It’s been nearly four years since The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 fundamentally changed Medicare as we know it. One of the changes, Medicare Part D, was predicted to be confusing to many seniors, and in the wake of the reforms, more than 30 states, including Pennsylvania, had emergency measures to make sure seniors are able to get the medications they need.
The concept of “credible coverage” is the reason for so much confusion. Once the changes passed into law, Medicare administrators had to decide whether the prescription plans most seniors had already enrolled in were as good as or better than Part D, or “credible”. If administrators decided a senior’s plan was credible coverage, that senior could keep his or her current prescription plan and enroll in a Part D plan at a later date without a penalty.
If the prescription plan was rejected by Medicare, the senior would have to choose a Part D plan immediately, or face a higher monthly premium down the road, just like with Medicare Parts A and B. This caused a problem for many of the seniors who come to Lutheran Settlement House: what do you do if you don’t think you need a particular medication “right now”, but find you need it later? The wrong decision could lead to a higher premium for Part D. Nearly all of the seniors at LSH were concerned that their coverage through PACE or through their former employers wouldn’t count as credible. This worry was eased when PACE and employers confirmed the seniors were covered.
According to Rebecca Hull, the Senior Center Counselor, recent efforts by PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) to ensure that all senior were enrolled Medicare Part D hit a snag. “PACE was trying to do everyone a favor by signing up eligible seniors for Medicare Part D. PACE paid their premiums, to make sure that all of our seniors got increased medical coverage. Unfortunately, once they were signed up, some of our seniors lost coverage from their primary plan!”
Medicare Part D can be expensive, with a monthly cost of about $40.00 and a $250.00 deductible for coverage.” Furthermore, drug costs are not counted by Part D administrators as the senior’s co-pay, but as the actual cost. To illustrate: if a senior’s co-pay for a drug is $10.00 a prescription, but the drug actually costs $100.00 per prescription, the government counts the $100,leading directly to reduced coverage for seniors.
The Medicare Part D “donut hole” was an unpleasant surprise for many seniors and continues to be a serious concern. Medicare Part D participants have to pay the first $250 each year, after which Medicare will pay 75% of the next $2000 worth of drugs. But when seniors reach the limit of $2250, there is a gap in coverage (the donut hole) of about $2,000 during which Medicare Part D participants not only pay the full amount for drugs and treatment, but the $40.00 monthly fee as well. “The total personal expense for seniors is about $3600.00,” says Ms. Hull. “Of course, once the senior reaches the $5,000 limit, everything but the $40.00 monthly fee is totally covered. Unfortunately, most of our seniors are living on a fixed income, and have other bills to pay. When it boils down to a choice of ‘heat-or-eat’, most can’t afford that $2,000 gap in coverage.”
“Ever since Medicare Part D passed, the staff in the Senior Center has made a concerted effort to make sure our seniors aware that PACE is accepted as credible coverage,” says Michele Lutz, Director of the Senior Center. “Coverage is unlimited, there’s no enrollment fee, and no donut hole.
“We’re also encouraging seniors to join Medicaid,” adds Ms. Hull. “Medicaid has open enrollment, and prescription co-pays are only about $2.00-$5.00. Seniors living check-to-check can really benefit from this program, and what’s more, they can switch for free, at any time.”
To learn more about LSH’s Senior Services, and how you can get help with any problems surrounding Medicare Part D, please contact us!
Thanks to a prestigious grant from the Lutheran Services to the Elderly Endowment, the Senior Center is pleased to offer the Senior MENS Project, a weekly forum for men aged 65 and older that addresses health issues, end-of-life issues, aging, emotional/psychosocial issues, and other transitions through a therapy group, peer encouragement, and community and congregational connections. The group meets every Thursday from 12:30 to 3:00 PM at the Neumann North Senior Residence at 1741 Frankford Avenue in Fishtown. The program is open to any male senior citizen aged 65 and older: it is not necessary to be a member of the LSH Senior Center.
Although the program has only been running since January 11, the program has already been incredibly popular with LSH participants. “The men are so excited abut the project, they’re already asking whether there’s a part 2,” says Peggy Eagle, Activity Coordinator.
“The first few sessions have focused mostly on successful aging,” Ms. Eagle added. “We’ve addressed topics such as physical fitness, depression and men, and advance directives, specifically the Five Wishes”, a living will styled document helps seriously ill individuals express how they want to be treated, medically, personally, emotionally, and spiritually, if unable to speak for themselves. In addition to discussion, the MENS Project also offers participants an opportunity to put words into action, with a fitness instructor, weights and stretch bands incorporated into an exercise program.
Besides offering guidance to senior men addressing important issues in their lives, the Senior MENS Project is also an opportunity for participants to build community as they each out and support each other in their common journey. In addition, the project allows Senior Center staff and participants the ability to clarify and strengthen older adults’ connections to their neighborhoods and to their faith communities.
