where they live or what caregiving looks like for them and their loved ones. To learn more go to https://ow.ly/Wtrm50Q8ujT. Find additional resources at https://ow.ly/9EU550Q8ujS.