|
Renee Grenier
Social Service Advocate
Address: |
29 Church St. Hudson, MA 01749 |
Picture: |
Telephone: |
978-568-9638 |
E-Mail: |
|
Hours: |
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 3:00PM |
Comments For July 2008
Meals on Wheels
The Meals on Wheels Program is administered through South Middlesex Opportunity Council’s Elderly Nutrition Program. To be eligible for the program a client must:
· Be 60 years or older (or the spouse of an eligible participant)
· Have a physical, emotional, or cognitive impairment which limits their ability to prepare nutritional meals. Or have inadequate kitchen facilities.
· Be unable to attend the congregate meal site which is located at the Hudson Senior Center (for Hudson residents)
· Lack informal support systems which can assist with meal preparation.
There are many different types of Meals which are offered to meet the needs of client’s that must adhere to special diets due to specific medical conditions. The most popular or “Regular” meal has NO salt added, low-fat, low cholesterol and is between 700-800 calories. There are Therapeutic Meals available which include: Diabetic, Cardiac, Renal Low Protein, Renal Dialysis, Low Lactose, Mechanical Soft, Ground, and Pureed. While the costs of the meals are free we encourage recipients to make a suggested donation of $2.00 per meal if possible. Donations are a major source of funding for this program. Meals delivered Monday through Friday are served hot. If individuals are interested in receiving meals on the weekends, two frozen meals will be delivered on Friday which can be heated up for later use. If you have questions
about the program or would like more information you can call the Elderly Nutrition Program directly at 508-872-6570 or Renee at the Hudson Senior Center. As a reminder, the Meals On Wheels calendar is posted every month at the end of our newsletter. Website: http://www.smoc.org/index.asp?pgid=81
Congregate Meal Site
If you don’t think you will qualify for the Meals on Wheels but can make it down to the Hudson Senior Center, you can receive a hot meal Monday- Friday at the Senior Center. Don’t forget our van can pick you up for lunch and bring you back home! Please Call Nutrition Coordinator Chrissy at 978-568-9638 x 13 at the Senior Center to sign up.
Food Pantry Referrals
A reminder that the Hudson Senior Center can issue food pantry referrals. If you would like more information on this program please come down to the Center or contact the Hudson Food Pantry directly at 978-562-5280. The Food Pantry is located at 246 Houghton Street. Hours: Tue 9am-10:30am, Sat 9am-10:30am, 1st Thursday of every month 7pm-8:30pm.
Assistance and Benefit Programs 2008
Prescription Advantage Eligibility Guidelines
Prescription Advantage is a State Pharmacy Assistance Program which helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for their drug costs. The program is FREE for individuals with incomes less than $30, 631 and $41, 071 if married. If Medicare beneficiaries have higher incomes the cost is $200 per year. For those 65 and older not eligible for Medicare, it is also Free to join. This program does not look at assets.
