Senior Life: Navigating insurance for seniors
- Sally Kelly
You know it is fall when you start seeing pumpkins and skeletons in your neighbors’ front yards. And if you are over the age of 65, your phone starts ringing and your mailbox is always full with advertisements about health insurance programs.
Oct. 15 until Dec. 7 is open enrollment for Medicare … we can change our health care plans (our supplements to regular Medicare). And of course, every health care plan out there proclaims to have the BEST plan for YOU.
If you are not sure which plan would be best for you, I suggest that you contact the Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-770-5558. They have staff available who can help you compare the various health care plans in your area.
Or if you have a computer, you can get on the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP). This state program has a wide variety of information and comparisons they can share with you so that you can find the best program to fit your needs.
A word of warning: Beware of sharing your phone number. I did not listen to my own advice, and I get five or more phone calls a day … individuals trying to sell me something.
If you would rather get this information in person, contact the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and sign up for their Nov. 5 seminar (1-877-770-5558). Previously scheduled seminars are sold out, but you might be able to get in on this one.
The Auxiliary of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna is once again sponsoring the December Celebration of Lights. This will be the 39th year that the Auxiliary has provided the opportunity for people to join together in remembering friends and family members who have passed away during the past year.
The evening Celebration of Lights will take place Dec. 3 at the UH Portage Medical Center facility at 6847 N. Chestnut St. in Ravenna.
Through this program, you have the opportunity to help light up the exterior of the medical center during the month of December by sponsoring a light for $5. Or, if you would like an angel to be displayed in your home, you could purchase a $60 keepsake ornament with your loved one’s name on it. There is also an opportunity to have your loved one’s name put on a metal tree that will be displayed in front of UH Portage Medical Center in December.
Accompanying each of these commemorations will be a remembrance booklet with your loved one’s name in it.
For more information about this program, contact the Auxiliary at 330-297-2594.
Do not forget this winter that the University Plaza movie theaters in Kent only charge senior citizens $6.50 on Thursdays. After your movie, why not stop across the street at Dairy Queen for a snack or meal – they give senior citizens a 10% discount on purchases. But remember, you have to ask for the discount.
The Portage County Health Department sponsors a pop-up food pantry from 1 to 3 p.m. the first Thursday of every month.
Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or sentrip65@yahoo.com.
Sally Kelly