The Seniors Voice

Volume 10, No. 4 Fall , 2013 CONTENTS

Its Medicare Part D Time Again!

Yes, its that time of the year again. No, not Halloween, but just as scary. Its time to look at your Medicare Part D coverage. This is the portion of Medicare that covers your prescription drugs and is specific to each person. Thats why its so important to review it every year! Between October 15 and December 7, 2013 you have a chance to join a Medicare Part D plan for the 2014 plan year. If you already have a Medicare Part D plan, this is your time to look back over 2013 and make an enrollment decision for your coverage for 2014. Should you stay with your existing coverage or make a change? The only way to make this decision is to gather up all your prescription medications and go to medicare.gov, put all the required information into the webpage and then decide what plan you should have. Sometimes its not too hard to decide, but sometimes it can be very confusion. WAIT, thats were RAAA can help. If for any reason you cant access Medicare this way, trained Virginia Insurance Assistance Program (VICAP) Counselors are available to help you make the right decision. You can schedule an appointment with one of our counselors and well do the hard work for you. Youll be given information on the best plans for you, then you can make the decision on which one youd like to enroll in. The plans change each year. This is why its so important to make sure the plan you pick for the next year is the right one for you, not someone else. Dont let this enrollment time pass you by. Make your appointment today by calling 540-371-3375. Remember, January 1, 2014 is when your new Medicare Part D plan becomes effective and you will be able to begin using your Part D benefits.

Medicare Part D.1 Caf Corner.....3 Director's Corner...4 Medicare Open Enrollment....5 Spotlight on New Employees ......6 Transportation News.....7 Senior Medicare Patrol..8 RAAA Improvements.......9 Words of Wisdom......10 Special Birthday11 Thanks to the RAAA Board of Directors.11 Sudoko13

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

Senior Voice

460 Lendall Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Phone

540/371-3375 800/262-4012 in Caroline County

Fax

540/371-3384

Hours

MF, 8:00 am 4:30 pm

Website Email

www.raaa16.org info@raaa16.org

Service Areas

City of Fredericksburg Caroline County King George County Spotsylvania County Stafford County

Both the SPOTSYLVANIA and STAFFORD CAFES celebrated Ole Hippie Day. Seniors went down memory lane recalling many happenings during this special time in their lifes journey! Many dressed accordingly, shared music and memories. Who knows what will be up next. Dont try to guess.
SPOTSYLVANIA CAF

STAFFORD CAF

The mission of the Aging Network is to enhance the quality of life for all older citizens. The Seniors Voice, Page 2 Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Board Chairman Joey Lambert Advisory Council Chairman Karl Karch Executive Director Leigh Wade

FREDERICKSBURG CAF

Senior Services Coordinator Pat Holland Nutrition Services Coordinator Robin Campbell LTC Ombudsman/VICAP Linda Hamrick VICAP Assistant/ Hispanic Outreach Jazmine Alcazar VICAP Assistant Janet Moss Housing Inspector Lil Weston Office Manager/ Weatherization Assistant Janie Wampler Mobility Manager Denis Paddeu Mobility Manager Assistant Jennifer Falknor Travel Trainer Don Engiles Transportation Coordinator Boyd Elliott Data Systems Administrator Yelena Gurfinkel Education Care Navigator Arminda Perch CRIA Specialist Rachel McKain Receptionist Diane Johnson Wylie Rollins Title V Participant Staff Michael Duvall

