AARP Members Send Millions of Petitions to Congress

AARP has announced that it has collected more than 6.5 million petitions urging Congress not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Members and volunteers are delivering the petitions directly to members of Congress. Nearly 25,000 petitions will be delivered to the offices of Senators Jon Kyl and John McCain. Petions will also be delivered to Arizona’s Congressional Representatives including 3,600 petitions to 1st District Representative Paul Gosar.

For more information visit www.aarp.org/protectseniors .

Medicare Open Enrollment Info Friday at Globe Active Adult Center

A Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens representative will be at Globe Active Adult Center on Friday at 10:am to help with Medicare Open Enrollment. You’ll be able to compare what different programs offer and find out which plan is best for you.

Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation at Miami Library

The Miami Memorial Library will host an “Open Enrollment Benefits” presentation Thursday from 11 until 3.

Medicare open enrollment dates change this fall and this presentation will answer your questions about the new 2012 plans. The workshop is sponsored by the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens and the Town of Miami.

Benefit counselor Bess Bennett also provides free information and her services every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 until 2 at the Miami Library.

Medicare and Social Security Help at Globe Senior Center

Bess Bennett from Pinal-Gila Council for Seniors will be at Globe Senior Center Tuesday from 8 until Noon to help with Medicare and Social Security questions.

Medicare Benefits Counselor at Globe Senior Center

December activities at the Globe Senior Center continue on Tuesday (December 21) with a Medicare Benefits Assistance counselor at 8:am and a discussion about the “Latest Senior Scams” at 11:15.

Guitar lessons continue on Mondays at 12:30.

Medicare Enrollment Event at Globe Senior Center

Globe Senior Center is hosting a Medicare Enrollmnt event tomorrow (Thursday) starting at 9:am. It will help you with your Medicare coverage choices, including prescriptions.

Then at 11:00 the Crossing Hospice will present information about hypertension and take your blood pressure.

If you attend the workshops, lunch is free. Please make a reservation in advance by calling 425-9030.

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is encouraging all Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the annual Open Enrollment Period to make sure you have the best coverage available to meet your needs in 2011.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins today (November 15) and continues through December 31. Duing this period, current or newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries can compare health and drug plan options available in your area and choose the best coverage that meets your needs.

To find out more about coverage options call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.

Arizona Receives $1.2 Million to Help People Navigate Health Care Options

The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced that grants of more than $1.2 million have been awarded to Arizona. The funds will help seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers better understand health care options and help them navigate through the system.

Specifically, the money will be used to help families understand their Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including coverage for preventative services; help them find longterm care options; and to transition from nursng or rehabilitation facilities back home.