Westport News

 DETAILS ON COA ISSUES

In my annual appeal for attendance at Town Meeting, I want to give you some background about the proposed Westport Council on Aging FY 2007 budget.

This year, the Finance Committee has made a tremendous effort to understand the overall financial picture of each town department, including all the expenses and incomes not addressed in Town budget monies allotted to each department.  This is an important step, basic to any attempts at reorganization.  All factors influence department requests.

For FY 2007, the WCOA is requesting a level-funded budget of $157,811 and additional monies to cover the increased cost of utilities and fuel.  We were fortunate that four of the six major grants written in 2004 were awarded to us in fall 2005.  These grant monies, and Senior Center rental monies, will be used to pay off an expected FY 2006 deficit of $31,070, as well as a projected deficit of $37,899 for FY 2007.  I hope that some other grants will come through for us for FY 2008, or we may have to request a larger Town budget.

Currently, the monies allotted to the WCOA in its annual Town budget address paying three main staff members and three-quarters of the van drivers’ salaries, three quarters of the annual building expenses, and one-third of the gas/repair expenses for the vans.  No Town monies assist the Senior Social Day Program, Outreach and Volunteer programs, or the Clinic account--classes, activities, social events.

Although the WCOA Town budget is currently $157,811, the total annual expenses for the WCOA are approximately $270,000, inclusive of all its programs.  These expenses DO NOT include the annual $30,000 assistance for capital improvement projects given by the Friends of the WCOA.  (Specifically- donated monies are held in WCOA accounts for client emergency assistance and for expansion grant seed money.)

Our most recent challenge is the survival of our Senior Social Day Care Program.  The FWCOA has joined Gloria, myself, and the COA Board in a project to surmount this challenge:  we plan a campaign to educate the public about this great service, as well as to offer matching scholarships for needy Westporters who want to attend the program.  You will be hearing more about this important campaign in the very near future!

PLEASE ATTEND TOWN MEETING AND EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO  DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT.  
–SEE YOU THERE!  THANKS.  Susan

Medicaid Law Changes Enacted

“On February 1, 2006, the House of Representatives passed the 776 page Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.  President Bush signed the legislation on February 8, 2006 thus making these changes the law of the land.  

As with any major legislative initiative, the full ramifications of these changes will not be known for several months.  However, certain aspects of the bill are clear at this time.

The first change is the Medicaid gifting or assets transfer rules have been changed so the “look back” period for all asset transfers made on or after February 8, 2006.  Under the old rules, transfers which did not involve a trust resulted in asset transfer penalties of no more than 3 years—now it is 5 years.

In addition, the start of the penalty period will not begin until the Medicaid applicant is already spent down.  For instance, under the old rules...a gift of $70,000 would create approximately a 10-month penalty period in Massachusetts from the date of the gift.

Under the new law, that period of in-eligibility will not begin until the gift has been made and the spend down has been completed.  Only then will the penalty period begin, meaning that the gifted funds may have to be given back to pay for care.

The new law makes any individual with home equity of more than $500,000 (or if the states elect, they can raise this to $750,000) ineligible for Medicaid.  In other words, under the old law the home was an exempt asset.  Under the new law, the home may be an exempt asset, but only so long as the home equity is not greater than $500,000.

The new law also changes the annuity rules.  Annuities will be treated differently under the new law.

In addition, the law will require the state to be named as the remainder beneficiary on annuities.

As will be explained in coming months, the new laws will greatly complicate the Medicaid application process.

The advice of an experienced elder law attorney will now become more important than ever.”                                            --Elder Law Today


Prescription Advantage -- Open Enrollment

Prescription Advantage is a prescription drug insurance plan administered by the Commonwealth.  This plan is available to all Massachusetts residents age 65 or older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines.

Open enrollment is through April 28, 2006.  Enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan will be a condition of eligibility for applicants.  Applications are available at the Westport COA.


Open Enrollment for Medicare Supplements

Effective     in 2006, Bankers Life and Casualty Company will be a third Medicare Supplement company selling Medigap insurance policies in Massachusetts.  Bankers will have a continuous open enrollment--call 1-800-231-9150.