For Members are eligible for Medicare:
Single Annual Income Married Annual Income
$51,050 $68,450
For Members NOT eligible for Medicare:
Single Annual Income Married Annual Income
$51,051 $68,451
Mass Health Standard
(Monthly Income Limits for Individuals and Couples Before Deductions)
|
Income Limit |
Asset Limit |
Individual |
$887/mo |
$2,000 |
Couple |
$1,187/mo |
$3,000 |
SSI: Supplemental Security Income
(Monthly Income Limits for Individuals and Couples Age 65 and Older Before Deductions)
|
Income Limit |
Asset Limit |
Individual |
$776/mo |
$2,000 |
Couple |
$579/mo per person |
$3,000 |
Medicare Savings Programs also known as MassHealth Buy-In Programs
QMB (QUALIFIED MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES)
Pays Medicare Premiums, copays, and deductibles
|
Income Limit |
Asset Limit |
Individual |
$887/mo |
$4,000 |
Couple |
$1,187/mo |
$6,000 |
SLMB (SPECIFIED LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES)
Pays Medicare PART B Premium
|
Income Limit |
Asset Limit |
Individual |
$1,061/mo |
$4,000 |
Couple |
$1,421/mo |
$6,000 |
QI-1 (QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALS)
Pays Medicare PART B Premium
|
Income Limit |
Asset Limit |
Individual |
$1,191/mo |
$4,000 |
Couple |
$1,596/mo |
$6,000 |
Low Income Subsidy Program: Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs
3 LEVELS OF COVERAGE
1) 100% FPL
· Pay $0 drug plan premium
· Pay $0 drug plan deductible
· Pay $1.05 for generic drug and $3.10 for brand name drug
2) 135% FPL
· Pay $0 drug plan premium
· Pay $0 drug plan deductible
· Pay $2.25 for generic drug and $5.60 for brand name drug
3) 150% FPL
· Pay a sliding scale drug premium
· Pay no more than $56 deductible
· Pay 15% of drug copays until total drug costs equal $5,726 then pay $2.25 for generic drug and $5.60 for brand name drug
|
Individual Income Limit ~ Asset Limit |
Couple Income Limit ~ Asset Limit |
100% FPL |
$867/mo ~ $7,790 |
$1,167/mo ~ $12,440 |
135% FPL |
$1,170/mo ~ $7,790 |
$1,575/mo ~ $12,440 |
150% FPL |
$1,300/mo ~ $11,990 |
$1,750/mo ~ $23,970 |
Comments For June 2008
Do you have a very expensive medication that you are having trouble paying for? Are you having difficulty paying for your monthly health insurance premiums? The HealthWell Foundation may be able to help…
The HealthWell Foundation
The HealthWell Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to individuals who are currently receiving treatment for specific diseases. The program can provide either Premium Assistance or Copayment Assistance to help individuals who are having difficulty meeting monthly medical payments. Premium Assistance helps individuals pay for monthly health premiums if an individual is eligible for health insurance but is having a hard time making the payments. Copayment Assistance can help individuals pay for high medication costs used to treat their qualifying disease.
Qualifying Criteria
In order for the HealthWell Foundation to successfully process applications they require applicants to meet insurance, income and medical criteria. Furthermore:
1) The applicant’s household income needs to be below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. (see chart below)
Household Size |
Income Limit (400% FPL) |
1 |
$41,616 |
2 |
$56,016 |
3 |
$70, 416 |
2) The patient should be receiving treatment for a specific disease or condition for which funding is provided (please see list of diseases below)
3) Medication must be dispensed within the U.S.
The following is a complete list of qualifying diseases: Acute Porphyrias, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Anemia associated with Chronic Renal Insuffiency/Chronic Renal Failure, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Asthma- Moderate to Severe, Breast Cancer, Carcinoid Tumors and Symptoms Related to Carcinoid Tumors, Chemotherapy Induced Anemia/Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia, Colorectal Carcinoma, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Head and Neck Cancer, Hodgkin's Disease, Immunosuppressive Treatment for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, Immunosuppressive Treatment for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, Iron Overload as a Result of Blood Transfusions, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, Wilms' Tumor.
Application Process
To apply for this assistance you can contact HealthWell via telephone at 800-675-8416 and request they mail you an application or you can apply online. The Hudson Senior Center’s Outreach Department can assist you with the online application and this method of applying tends to be the fastest and easiest way. Once an application is submitted you will also be asked to send in specific documentation to verify your income. They also require a form to be completed by your physician which confirms your qualifying disease. The Outreach Department is here to assist you with compiling this necessary information to complete your application. In fact, we can fax the necessary documents to the HealthWell Foundation directly from the Senior Center. Once they receive all your information the application will be processed in 3-7 business
days. A letter will be mailed to you confirming your enrollment in the program. The foundation will determine what level of assistance you may qualify for. If you are approved your enrollment in the program is effective for 12 months with the option to reapply each year if need be.
If you think you qualify or have further questions about this program you can contact the HealthWell Foundation directly at 800-675-8416 or contact Renee at the Hudson Senior Center 978-568-9638 x 18. Also feel free to check out the HealthWell Website which contains more information about the program and provides a link to apply online. www.healthwellfoundation.org
A Quick Reminder: Stimulus Rebate Package
As many of you may have heard, seniors with Social Security incomes greater than $3,000/yr are eligible to receive a refund in 2008. Most seniors will receive $300 ($600 if married and both are receiving Social Security). In order to receive this refund you will have to file a Federal (IRS) income tax return for 2007. If you have already filed you will receive the rebate if you are eligible; you don’t need to do anything else. If you don’t normally file, you will need to file a return on Form 1040A which is available at the Senior Center. This stimulus rebate is a one time program and does not mean that you will have to file in the future. The IRS is planning to start mailing the refunds in May. If you need assistance filling out this form you can contact Renee or Ana at the Hudson Senior Center. THE DEADLINE FOR FILING
IS OCTOBER 15, 2008.
Comments For May 2008
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
The AgingWell Adult Day Health Center in Marlboro MA is now offering a Caregiver’s Support Group. The group is open to all members of the community and will be held the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:15pm. The AgingWell ADH Center is located at 420 Maple Street, Marlboro MA 01752. The group will be co facilitated by the Aging Well’s Social Worker and Activities Director. For more information contact Sarah at AgingWell 508-485-7700. Refreshments will be served.
Food Stamps: Seniors, Do You Qualify?
INCOME LIMITS
Q. What are the income guidelines for people over 60 or disabled?
A. There is no gross income guideline for this group.
Eligibility is determined by the Net Income, which is the gross income, less the allowable deductions. Allowable deductions include: Earned income deduction (20% of Earned Income), Standard Deduction (based on family size), Excess Medical Deduction (for over 60 or disabled only), Dependent Care Deduction (maximum of $175 - $200, based on age of child) , Child Support Deduction (actual amount of court ordered child support) , Excess Shelter Deduction (determined by formula) , Homeless Shelter Deduction (alternative to excess shelter deduction for people who are homeless)
People over 60 or disabled are able to claim a medical deduction and their housing deduction is not capped.
ASSET LIMITS
Q. What are the asset limits for elders and disabled individuals?
A. Households with people over 60 or elderly can have a maximum of $3,000 in liquid assets. Cars and primary residences are not counted as an asset.
FOOD STAMPS CONTINUED…
CALL THE OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
If you have further questions or would like to apply for food stamps please contact Renee or Ana at the Hudson Senior Center and we will be happy to assist you with the application.
We are also able to do a preliminary screening using the FOOD STAMP CALCULATOR which is an online tool that can gauge the likelihood that you would qualify for benefits.
You can also apply at the Department of Transitional Assistance, 110 Mount Wayte Avenue, Framingham MA 01702.
A FRIENDLY REMINDER: THE S.H.I.N.E. PROGRAM
SERVING THE HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF ELDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND ALL SENIORS AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THAT THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO HELP PROVIDE YOU WITH VALUABLE HEALTHCARE INFORMATION. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE, MASSHEALTH, PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE, DRUG COVERAGE, PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE, CLAIMS AND BILLING ISSUES, OR ANY OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE QUESTIONS… PLEASE CALL US!
RENEE GRENIER 978-568-9638 X 18
ANA SALOMAO (Portuguese Speaking) 978-568-9638 x 19
JANICE LONG 978-568-9638 X 13
Comments For April 2008
Stimulus Rebate Package
As many of you may have heard, seniors with Social Security incomes greater than $3,000/yr are eligible to receive a refund in 2008. Most seniors will receive $300 ($600 if married and both are receiving Social Security). In order to receive this refund you will have to file a Federal (IRS) income tax return for 2007. If you have already filed you will receive the rebate if you are eligible; you don’t need to do anything else. If you don’t normally file, you will need to file a return on Form 1040A which is available at the Senior Center. The form is very basic and does not take long to complete. This stimulus rebate is a one time program and does not mean that you will have to file in the future. The IRS is planning to start mailing the refunds in May. If you need assistance filling out this form you can contact
myself or Ana at the Hudson Senior Center. We can either help you at the Center or mail you the form with instructions on how to fill it out.
