Senior Call Check

Medicare Open Enrollment ends tomorrow, Dec 7. If you haven't compared your coverage options for 2024, do it today at Medicare.gov! Don't miss your final chance to find prescription drug and health coverage that best fits your needs & budget. https://ow.ly/Gh7o50Qg3eP

As the holiday season approaches, we remind you it's not too late to get a flu vaccine before spending more time with family and friends. National Influenza Vaccination Week runs from December 4th to 8th. Getting an annual flu vaccine will not only protect you, but will also help prevent the spread of flu and its potentially serious outcomes to certain higher risk groups such as adults 65 years and older and people living with chronic conditions. Learn more about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/how-to-get-your-vaccines.html.

Medicare Open Enrollment ends tomorrow — don't miss your chance to find the coverage that works best for you. Even if you're happy with your current Medicare coverage, spend a few minutes on https://ow.ly/eP9X50QfYsA to compare your 2024 health and drug coverage options by December 7. Learn more at https://ow.ly/wR9T50QfYsK

It's not too late to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage options! You have until December 7th to switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, change to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Changes will take effect on January 1, 2024. Before you make any changes to your plan, go to https://ow.ly/uTvx50Qe5pv or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find the best plan for you. You can find additional information on how to protect yourself from Medicare marketing fraud at https://ow.ly/4l1U50Qe5pu.

On Giving Tuesday, we remind you to be vigilant as cybercriminals are particularly active. Prior to donating to any charity, verify they have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) by visiting their website or calling the charity directly. To learn more about charity scams targeting older adults and how to protect yourself, go to https://ow.ly/HCka50Qc38R.

In Maryland, there are an estimated 760,000 unpaid caregivers who provide 710 million hours of care valued at $12.5 billion. Be sure to let them know you appreciate their commitment, compassion, and dedication. Find caregiver resources and events at: https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/national-family-caregiver-support.aspx

Native American Heritage Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is celebrated to encourage Americans of all backgrounds to appreciate and honor indigenous cultures with ceremonies & activities. To learn more about cultural and heritage festivals taking place in Maryland, go to https://ow.ly/h1iP50Q8vTK.

May you celebrate the thanksgiving day with love in your heart, prosperous vision in your mind, and gratitude in your being. Thanksgiving wishes to everyone from the Maryland Department of Aging.

Now's your chance to review your Medicare coverage and see if you can save money next year! By comparing all your coverage options, you may find lower premiums and lower prescription drug costs. You may also find a plan that offers extra benefits, like vision, dental, or hearing coverage, transportation, or fitness benefits. If you need assistance contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office at aging.maryland.gov/SHIP.

Long-Term Services Specialist Terri Williams and Fox 5 News anchor Shomari Stone enjoyed attending last weekend's Senior Appreciation Luncheon & Expo sponsored by Prince George's County Councilmember Wanika Fisher. The event, held at the Rollingcrest Chillum Community Center, highlighted services available for older adults in Prince George's County.

During National Family Caregivers Month, it's important to remember that many grandparents and older adults are taking care of grandchildren or other children in their family. Maryland’s Kinship Navigator Services is an information and referral program that supports kinship caregivers who are caring for their minor relative(s), who are unable to safely remain in the care of their parents. For more information, contact your Local Department of Social Services or go to https://dhs.maryland.gov/foster-care/kinship-care/

By 2034, adults 65 and older will outnumber children under 18, and the share of potential caregivers is projected to keep shrinking compared with those likely to need long-term care. The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was created to support family caregivers of all ages, from youth to grandparents, and regardless of where they live or what caregiving looks like for them and their loved ones. To learn more go to https://ow.ly/Wtrm50Q8ujT. Find additional resources at https://ow.ly/9EU550Q8ujS.