The FREDERICKSBURG CAF treated members and staff to a wonderful barbeque. Hamburgers, hotdogs and BBQ ribs were all part of this incredible spread. The fixings and sides were too numerous to list. There was a lot of lip smacking and finger licking going on and we here at the office certainly hope it happens again very soon! Thanks for the invite!!!
Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Leigh Wade, Executive Director Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging We hear a lot about the federal government shut down which creates anxiety among all of us. In this issue of The Seniors Voice, I wanted to take a moment to touch on legislative issues and the impact on our services. Politics has become a part of our everyday conversations. In order for the government to continue operating, Congress must pass a budget for 2014 which will take effect on October 1. As we have experienced in previous legislative sessions, passing a budget for this congress has been difficult at best. Republicans and Democrats are having difficulty in agreeing on the approved spending for all programs. Since Congress cannot agree on a budget, our legislators can pass what is known as a Continuing Resolution to continue funding programs. The continuing resolution will provide Congress extra time to come to an agreement on the budget for 2014. The House and Senate have disagreed on the amount of money that should be included in the budget for programs such as our nutrition, homemaking and transportation programs. Our budget was impacted by the implementation of the Sequestration earlier this year. Because of the impact, our budget was cut 8% which is the same as shutting down our services for an entire month. While we did not have to take such drastic measures, the impact of the budget reduction was difficult to implement. Staff is working hard to cut corners in order to minimize the impact of the funding reduction. Some efforts to cut corners include increasing the co-payment for transportation, reducing the number of meals that are provided to our clients when the Senior Cafes are closed and seeking additional grant funding from our partner agencies. What can you do? Take time to educate our legislators on the needs for services in our area. Meals for one week, delivered to a frail individuals home, cost about $50 which would feed that person 7 different meals. Let your voice be heard. Tell Congress what it means to go hungry. Also, we are a 501(c) 3. Your donations are tax deductible. When you are looking for a worthy non-profit to adopt over the Holidays, keep our agency in mind. Your donations will be used to provide our frail friends funds to help make their Holiday that much brighter. Thank you for all you do. These are challenging times and your efforts do make a difference. If you would like additional information or have questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

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Stronger Than Ever Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 - December 7
Medicare is stronger than ever with more benefits, better choices, and lower costs to beneficiaries. Expanded Medicare benefits continue to be available including certain free preventive benefits, cancer screenings and an annual wellness visit. Whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan - take advantage of Open Enrollment to review cost, coverage, or both for next year (2014). More Benefits: Certain preventive benefits including cancer screenings are available with no cost to patients when furnished by qualified and participating health professionals. The annual wellness visit allows people to sit down and discuss with their doctor their health care needs and the best ways to stay healthy. Better Choices: Medicare will notify beneficiaries about plan performance and use its online Plan Finder to encourage enrollment in quality plans. Lower Costs: Average premiums for 2014 for prescription drug coverage and Medicare health plans will remain stable. People who are in the donut hole in Medicares prescription drug benefit will enjoy approximately 53 percent discounts on covered brand name drugs and see increased savings on generic drugs. Your health needs change from year to year. And, your health plan may change the benefits and costs each year too. That's why its important to evaluate your Medicare choices regularly. Open Enrollment is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage. Its worth it to take the time to review and compare, but you dont have to do it alone.

The RAPPAHANNOCK AREA AGENCY ON AGING IS HERE TO HELP. CALL AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT, OCT 15 DECEMBER 7 540-371-3375

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ON T H G I ees L y o l p m SPOT E west e N s A RAA
Arminda Perch Education Care Navigator
Arminda Perch is the new Education Care Navigator at the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (RAAA). She is originally from Arizona and California, but moved to the northern Virginia area from Coastal Georgia where she worked as an assistant wellness coordinator and GA-REACH Interventionist with the Coastal Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging (CAAA). During her time with the CAAA, she helped them to successfully implement two evidence-based programs across a nine-county region: Stanford Universitys Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) and GA-REACH, a dementia caregiver program available through The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. Her role with the RAAA will be to help them implement the new COMPAS program which is a collaboration with Stafford Hospital and other agencies to bring evidencebased self-management programs that are designed to help our seniors better manage their chronic health conditions. Arminda had an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and a Master of Business Administration. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified REACH Interventionist, and a Certified Care Transitions Coach. She currently resides in Charlottesville with her husband David, and their two children, Jacob and Jonathan. She can be contacted at: aperch@raaa16.org or (540) 371-3375.