BCBS has announced it will continue open enrollment through May 15, 2006, with an effective policy date of June 1, 2006, for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a Medigap policy to supplement Part A and B.  For more information about BCBS, call 1-800-678-2265.

Effective January 1, 2006, United Health Group will have continuous open enrollment for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans available in Massachusetts—contact AARP, 1-800-523-5800.


MEDICARE PART D

The new Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
Visit the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, for up-to-date information on the new Medicare Part D plan.  Individuals who are Medicare recipients and have no other creditable prescription coverage are encouraged to enroll prior to May 15, 2006.

In addition, you may contact 1-800-MEDICARE,  a local SHINE counselor, Bristol Elder Services, or get some extra help from your family.

FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA  02790

Signs of spring are all around us with the crocuses and daffodils popping up.  The long winter has turned a corner.  As you turn another corner, the entrance to the Westport Council on Aging offices, expect to see a repaired and brightly painted sign.  The lovely sign will match in beauty and spirit the good work that occurs at the Senior Center each day.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new crop of volunteers to the Senior Center to serve as support staff.  The Senior Social Day Program serves an important function to the community of Westport, not just for the WCOA’s beloved participants, but also for the family members who need to work, and to have time to manage their affairs.  Contact the WCOA Director, Susan Oliveira, if you can spare an hour or two a week.  The Program is also in need of arts and crafts supplies, so please send any items, such as wool, colored paper, beads, buttons, or other items you think could be used for activities.

Plans are being made to publish the very popular Westport Telephone Book.  The committee will begin work this fall so the directory can be published in 2007.

FWCOA has allocated funds for a computer system consultant to analyze the needs for the Council on Aging network.  When the specifications for a new network are ready, FWCOA will fund the program.  The Friends has also allocated funds for a new printer when it is needed.

Happy spring to you all and best wishes for family holidays together.  Let the sun shine in.

For the FWCOA, Nancy Burkholder

SERVING  HEALTH  INFORMATION 
NEEDS  OF  ELDERS (S.H.I.N.E.)

If you are looking for information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth, etc., call the SHINE counselor.  Phone consultations and one-on-one appointments can be arranged for Westport residents by calling, 508-636-1026.

REMINDER:  Open enrollment ends April 28 for Prescription Advantage—a supplement to the Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

COMPUTER WORKSHOP--Workshops for Introduction to Computers, using your PC or Apple, are Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.  Advance registration is required for these sessions.

60+ SENIOR CITIZENS I.D. CARDS—ID photos are taken by appointment at the WCOA office located at the Westport Senior Center.  Photos are recognized by area merchants and SRTA transportation for discounts.  You must be 60 years of age or older, and present proof of age and residency.  Cost is $5.00.

INCLEMENT WEATHER -- CANCELLATION POLICY
Westport COA will cancel all activities and programs at the Senior Center, as well as transportation, if the Westport Community Schools are closed due to bad weather or other local emergency.  The school department airs announcements on local television channels 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 25, and 64; as well as AM radio stations 630, 920, 1420, and 1480, and FM radio stations, 93.3, 94.1, and 101

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
First Thursday of Each Month
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Caring for a loved one with changing abilities can be very stressful.  Join us each month as we share information on understanding and coping with behavioral problems and learn about accessing local resources for caregivers.  Please call.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Second Tuesday of Each Month
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
 VIDEO MAGNIFIER—To help read documents easier, the COA has a magnifying machine in our library room.
BOOKS ON TAPE—A wide selection of Books on Tape is available in the COA library and from our Outreach Worker.

Tax Assistance--An AARP volunteer will be available at the Senior Center to help residents 60+ by appointment through April 12, 2006.

SIGN IN, SIGN OUT

The Council on Aging would like to make sure everyone is safe while using the Senior Center.  In order to be able to locate who is in the building in case of a fire or other emergency, we request you sign in on the visitors log when you arrive and then sign out when you leave the building.  Remember, as a public building, we are responsible for conducting periodic fire drills, and the visitors log is one way to make sure everyone is safe.
This is important—it could save your life!

