Older & Wiser Column

If there's one true mantra for the Medicare Fall Annual Election Period, it's “review your options!”

Medicare Annual Election Period 2019 is upon us. The annual election period is October 15 - December 7. During this period, anyone with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

Medicare Health and drug plans can make changes each year to cost, benefits, coverage, and the plan's network of providers and pharmacies. Therefore, materials sent from the plan, like the “evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) should be reviewed to find out if the plan is changing. Make sure your plan will still meet your needs for the following year.

Some Major updates to Medicare for 2020 include:

• The new Medicare Plan Finder (a modern design and more user friendly functionality)

• Some expansion of Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits

• Medigap Changes

Consider all of your options, since many plans make changes every year and your current plan may not be your best choice for 2020. Shop around to find a plan that best meets your needs and make the most financial sense to you. But before making your final choice, consider contacting your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) located at the Office for the Aging. Our HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Assistance Program) counselors can guide you by making sure you have all of the necessary information to make the best choice possible. They can be reached at the Sullivan County Office for the Aging at (845) 807-0241.

For more information on programs and services available from the Sullivan County Office for the Aging call 845-807-0241.

Upcoming AARP Driver Safety Classes at the following locations: South Fallsburg Senior Center, Laurel Avenue, South Fallsburg, NY, Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please Arrive at 8:45 am and No Walk-ins. To Register and for information call Sonny Smith at 434-8922 after 9 AM (Leave Message). The Fee is $20.00 for AARP members and $25.00 for Non Members. A course is instructed by a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer and is sponsored by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging & RSVP.

Upcoming Community Driver Safety Program, Inc., Defensive Driving Class - Callicoon Town Hall, 19 Legion Street, Jeffersonville, NY on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10 am to 4:30 pm (this allows for one hour for lunch). Call to register toll free at (877) 910-7843. Cost: Under 50 years old $25.00, Over 50 years old $30.00. Pre-Registration required. Web Page: communitydriversafetyprograms.com. Course is instructed by a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer and is sponsored by Community Driver Safety Programs, Inc., Callicoon Town Hall, and the Sullivan County Office for the Aging & RSVP.

Transportation Schedule for week of October 28 through November 1, 2019

For senior shopping bus transportation call 807-0241.

Monday: Town of Bethel, Smallwood, Cochecton, Bethel Senior Housing, and White Lake. (This bus always shops in Monticello) Neversink Bus-Neversink, Grahamsville, and Foxcroft Village. (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello)

Tuesday: Fallsburg Bus- Woodridge, Mountaindale & South Fallsburg (This bus always shops in Monticello) Rockland Bus- Livingston Manor & Roscoe (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello)

Wednesday: Liberty Bus - Liberty (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello) Mamakating Bus - Summitville, Wurtsboro, Bloomingburg. (This bus always shops in Monticello) Thursday: Narrowsburg, Eldred, Barryville, Glen Spey, etc.* (This bus always shops in Monticello) *(and some surrounding areas, not all areas are included). Thompson Bus - All of Monticello and Mongaup Valley. (This bus always shops in Monticello)

Friday: Delaware Bus -Fremont, Callicoon, Hankins, Jeffersonville, etc.* (This bus always shops in Monticello) * (and some surrounding areas, not all areas are included). Liberty Village and Fallsburg Bus - Liberty Village Apts., Hurleyville, Loch Sheldrake, & Kiamesha Lake. (This bus always shops in Monticello)

Suggested Donation of $3.00 per round trip - Bus Donation. Seniors must call 24 hours in advance. Contact Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241. Medical Transportation, including wheelchair - For appointments please let the office know two weeks in advance. Suggested Donation of $10.00 per round trip for medical transportation. To make appointments call the Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241.

Senior Nutrition Sites Menu for week of October 28 through November 1, 2019

Monday, October 28, 2019

Salisbury Steak, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rye Bread, Pumpkin Pie

K: Meatloaf

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Vegetable Lasagna, Broccoli Spears, Tossed Salad, Italian Bread, Fruit Cocktail

K: Lasagna

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Sloppy Joe, Baked Beans, Diced Carrots, Hamburger Bun, Peaches

K: Pot Roast

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Parsley Lemon Chicken, Brown Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Tossed Salad, Butterscotch Pudding

K: Chicken

Friday, November 1, 2019

Fresh Ham/Raisin Sauce, Brown Rice, Red Cabbage, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Apples

K: Roast Turkey

Decaf Tea, Coffee, 2% and Skim Milk served at all meals.

Menu items - Subject to change