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Governor Riley Celebrates Grand Opening of New Guin Senior Center
GUIN-Governor Bob Riley today celebrated the grand opening of the state’s first Safe Center for seniors in Guin. In addition to serving the daily needs of seniors in the area, the new center also serves as shelter in the event of a disaster.
“This Safe Center concept was developed after we saw the devastating effects of hurricanes and tornadoes on the elderly in our state,” said Governor Riley. “After the storms, many of our seniors did not have a safe place to go to regain a sense of normalcy. This Safe Center will provide the area’s seniors not only with a place to go for their daily needs, but also lets them know they have somewhere to turn in the case of emergency.”
The building is designed according to Federal Emergency Management Agency standards to withstand hurricane and tornado force winds, floods and other hazardous conditions.
The Safe Center is also equipped with generator power and extra wall outlets that can be used to operate light medical equipment such as portable oxygen machines. The center has an area for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The Safe Center also has a satellite telephone to ensure communication after storms and other natural disasters.
In Plan 2010, Governor Riley’s second term agenda, he proposed building senior centers that can also serve as safe centers in areas throughout the state. In addition to the new center in Guin, plans are underway to build others in the Huntsville area, the Black Belt and near Valley in East Alabama.
Trained staff and volunteers will operate the Safe Center, which will be stocked with appropriate supplies and shelf-staple meals that will be rotated on a regular basis. The center has full showering and laundry facilities in the event seniors need to stay for an extended period of time.
Irene Collins, Executive Director of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, was also on hand for the grand opening. “This center is the accomplishment of many agencies working together for the good of the people and the state,” she said.
The Safe Center was developed through a partnership between the Alabama Department of Senior Services, U.S. Administration on Aging, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the City of Guin.
Medicare Prescription Drug Program Open Enrollment Begins November 15
Enrollment Begins November 15 and Ends December 31
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
MONTGOMERY – Open enrollment for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program begins Thursday, November 15. The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) is advising senior citizens to seek help and choose wisely when selecting a plan for 2008.
“This is an excellent time for seniors already enrolled in a plan to evaluate their Medicare by looking at three areas: cost, coverage and customer service,” ADSS Executive Director Irene Collins said. “We also encourage those not enrolled in a plan to do so and take advantage of the program just like hundreds of thousands of Alabamians already have.”
Senior citizens need to ask these three questions when evaluating their plan for 2008.
1. Cost: Will your premium and costs change in 2008?
2. Coverage: Do you need more coverage in 2008? Will the prescription drugs you take be covered by your plan in 2008?
3. Customer Service: Are you satisfied with your plan’s service?
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors and volunteers at the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are scheduling appointments and events to help seniors enroll. Senior citizens should call their local AAA at 1-800-243-5463 to set up a time to talk with a counselor. Seniors can call Medicare direct to enroll in a plan at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227).
Important Medicare Open Enrollment Dates to Remember:
November 15, 2007: Open Enrollment Begins
December 31, 2007: Open Enrollment Ends
January 1, 2008: Coverage Begins
Some Alabama senior citizens can get extra help paying for their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Those enrolled in a plan should contact the Social Security Administration and apply for extra help to pay for the drug plan.
Seniors must meet two criteria to be eligible for help paying for drug benefits:
* Annual income must not be more than $15,315 if you are single or $20,535 if you are married
* Combined savings, investments and real estate (other than your home) must not be worth more than $11,710 if you are single or $23,410 if you are married and living with your spouse.
Seniors are encouraged to apply even if they are not sure they meet the requirements.
“Many seniors in our state are already saving on the cost of their medicine through Medicare Part D. This extra help will allow them to save even more,” Collins said.
Senior citizens can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for the extra help. Seniors need to remember that applying for extra help does not enroll them in a prescription drug plan.
The Alabama Department of Senior Services’ Senior Medicare Patrol Program is offering Medicare Protection Toolkits to help seniors protect themselves from healthcare fraud and abuse. Senior citizens and Medicare recipients can request a kit by calling 1-800-243-5463 or by visiting their local Area Agency on Aging or senior center. The toolkit is available for download from the ADSS website at http://www.AlabamaAgeline.gov.
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