Senior living

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• Older people – health and hygiene
• Older people – finance, personal

Medicare Information

“Medicare and the New Health Law – What it Means for You”

Medicare beneficiaries across the country should receive copies of a brochure “Medicare and the New Health Law – What it Means for You” in their mailboxes.  The mailing from CMS outlines key provisions of the Affordable Care Act for people with Medicare as well as members of their families.  The mailing is being sent in both English and Spanish. 

Because Medicare is a trusted resource for beneficiaries and their family members, the mailing encourages them to log on to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get their questions about Medicare or the Affordable Care Act answered and reminds them to be on the alert for possible scams.

The first benefit that many people with Medicare will receive as a result of the passage of the new law is a one-time check for $250, if they enter the Part D donut hole and are not eligible for Medicare Extra Help.  Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get free preventive care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, in addition to a free annual wellness visit.   The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars. 

The brochures can also be found at: http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11467.pdf (English) and http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11467_S.pdf (Spanish). 

Websites

The AARP site offers links to member services and benefits, plus information about computers, health and wellness, senior-related legislative information, leisure activities, life transitions, the AARP research center, volunteer information, and a changing menu of current articles.

The site uses information from Healthwise Inc. a nonprofit that has published consumer-health publication for decades, and the Medicare Rights Center, a New York advocacy group that helps patients cut through red tape.

This site offers links to other sites that cover a wide range of topics including nostalgia, active living, healthy eating, legal issues, financial concerns, mental health, and pets.

This agency is the federal focal point for older persons and their concerns. The agency's website offers senior statistics, links to aging-related Web sites, and information on topics such as elder abuse prevention.

is a nationwide directory of Senior Housing with a special emphasis on Assisted Living. Seniors and their families can use the site to learn about senior housing options and request information from particular communities for free.

Cohousing communities combine the advantages of private homes with the benefits of more sustainable living, including shared common facilities and ongoing connections with neighbors.

Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization with 25 years of experience providing educational adventures for adults who are 55 and older.

This site offers information about long-term care and eldercare, and it includes links to policies, research, statistics, and information on legal, financial, medical, and housing issues.

A national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers. In Williamsport, the office is located at 140 West Third Street, across the street from CareerLink. Call 570.321.5811 for more information.

is a free nationwide directory of Home Care providers. Seniors and their families can use our site to learn about Home Care options and request information from Home Care providers for free.

Easy to use information covering many medical topics, from allergies to weight loss.

Exchanging homes is becoming a popular way for retired people to see the world. This site helps connect people who want to exchange homes for vacations or extended stays.

The official Medicare site provides access to many publications on various Medicare-related topics, lists of frequently asked questions, and information on coverage, eligibility, enrollment, plan choices, and nursing homes.
Video and resource guide featured on Ask Medicare. The video tells one family’s story, and highlights programs and resources that benefit and enhance a caregiver’s well-being.  In addition, the video and resource guide provide links to services available for caregivers and care recipients through the HHS Administration on Aging, HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other state and local programs. Ask Medicare is a website for caregivers.  It is as easy to help a friend or family member choose a drug plan, compare nursing homes, get help with billing, find local resources, and more!

The NSCLC is a national advocacy group for low-income senior citizens. As a national support center, the NSCLC advocates for seniors through litigation, legislative and agency representation, and assistance to attorneys and paralegals.

A site specially designed for seniors, with larger print and short, easy-to-read articles.

This site is a guide to retirement communities, assisted living residences, Alzheimer's facilities, and nursing homes nationwide.

Savvy Senior is a national information service devoted to older Americans and their families.

Sign up to receive the weekly Senior  Newswire by email.

Computer classes taught by seniors for seniors on the fourth floor of the James V. Brown Library. New classes offered on a regular basis. See their web site for complete information on how to sign up for SeniorNet classes.

This site offers information about the different housing options available to seniors, including assisted living, age-restricted apartments, and relocation options.

At the Social Security site, you can access a directory of frequently asked questions on all Social Security Administration -related topics.

This site contains over 5000 links to sites of broad interest to people over 50.