November 2022

Four Things for Caregivers to Know About Medicare

October 15-December 7 is a critical time period for those with Medicare. This is Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, and for most seniors it is the only time you can change Medicare plans. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, an Annual Medicare Review can save you from a mistake that could cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Here’s one example:

Ken Brown was happy to see the price of his drug plan premium drop by $10 for the new year. But when he checked the plan’s medication list, he found that one medication changed from a $40 to a $65 copay and another wasn’t covered at all. He switched and saved $3000 for the year.

Consumers have many options among different Medicare approaches and plans:

If you choose to use Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you’ll also need to select from among 20+ Drug Plans (Part D) and may choose a Medicare Supplement Plan to cover out of pocket costs when receiving healthcare services. There are 10 different types of Supplement Plans offered by over 50 companies – all with different prices.
Or, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). There are over 20 Advantage Plans available in Orange County, each with their own benefits and costs. Some Advantage Plans include benefits not covered by Original Medicare like dental and hearing aids, but they also limit your choice of providers.

There’s help for those with limited income and resources. If you are single and have monthly income less than $1699 and savings less than $14,010, you may qualify for reductions in the price of your medications. A married couple will qualify with monthly income below $2289 and savings less than $27,950. Those with even lower income and resources may qualify for programs that eliminate their Part B premium and medical co-pays.

Your Orange County SHIIP Program is here to help! The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a division of the NC Department of Insurance. Our certified volunteers provide free and unbiased education about Medicare and assistance in selecting the best plans for your needs. Appointments available in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and by Zoom Video Chat. Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or by calling 919-245-4274.

Additional Resources

For more information, check out:

From the Alzheimer's Association
Choosing a Medicare Drug Plan for People with Alzheimer's Disease
Fee-for-Service Medicare for People with Alzheimer’s Disease
Medicare's Hospice Benefit for Beneficiaries with Alzheimer's Disease
Original Medicare: An Outline of Benefits

From Medicare.gov
Joining a Health or Drug Plan
Medicare & You Handbook 2022

From the NC Department of Insurance
Medicare & Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

Announcements

Caregiver Day of Care - Monday, November 7

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Cognitive Assessments

Did you know that you can get cognitive assessments right in our senior centers? Several of our Aging Transitions Team are certified to administer the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). While this is not the same as a medical diagnosis, it can provide a baseline of cognition, as well as help determine your strengths and challenges. Contact the Aging Helpline to schedule an appointment: 919-968-2087.

FREE Nutrition Supplements

If you have NC Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive free oral nutrition supplements, like Boost or Ensure. Contact the Aging Helpline for more information at 919-968-2087.

In Need of Incontinence Supplies?

Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these items, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.

Options Counseling - Is it for you - Elderly Hispanic couple

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Advanced Directives - Contact the Aging Helpline

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Upcoming Programs

Caregiver Education Series: Caregiver Self-Care (NOTE: Date Change)
Sometimes our own health and wellbeing can get pushed to the back burner when we’re focused on caring for someone else. Join Kendall Kopchick to learn techniques and resources to help you care for yourself while providing care to another. Register by Wednesday November 16 at 5:00pm. Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278 or Kkopchick@orangecountync.gov) for more information or to register.

Thursday, November 17 at 1:30pm via Zoom

Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?
This four-part is designed to provide basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, family members, friends, and interested community members. Each week will focus on a different topic related to dementia. Location: Passmore Center.

Monday, November 7 - Session 1: Brain Health, 1-3pm
Monday, November 14 - Session 2: Types & Stages of Dementia, 1-3pm
Monday, November 21 - Session 3: Communication, 1-3pm
Monday, November 28 - Session 4: Preparing for the Journey Ahead, 1-3pm

The series is designed to be taken all together, but you are welcome to register for individual sessions. Register by Thursday November 3 via phone or email: agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov; 919-968-2087.

Dementia - Let's Talk About It (Virtual via Zoom)
Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) for more information and registration.

Tuesday, November 1 at 10:15am: Holidays with Dementia
Tuesday, November 15 at 10:15am: Tools for Dementia Caregiving

Memory Café
Join us for a free, fun, low stress social engagement opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners. Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278 or Kkopchick@orangecountync.gov) for more information or to register.

Memory Café on the Move
- Friday, November 4 at 2pm at Margret Lane Gallery (121 W. Margret Ln. Hillsborough, NC 27278)
- Register by Tuesday, November 1 at 5pm

Support Groups
Support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. We have resumed in-person meetings and have added a new Zoom only group.

Chapel Hill Support Group
- Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.
- 2nd & 4th Fridays: November 11th at 10:30am at Seymour
- Cancelled for November 25th
Hillsborough Support Group
- Contact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.
- 2nd Thursdays: November 10th at 1pm at Passmore
Zoom Only Support Group
- Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253.
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays: November 8th and 22nd at 12:30pm via Zoom

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group
This month's meetings will be split group discussion. Contact Maggie Ivanic for more information and to RSVP.

Virtual Carepartner Group: Tuesday, November 1 at 12:30, via Zoom
Virtual Parkinson's Disease Group: Tuesday, November 1 at 2:30, via Zoom

Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support Group
Support group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month the group will take time for open discussion and sharing about what we are thankful for during this month of gratitude. Contact M aggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP

Wednesday, November 2 at 1:30pm, via Zoom

Caregiver Workshop at Soltys Place
How do you care for yourself while caring for someone? A 4 part series:

November 3rd - Emotional Health
November 10th - Physical Health/Protecting Your Body
November 17th - How Can I Get a Break? Who do I Call?
December 1st - Walking Support Group (Outside)

Classes meet at Soltys Place (105 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough) at 5:30pm each Thursday. Sponsored by Soltys Place and NeuroNation Physical Therapy & Wellness (919-886-5869).

Contact Us

For more information, resources, and services, please reach out to our team through the Aging Information & Referral Helpline:

919-968-2087

or

AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov