Changes coming to the EPIC Program

Changes coming to the EPIC Program
The New York State Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program, commonly called EPIC, will be
experiencing some changes in the upcoming months. EPIC is a program for New York State residents
age 65 or older to assist with their prescription expenses. The changes will take place on two different
dates as outlined below:
Beginning on July 1, 2011
The EPIC program will expand to provide Part D premium assistance for individuals with incomes up to
$23,000 and for couples up to $29,000 per year. Currently EPIC assists with Part D premiums for individuals
up to $20,000 and couples up to $26,000 per year. This will result in approximately 28% more seniors
receiving the Part D premium assistance.
The new legislation also eliminates the EPIC deductible credit of up to $464 that was applied to a person’s
original EPIC deductible amount. Deductible members enrolled in a Part D plan received this credit for
2011. If a person has already met their lower deductible, they will have to pay this additional amount
before they can resume paying the EPIC co-payments. This change will result in most deductible members
having to pay an additional $464 for the rest of 2011.
Beginning on January 1, 2012
The EPIC program will be free. There will be no fees or deductibles to belong to the program.
The individual must still be a New York State resident age 65 or older and have income of less then
$35,000 per year for a singe person and $50,000 per year for a couple.
EPIC will provide Part D premium assistance for individuals under $23,000 and couples under $29,000 per
year.
EPIC will require that all members belong to a Part D plan.
EPIC will only provide secondary prescription coverage when a member reaches the Part D coverage gap or
donut hole.
EPIC will be sending out letters to members explaining the new changes. If you have questions you may
contact the EPIC hotline at 1-800-332-3742 or the Steuben County Office for the Aging at 607-664-2298
in Bath, 607-324-4891 in Hornell or 607-936-4661 in Corning.
May – August 2011
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Food Bank‘s distribution in Woodhull and Jasper. Jan
spent her career working with seniors
Spotlight on Senior Citizens of the Year
by Jeni Paquette
On May 5th, the Office for Aging Advisory Council
honored nine recipients with the Senior Citizens of the
Year Award at the Presbyterian Church in Bath. The
event was moderated by OFA Director, Michael Keane.
Wonderful songs were led by Peg Inglis, and excellent
food and service were provided by the Presbyterian
Church.
and has a special love for older people. Jan is a woman
of diverse talents, including keeping secretarial minutes,
maintaining budgets, coordinating volunteers, as well as
listening to the concerns of seniors and their families.
We at OFA recently had the opportunity to work with
Jan in organizing a focus group in the Woodhull area for
our Aging in Place project. It was evident from that
encounter why Jan was nominated for this award.
Bert Bonadonna of Wayland has been a volunteer
firefighter for 55 years where he also serves as an EMS
Attendant. He has been active in the American Legion,
the Holy Family Cemetery Association, St. Vincent de
Paul League of St. Joseph‘s and the Historical
Association. He has a reputation of being there to help
whenever and wherever he‘s needed.
Jackie Curry of Corning. Tina Hackett, an Activities
Aide at Absolute Care at Three Rivers nominated Jackie
for her devotion and dedication to the residents living
there. According to her nomination, Jackie always has a
pleasant attitude and is continuously smiling. She works
very hard to make sure everyone who lives at Absolut is
happy. As Jackie stated, ―I may not be able to do much,
but I can talk. I have a PhD in talkology.‖ Tina added
that ―Jackie does much more than talk—she brings
happiness!‖ For her volunteer work, Jackie reads to
residents who cannot read anymore, as well as visiting
and reading to those who are lonely for company. In
addition, Jackie puts together large tea parties once a
month and provides special snacks and drinks. Her
parties are always very creative featuring recipes from
around the world. Jackie brings smiles to people when
she walks in the room. She has a huge heart and
spends a lot a time at Absolut with those who have no
other visitors. In addition to her love for the seniors
who reside in this nursing home, Jackie also has a love
for children. This has been played out in Jackie‘s life by
her reading to children at area schools for over 16 years.
Josephine Brzozowski of Hornell, or Jo as she is
known, was nominated by the American Red Cross for
23 years of service with their blood drives. However, Jo
began her volunteering many years before that under
FEMA, when she would pack up and leave town to assist
those in disaster torn areas of our country after floods
and hurricanes, specifically in the Midwest and Puerto
Rico. Closer to home, Jo has been an RSVP volunteer
and has worked at McAuley Manor Adult Day Care
Center in the Activities Department and as a Eucharistic
Minister for the past 23 years. Also she was actively
involved as a Faith in Action volunteer driving seniors to
medical appointments for nearly eight years. Additionally
Jo has been a member of St. James Women‘s Auxiliary
where she assisted with food and bazaars, and with St.
Ann‘s School where she was a playground and
lunchroom monitor. Despite recent knee surgery and
advancing age, Jo still wants to do for others. In all of
this, Jo always has a pleasant smile and gives from her
heart and soul.
Jane Fahl of Hornell has volunteered as a driver, home
visitor and shopper with Faith in Action for 16 years. She
has been very active with the American Red Cross, and
has served as an Ombudsman in area nursing homes.
She has volunteered at Hornell Gardens in the Religious
Affairs Department, the Senior Olympics and American
Cancer Relay for Life. Jane has served as an election
inspector and on the OFA Advisory Council. She not only
works at the St. James Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, but
manages all of the volunteer scheduling for the shop.
Jan Calkins of Woodhull, was nominated by Denise
Oakley of Painted Post for Senior Citizen of the Year.
