50+ Lifestyles

Note! Farmer’s Market Change in Distribution

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging

As in years past, Milestones will be distributing Farmer’s Market vouchers to low- and moderate-income Iowans who are 60 years old and older. This year our Davenport office will begin distribution on June 14. This is a heads up to our walk-in clients that we will not begin this process until 2 weeks later than normal. There will be plenty of checks at that time, so please be patient and save yourself a trip. Distribution will begin at 9 a.m. on June 14th and will go through 3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. If you have any questions, please call Milestones office at (563) 324-9085.

Resource Reminder

Now that I’m very close to reaching Medicare age, I realize that my life will be a little crazy and rocky for a bit. I will need to enroll in Medicare. It is not automatic for people who are not already on Social Security. I can either apply online at www.medicare.gov or contact the Social Security office. There will be decisions to be made on supplemental insurance and a prescription drug plan. I will need to learn the lingo of Part A, B and D and what open season means. I will need to make sure my provider “takes assignment.” I’m sure I’ll have questions about benefits, the “donut hole” and Medicare requirements. Lots to think about, but there is a great resource that not everyone knows about.

Get in contact with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). This is a program that depends on trained volunteers to help individuals with Medicare questions. They can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions. The consultation is free, and its well worth taking the time to get your Medicare questions answered. In Iowa, you can call our office at (563) 324-9085 for the local SHIIP contact information or go to http://www.therightcalliowa.gov/ for a list. In Illinois, contact Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging at (309) 793-6800

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.