FREE DENTAL HYGIENE

A dental hygiene program is offered at Bristol Community College for area residents.  The dental clinic offers exams, x-rays, and cleaning.  The clinic is located at, 777 Elsbree Street, Building C, Fall River.  The contact is Mark Frias, 508-496-2169.  Appointments and more details can be obtained by calling Mark.


DO NOT DIAL AREA CODES 2 8 4,  8 0 9,  8 7 6

This is very important information provided via AT&T.  Be sure to read this and pass it on to friends and family so they are not scammed.

Do not respond to E-mails, phone calls, or web pages which tell you to call an “8 0 9” telephone area code.  This is a very important issue of Scam Busters because it alerts you to a scam that is spreading *extremely* quickly, can easily cost you $2,400 or more, and is difficult to avoid unless you are aware of it.

This scam has also been identified by the National Fraud Information Center and is costing victims a lot of money.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:  You will receive a message on your answering machine or your pager, which asks you to call a number beginning with area code 809.  The reason you are asked to call varies.  It can be to receive information about a family member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, died, to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.  In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away.  Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.

WHY IT WORKS:  The “8 0 9” area code is located in The Bahamas (British Virgin Island)—outside U.S. jurisdiction.

Local teens have formed a vocal group called Music Is.  These young people range in age from 14 to 19 and have performed in chorus, drama club or various community theaters.  The group of teens had been a tight-knit circle of friends long before they were discovered at a karaoke night at White’s of Westport.  After their impeccable rendition of “Seasons of Love” that left the room at its feet, a local talent scout offered them a 1-hour slot on a TV show.  Little did they know that it was the show’s host that offered them to perform for one hour on a cable program called “Curtain Call”--shown on Comcast Cable Network, Cox Cable and on Pac Cable. 

This will be the second performance at the Westport Senior Center.  Their upcoming appearance at the Westport Senior Center is open to the public, but reservations are requested due to space. 

Set aside Thursday, April 20, at 12:30 p.m.  Seniors, 60 years of age and over, are welcome to register for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon served by BES Nutrition Program staff—48-hour is required to reserve lunch at the Westport meal site.  For reservations, please call the COA office at the Senior Center, (508) 636-1026.

The Silver Fox and Friends

A musical performance for your listening pleasure will take place at the Westport Senior Center featuring local singer George Cataldo and his friends.

Join us at the Center on  Monday, April 24, 12:30 p.m.  Seniors, 60 years of age and over, are welcome to register for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon served by BES Nutrition Program staff—48-hour is required to reserve lunch at the Westport meal site.  For reservations, please call the COA office at the Senior Center, (508) 636-1026.

The Senior Social Day Program is welcoming new participants.  Come and enjoy the fun.  It is time to begin to prepare for the arrival of spring and bid “goodbye” to the doldrums of winter.  Scholarships may be available based on financial need.  For more information, please contact The WCOA at (508 636-1026—COA Director, Susan Oliveira, or Program Director, Gloria Santos.

Gardening Workshops

Master Gardener, Mary Beth Miller, will conduct a series of Spring/Summer workshops at the WCOA.

Friday, April 21, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dig in and Grow:  Garden Program Activities for Spring and Summer Audience:  activity directors, eldercare professionals, occupational/physical/recreational therapist, and volunteers.  Lunch is included.
Cost:  $55 -- Early Bird by April 8th
Cost:  $65 – Regular

Saturday, April 22, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gardens for All:   Creating Spaces & Places for Gardening Programs Audience:  activity directors, eldercare professionals, occupational/physical/recreational therapist, and volunteers.  Lunch is included.
Cost:  $55 -- Early Bird by April 8th
Cost:  $65 – Regular

SPECIAL OFFER
$100 for both sessions when registered by April 8th—a $30 savings off regular fees.

Attendees of Spring sessions wills receive a voucher for a discount if they attend the Fall/Winter session.