Caregiver Support Group
A while ago we asked caregivers in town if they would be interested in starting a Caregiver Support Group; however, we did not receive much feedback. I would like Caregivers reading this to consider this type of local resource. I would also like to know your concerns about what it would take to effectively have this group. For example, what times would be most convenient, how often would you like to meet and would caregivers need to have formal supports in place so that they could leave their loved one to attend the group. I believe that this is a needed resource within our community and would welcome any comments or suggestions so that we can move forward with establishing a local group.
A Reminder : Fuel Assistance
Please remember that the SMOC Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications until April 31, 2008. If you think you qualify please contact myself or Ana who can assist you with the application. There is still time!
Comments For February and March 2008
The Circuit Breaker Tax Program: A Property Tax Credit
The Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax is a program that was implemented to assist persons age 65 and over whose property taxes exceeds 10% of their yearly income. The senior must also meet the following additional criterion. First the senior must be age 65 or over by the end of the tax year during which they file. Income can not be greater than the amount indicated in the chart below.
Income for Tax Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Single |
44,000 |
45,000 |
46,000 |
48,000 |
Head of Household |
55,000 |
56,000 |
58,000 |
60,000 |
Married, Filing Jointly |
66,000 |
67,000 |
70,000 |
72,000 |
Recipients must either own or rent property in Massachusetts. Those who are subsidized renters are not eligible. Property can not have an assessed value greater than $441,000 for 2004, $600,000 for 2005, $684,000 for 2006, and $772,000 for 2007. Lastly, for property owners your credit is based on how much your property taxes, including water and sewer charges exceed 10% of your total income for the year. For renters, the credit is the amount by which 25% of your annual rent exceeds 10% of your total income. You can not apply if you file “married filing separate” status, you get a federal or state rent subsidy, you rent from a landlord who is not required to pay real estate taxes, or you are the dependent of another tax payer.
Note: If you meet these requirements you may be eligible for the refundable tax credit or circuit breaker now and for the past 3 years (even if you did not file MA state income tax forms). You can file for the 2007 tax year beginning in Jan 2008 and you may file retroactively for the last 3 years beginning now.
Maximum Credit You May Receive
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
$900 |
$870 |
$840 |
$820 |
Comments for January 2008:
This article has been provided by the AgingWell Center in Marlborough MA. Stay tuned for more information about the AgingWell Center and presentations about the program that will be scheduled here at the Hudson Senior Center.
Adult Day Care Center to Open in Marlborough
There are options in caring for your elderly and disabled loved ones, and they don’t necessarily begin or end at a nursing home. Adult day health centers, more often referred to as adult day care, provide a much-needed haven for adults who require daytime supervision. These centers offer a warm, caring, supportive environment where adults with disabilities can benefit not only from an attentive medical staff, but also from an expanded social group. Too often those with disabilities become isolated and their conditions deteriorate. Adult day health centers focus on an all around experience, promoting mental, physical and social health.
Centers have popped up throughout Massachusetts with varying degrees of services. In the Metrowest and Central Massachusetts area; however, there are very few to choose from. Soon a new center will be opening in Marlborough, and it will be the first of its kind in the area.
The independently owned AgingWell Center is far more spacious than other local facilities. It’s devoted to caring for the elderly and disabled. The atmosphere is comfortable and homey, reassuring not only for those in the program, but also for their caregivers.
One of the largest facilities, the AgingWell center has a multitude of rooms where participants can enjoy a variety of activities from cooking groups to aerobics. A living room outfitted with plush sofas, chairs, and even a pool table makes for a good socializing space. Participants can talk, play board games and even catch performances in this room. Other rooms include a home theater room, a dining room, a computer room and a quiet room/library.