Janet Moss Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program Counselor

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of the newest member of our Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) team. Her name is Janet Moss, and she became a part of the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging in August. Janet brings a wealth of experience with her. She has a B.S. in Social Work, and she continues to serve our community in a variety of ways, including her work with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library system, and the Moss Free Clinic. Her solid commitment to serving clients has already become quite apparent. Janet is here, along with our other VICAP Counselors, to talk with those who need unbiased, confidential counseling and assistance regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and related areas.

WERE HERE TO HELP 540-371-3375

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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TRANSPORTATION NEWS
MOBILITY OPTIONS PRICE INCREASE Due to actions beyond our control including the recent decline in federal assistance caused by implementation of the sequestration, combined with increasing costs for fuel and insurance, it has become necessary for the Mobility Options Transportation Program to increase the co-payment for transportation services. Effective October 1, 2013, the one-way charge for a local trip on a Mobility Options Program vehicle will be $2.00 ($4.00 round-trip.) A local trip is defined as any trip originating and ending within VA Planning District 16 which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. The cost for an out-oftown trip will increase from $2.50 per one-way trip to $5.00 per one-way trip ($10.00 round-trip.) An out-of-town trip is defined as any trip that originates within Planning District16 but extends outside of the same planning district.

MOBILITY OPTIONS VOLUNTEER DRIVER PROGRAM Mobility Options, a transportation service of the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, announces it is recruiting area residents for their Volunteer Driver Program. In an effort to provide a broad array of transportation alternatives for persons with disabilities who live in the four county (Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the City) Fredericksburg area, volunteers are being sought who will have the opportunity to provide much needed transportation to riders for a variety of trip destinations including medical appointments, places of employment, schools, shopping, recreational outings, and social engagements. Benefits to Volunteers Volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping a fellow Fredericksburg area resident meet a critical need that would otherwise be unfulfilled. Volunteers will be paid a stipend of 25 cents per miles for miles traveled while the rider is in the volunteers car. Volunteers will have personal liability and vehicle insurance provided at no cost by the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging through the State of Virginia Division of Risk Management. This insurance covers the volunteer and the vehicle while the rider is in the volunteers car. The insurance is primary coverage and is not related in any way to insurance maintained by the vehicles owner, which will be secondary. Flexible schedule based on volunteer availability. How to Apply Persons interested in becoming a volunteer driver should contact Mobility Options at 1-800-627-2892 for additional information about the program and application forms.

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Health care fraud, waste and abuse cost American taxpayers nearly $60 billion each year. Medicare and Medicaid consumers are an essential piece in fraud fighting efforts. SMP programs provide education and prevention through the media, outreach campaigns, and community events. SMP staff and volunteers assist beneficiaries in resolving potential fraud-related inquiries and issues regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care or related consumer issues. Referrals of suspected cases of fraud, waste and abuse are made to appropriate investigative entities such as Medicare contractors, state Medicaid Fraud Control Units, Office of the Inspector General, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and law enforcement. What is Medicare Fraud? Fraud occurs when an individual or organization deliberately deceives others in order to gain unauthorized benefit. Medicare and Medicaid fraud generally involves deliberately billing for services that were not received, or billing for services at a higher rate than is actually justified. What is Medicare abuse? Medicare abuse occurs when providers supply services or products that are not medically necessary or that do not meet professional standards. If you have any questions about possible fraud and/or abuse you can call the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging (RAAA) at 540-371-3375, or you can call the Senior Medicare Patrol Office in Richmond at 1-800 -938-8885. Also, if you know a group who would like to hear a presentation on fraud prevention call RAAA at 540-371-3375.