Although the program is still in its initial stages, the SENIOR MENS project is already in demand. LSH is committed to expanding the program to other local senior centers, and to enrolling new members in our group. The Project already been offered to Interac, a senior center in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia.
For more information on the Senior MENS project, contact Senior Center Activity Coordinator Peggy Eagle at 215-426-8610, extension 206.
Once upon a time in Fishtown, Pat McGough was walking down the street on a warm September afternoon when a tall, handsome young lad swooped her off her feet and threw her under the water streaming from the fire hydrant. If you’re from Philly, you remember that scene all too well. Pat, not to be outdone, filled a metal bucket with water and as she threw the water on Joe Wonderlin, the bucket flew along with the water, splitting his lip. That episode was followed by a five year courtship which led to a 48-year marriage. Joe and Pat were wed at a Nuptial Mass in 1958. After a brief honeymoon in New York City, they returned to Philadelphia because Pat was homesick.
Joe and Pat were both born and raised in Fishtown. Pat attended Holy Name grammar school and graduated from Hallahan Catholic School for Girls, while Joe’s school career led from Adair to Penn Treaty to Dobbins Vocational School. They have three children and many fond memories of camping on weekends and summers in their trailer outside of Sea Isle City, NJ. The couple enjoys traveling, especially a recent trip with the family to Nova Scotia.
After retiring as a sheet metal worker from Boeing Aircraft, Joe has a lot more time for his hobbies: his family and gardening. Like the garden, the family just keeps growing, including eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren! Meanwhile, Pat, a former executive secretary, became an active participant and volunteer in LSH and other social clubs. She is currently the Senior Advisor Council Treasurer.
Lutheran Settlement House is honored to invite you to its third annual Women of Courage: Women of Inspiration Awards and Dinner Ceremony.
Join us in celebrating nine courageous women who have overcome obstacles and made a significant contribution to the community in the areas of Adult Education, Domestic Violence, Senior Services and Homeless Services, at Lutheran Settlement House’s Annual Women of Courage: Women of Inspiration Awards and Dinner Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at Regency Hyatt Hotel at Penn’s Landing at 6pm.
Among this year’s recipient is Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. “Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, it is because of your commitment to issues affect seniors, families and children in need, that Lutheran Settlement House is honored to have you as the 2007 recipient of the Jane Addams award.” Beatriz Vieira, Executive Director, LSH.
This event is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Beneficial Savings Bank and Health Partners.
For ticket information, please call Suzette Belz at 215-426-8610 ext 208.
Spring is in the air. Grass is greener, birds are singing, and it's time to clean out your closets. Because no one wants to be inside scrubbing when the weather warms up, here are a few tips to speed up the spring cleaning process:
- Dust blinds by wrapping a cloth around a ruler. Spray cloth with a dusting spray and run the flat end across each blind.
- Shine windows using old newspaper.
- Clean windows on an average temperature, preferably overcast day to avoid streaks.
- Dry windows outside in one direction then inside in the other direction. If you see a streak, you will know which side is the ofender.
- To clean window sills, pour diluted rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub the entire surface.Then dust off the sill with a clean cloth.
- Baking soda or club soda will clean and shine stainless steel sinks easily.
- Remove stubborn water spots from a stainless sink with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
- Wipe refrigerator with vinegar to prevent mildew.
- Don't mix cleaning products. Ammonia and bleach are toxic.
- To clean a computer screen or television, first turn the power off. Then sparingly wet a cleaning cloth or paper towel with glass cleaner and wipe the screen. Never use a spray bottle directly, as the mist could settle inside through the ventilation slots.
*Some content courtesy of debra4homes and The Maids International Websites
Warm weather is just around the corner but for homeless women and children struggling to find shelter from the cold, spring must still seem so far away. So I am delighted to announce that before the winter is over, Lutheran Settlement House will be re-opening its shelter, almost a year and a half after the disaster that forced the evacuation of 95 residents (including 65 children). Approximately 30 women and their children will soon have a roof over their heads and the supportive services that will help them achieve permanent housing and independence.
Our goal will be to assist these families with everything from finding a job, to living a healthy, clean, and sober lifestyle, to providing school supplies and clothes for their children. But we can’t do it without your support! So before the winter is over, won’t you help us help others to help themselves?
There are so many ways you could help;
• Make a secure donation online Click here...
• Donate toys, books, and school supplies for young children and teenagers;
• Newborns need baby formula, baby food, blankets, and diapers;
• Donate season-appropriate clothing in good repair for women seeking employment and their children.
Or simply mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Lutheran Settlement House
1340 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Gifts of $250, $500 and $1,000 will guarantee that our shelter will be a place where women and children in need can find employment assistance, educational opportunities, domestic violence counseling, and the necessary support to make the transition out of homelessness. Whatever you give, you will be helping to fulfill Lutheran Settlement House’s mission of “empowering individuals, families, and communities to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.”
For more information on how you could help, please contact Suzette Belz at 215-426-8610 x 208 or sbelz@lutheransettlement.org