The AgingWell center can help maintain and even improve levels of functioning by providing the elderly and disabled an opportunity to interact with peers and participate daily in new activities.
In addition to activity coordinators and performers, the center also has licensed nurses, a social worker, and occupational, physical and speech therapists on hand. AgingWell’s staff cares for your loved ones just as you would, supplying everything from home-cooked meals to haircuts and transportation.
When your loved ones aren’t quite ready for round-the-clock care, they can still benefit greatly from a center like AgingWell. Adult day health centers have been proven effective in preventing or delaying the need for nursing home care, and they do so at a far lower cost then both nursing homes and at home care. The services can also be covered by Masshealth, Veteran’s Insurance, and other forms of payment. The AgingWell center can work with families to find an appropriate payment plan. To find out more information please e-mail to info@agingwellcenter.com.
Comments for December 2007:
SHINE UPDATE: ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD
A reminder to all seniors that Annual Enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans is from November 15th to December 31st. This is the time to review the current plans that you have and make changes if necessary. Ana, Janice and I are scheduling a lot of SHINE appointments to help determine what options are available. Call to schedule an appointment if would like some assistance. It is important to consult with a SHINE counselor before making changes to your coverage.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SAFE RETURN PROGRAM
The Safe Return Program is a nationwide identification system that serves a vital role in assisting individuals and families who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals who suffer from this disease can become disoriented to time, place, and person, increasing the risk of wandering. Fortunately, the Safe Return Program is available to ensure that in the event an individual wandered, once found, would be properly identified and reunited with their family. The program registers members in a national database that will dispense information to local law enforcement in the event the member is lost. When found, a citizen or law enforcement officer will contact the 800 number and Safe Return will notify listed contacts. Your local Alzheimer’s Association will provide additional support. The one time registration fee is $40.00
and the registrant will receive a Safe Return engraved bracelet/necklace, wallet cards, and other ID items. Also, caregivers can receive their own ID items (for an additional $5.00) to make certain in case of an emergency, others would be alerted they provide care to a person registered in Safe Return. Registration Forms are available at the Hudson Senior Center as well as information on resources that can assist with paying for this program. To register by phone call 1-888-572-8566 or you can do so online at www.alz.org/safereturn.
PODIATRY INFORMATION
Dr. Anthony Tickner will be providing an information session at the Hudson Senior Center on Monday December 10th at 1pm. Dr. Tickner is located at Associated Foot Specialists, 439 Main Street, Hudson MA. He is available for both office and home visits. Please join us for this presentation to learn about the services he can offer to you or family members. Dr. Tickner is also specialized in wound care and treatment and will be discussing his areas of expertise.
Comments for November 2007:
Serve New England: A Food Cooperative Program
“Serve New England” is a non profit organization that is not subsidized by the government. The program allows community volunteers to purchase top quality food packages at a fraction of the retail cost. The only requirement is 2 hours of volunteer service per month. Volunteer service is defined as anything you do for someone else outside of your family without monetary compensation. There are many ways to volunteer and many are already serving there local senior centers, schools, hospitals or churches. The program is open to all ages, races and income ranges. Serve New England purchases food from the same retailers that supermarkets use. Local growers are used often to ensure the freshest produce possible. You can sign up for this program at your local chapter, by internet or phone. The local office that serves Hudson, MA is
located at Employment Options Inc, 82 Brigham Street, Marlborough MA 01752. Phone: 508-485-5051. Family meal packages start at $20.00 and meat only packages start at $13.00. Accepted methods of payment: credit cards, EBT vouchers, or cash.
Fuel Assistance
Don’t forget Fuel Assistance is open November 1, 2008. Please contact Ana or Renee to schedule an appointment to apply for this program that help you save on heating costs. Remember those applying will need to bring the following documents:
1. Current 30 day income documentation, including copies of all fixed income checks (Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits, 1099 forms, pay stubs, interest/dividend income. Self employed must submit current federal tax returns. Rental income will be verified with complete tax forms as well.