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

Senior Voice RAAA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Over the last year and a half the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging has gone through some big and exciting changes. With an outstanding loan of 1.5 million dollars from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, RAAA was able to expand its office area with a new building and provide some much needed improvements to the existing office space being used by RAAAs Transportation Department. Recently the landscaping on the road side of the property was cleaned up tremendously. Weve heard from some folks that theyve driven by and thought they were lost. Now thats a real cleanup! Well be paying the bill for the next 30 years, but with the continued support of the public RAAA will be able to do good things!

BEFORE

AFTER

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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WORDS OF WISDOM
People age themselves. I have found that one never ages or grows old as long as their spirit stays young.
AGNES GLASCO born 1917

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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RAAA wishes Mrs. Mildred Roussell of Stafford a very happy 80th birthday.

RAAA Extends a Special Thank You to Its Board of Directors

Being a member of a Board of Directors is not always the glamorous job we sometimes see in old movies. Each member is ultimately responsible for the success (and sometimes failure) of the company. During times of financial hardship, the Board works hard to ensure payment of the bills. Members are always seeking and suggesting new ways to be financially creative with new fundraising ideas. Sometimes what has to be done to further the mission of an agency includes making hard choices. The staff of RAAA appreciates the Board of Directors for all the time and energy each member has put into RAAAs success and growth. Please support the Board members and never hesitate to let them know how we are doing. Caroline County Reggie Underwood D.M. Rozell, Jr. City of Fredericksburg Beatrice Rose Paolucci Robert Deaderick, Jr. King George County John P. LoBuglio David Simms Stafford County Gary Snellings Betty Schwartz Spotsylvania County Ann L. Heidig Joey Lambert

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Need employment training? There's help.
Are you 55 or older and living on a low income that does not exceed 125% of the federal poverty level? Are you worried about your prospects for employment? Would you like to receive job training and get paid while you learn? If you answered yes to these questions, you are an ideal candidate for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. SCSEP enables qualified individuals to obtain paid, on- the-job training within their communities, update their job skills to enhance their marketability, develop new aptitudes, and gain greater self-confidence. SCSEP participants work 20 hours per week earning minimum wage in a nonprofit organization or government agency, and receive help in transitioning from the program into a new, unsubsidized employment opportunity. Whether you are an out-of-work professional, tradesperson or laborer, or a retiree unable to make ends meet on your retirement benefits, you can start earning a paycheck right away, while you reinforce or learn new skills that will enable you to eventually land a full-time job. Training opportunities span a wide range of professional, vocational, and office possibilities. For more information, call Mike Duvall, Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, Inc., at 371-3375 or 800-262-4012.

Volunteer Opportunities
The Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers to assist the Agency in a variety of capacities, including coordinating or leading activities at our meal centers and assisting clients who use our medical transportation program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact RAAA at 371-3375.

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

Sudoku is easy to play and the rules are simple. Fill in the blanks

Resources for articles: Pages 1 medicare.gov Page 5 medicare.gov Page 8 aoa.gov Page 8 Partners In Aging Page 13

www.puzzles.ca

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

ANSWERS ON PAGE 2. GET YOUR MAGNIFYING GLASS!! The Seniors Voice, Page 13

About RAAA
THE RAPPAHANNOCK AREA AGENCY ON AGING (RAAA)

The Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging is a private non-profit corporation established by local governments to administer programs under the Older Americans Act. The RAAA serves the needs and acts on behalf of persons age 60 and older in the City of Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin in its programs, activities, employment, or any other service (Civil Rights Act, Title VI). All programs and services are available to persons age 60 and older regardless of handicap or disability. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504)

A UNITED WAY AGENCY

The Seniors Voice newsletter is compiled and distributed for FREE. However, if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help defray the administrative cost of The Seniors Voice, please detach and mail this form with your check to the RAAA at 460 Lendall Lane, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22405.

______ Yes, I want to help support The Seniors Voice. Here is my tax-deductible contribution of $____________ to help defray cost. Name: ________________________________________________ Phone #: _________________________________
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