2. Names, Addresses and social security numbers for all household members. All members of the household have to report.
3. Address verification. Photo ID is required for head of household.
4. Copies of heating and electrical bills.
5. Regular or subsidized leases, mortgage documentation, real estate tax bills, and home owner’s insurance bills.
Missed a Previous Article?
This website contains updated information about benefit programs, home care services, and health insurance.
Comments for October 2007:
SMOC Fuel Assistance Program:
A program that can help low income households with the cost of heating this winter.
Please review the income guidelines below and contact Ana or Renee at the Hudson Senior Center if you think you may be eligible. We will start scheduling appointments on October 26th 2007. The program will begin on November 1, 2007.
Income Guidelines FY 2008 |
Household Size |
Maximum Gross Annual Income |
1 |
$20,420 |
2 |
$27,380 |
3 |
$34,340 |
4 |
$41,300 |
5 |
$48,260 |
For those applying, SMOC requires the following information:
1. Current 30 day income documentation, including copies of all fixed income checks (Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits, 1099 forms, pay stubs, interest/dividend income. Self employed must submit current federal tax returns. Rental income will be verified with complete tax forms as well.
2. Names, Addresses and social security numbers for all household members. All members of the household have to report.
3. Address verification. Photo ID is required for head of household.
4. Copies of heating and electrical bills.
5. Regular or subsidized leases, mortgage documentation, real estate tax bills, and home owner’s insurance bills.
Other Assistance Programs: See if you qualify today!
I would like to extend a reminder to all seniors that they may qualify for a number of additional programs like Food Stamps, Prescription Advantage, or special Mass Health programs. Please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Ana if you would like eligibility information on these programs. Screening for benefits does not take long and could end up saving you quite a bit. We are available for phone calls, office consultations, and home visits. Please take a look at the income guidelines for some of these additional programs.
Assistance and Benefit Programs 2007
Food Stamp Eligibility Guidelines
(Income Before Deductions)
If you live alone, with other adults, and no children:
Household Size |
Monthly Income |
1 |
$1,062 |
2 |
$1,430 |
3 |
$1,799 |
Prescription Advantage Eligibility Guidelines
(Income Before Deductions)
For Members Who ARE Eligible For Medicare |
Single Annual Income |
Married Annual Income |
$51,050 |
$68,450 |
|
|
For Members NOT Eligible For Medicare |
Single Annual Income |
Married Annual Income |
$51,050 and over |
$68,450 |
Limited Income Subsidy: |
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs |
(Monthly Income Limits Before Deductions) |
Individual Income limit/Individual Asset Limit |
(100% FPL) |
$851 |
/ |
$12,190 |
(135% FPL) |
$1,149 |
/ |
$12,190 |
(150% FPL) |
$1,277 |
/ |
$23,410 |
|
|
|
|
Couple Income limit/Couple Asset Limit |
(100% FPL) |
$1,141 |
/ |
$12,190 |
(135% FPL) |
$1,541 |
/ |
$12,190 |
(150% FPL) |
$1,712 |
/ |
$23,410 |
Mass Health Buy-In Programs
(Will pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium $93.50)
Monthly Income Limits for Individuals and Couples Before Deductions:
Individual Income limit/Individual Asset Limit |
QI-1 (135% FPL) |
$1,169 |
/ |
$4,000 |
SLMB (120% FPL) |
$1,041 |
/ |
$4,000 |
QMB (100% FPL) |
$871 |
/ |
$4,000 |
|
|
|
|
Couple Income limit/Couple Asset Limit |
QI-1 (135% FPL) |
$1,561 |
/ |
$6,000 |
SLMB (120% FPL) |
$1,389 |
/ |
$6,000 |
QMB (100% FPL) |
$1,161 |
/ |
$6,000 |
Mass | 