According to her nomination, Jan doesn‘t have to be
asked to help—she simply finds where she is needed
and steps in to fill the void. Jan is never satisfied to
merely help out; she tries constantly to find the best
way to help, to coordinate projects to suit everyone
involved, and researches new ideas. Since her
retirement three years ago, Jan has been very active in
the Bennett‘s Creek Bible Church and serves as the
secretary of the Fire Commissioners Board of Woodhull.
She volunteers every Monday and is Coordinator of the
May – August 2011
Zane Fiegl of Canisteo, was nominated by the Rev.
Donald Maynard of the Canisteo Wesleyan Church for his
involvement in the lives of others for over a quarter of a
century. According to his nomination, Zane helps
whenever asked. He takes people to doctor‘s
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appointments in Rochester and other places and he
helps build handicapped ramps for individuals
attempting to remain in their own homes. According to
Rev. Maynard, Zane always goes that extra mile to help.
Dick Russell, Director of Faith in Action, says that Zane
has been involved in his organization for the past six
years and is referred to as the ―Tool Man‖ at Faith in
Action. Whatever tool is needed on a job, you can be
sure Zane has it! According to Dick, Zane not only
builds ramps, but he also makes them look nice. As Dick
commented, ―with Zane, it‘s about form as well as
function‖. Dick added that Zane is a man of true
compassion, and in addition to building ramps, he will sit
and chat with those who are homebound. People feel
very comfortable being around Zane. Rev. Maynard
further stated that Zane is a person of integrity and
devotion who always puts the needs of others first.
and Food Ministries at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in
Bath, Delegate to various church conventions, Education
Committee for the Corning-Painted Post Historical
Society, Curtiss Museum and the Steuben County
Historical Society. John has also served as Treasurer of
the Campus Ministry Advisory Board at Corning
Community College, Executive Board Member and
Treasurer as well as 2010 Convention Committee for the
Corning Area Retired Teachers Association, the Steuben
County Hall of Fame Selection Committee, a member of
the Bi-Centennial Committee for the County, and a
member of the chorus of the Orchestra of the Southern
Finger Lakes for the past 15 years, as well as the Board
of Directors, to name but a few of his many affiliations.
Barbara Savoia of Atlanta, for the past 45 years, has
worked as a caregiver in Steuben County. Normally our
award goes only to volunteers, but in this case we are
making an exception due to the length of time and the
caliber of the work that Barb has done for so many
seniors, veterans, mentally ill or disabled, those with
Alzheimer‘s Disease or for anyone needing care in the
Avoca, Atlanta and Cohocton Valley area of Steuben
County. Despite the fact that Barb could be retired, and
in fact retired briefly to Florida, Barb has returned to NY
and has resumed caring for others. She gives seniors in
our county a place to call home. As her nomination
stated, Barb deserves to be honored because she is a
truly exceptional human being, in fact, she‘s an angel,
according to Christina Schlageter, a nurse who works
with Barb and who submitted this nomination. Christina
stated that Barb has devoted her entire life to caring for
others. On more than one occasion she has taken in
older people with no means of paying for their care, and
she always says, ―Don‘t worry, you have a home now.
Bernard Hosmer of Woodhull, for the past 15 – 20
years, has served as the President of the Jasper Area
Senior Citizens. Bernard took the position as a way to
be involved and to have fun, but also as a way of
helping other people. He believes that although the
Jasper area is very rural, the seniors living there still
should have access to the programs and services that
will help them live quality lives in their own homes.
According to his nomination, Bernard truly cares about
people. He takes the time every month to not only set
up programs and speakers for club meetings, but in the
past has also been very involved in setting up day trips,
a service that is very highly desired by seniors living in
the rural areas of our county. Recently Bernie became a
member of the Advisory Council of the Office for the
Aging. In that position, not only will he help the Office
for the Aging to coordinate and improve services, but he
will also be able to bring back valuable information to
the seniors of the Jasper area. Bernie was nominated by
Dan Farrand, Steuben County Legislator, who also had a
special certificate prepared for Bernie by the County
Legislature and signed by the Chairman.
John Roy of Campbell‘s nomination is based on years
of service to his church and in the area of education.
John‗s family believed in serving others, and John has
carried on that tradition throughout his life. He does
more than just belong to an organization, as his
nomination stated, he goes that extra mile. John‘s list of
volunteer activities is long and varied and shows the
inspiration, creativity, and impact of what he has spent
his adult life doing. To name all of these organizations
and the roles he has filled would take far too long in this
newsletter, so I will give you a partial listing: Chorus
May – August 2011
Left to right: John Roy, Jackie Curry, Barbara Savoia, Josephine
Brzozowski, Jan Calkins, Zane Fiegl and Bernard Hosmer. Missing are
Jane Fahl and Bert Bonadonna
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Need Repairs and/or
Better Accessibility to Your Home?
Arbor Development has grant funds available to help provide necessary health and safety home
repairs and accessibility modifications for low income homeowners. Eligible repairs include, but are
not limited to: roofs, electrical, ramps and accessible bathrooms. Funds are also available for septic
and well replacements and water and sewer line repairs. Applicants must live in Steuben County,
have owned and occupied the home for at least a year, be income-eligible and meet certain other
requirements. People with land contracts are not eligible.
To request an application please call 607-776-7664.
The 2011 Celebration of Spring Dance would not be possible without the generous support of
local merchants and service clubs. Our thanks to the following who contributed to this
event:
AJ‘s, Corning
Arkport American Legion Auxiliary
Bath Lodge of Elks
Bath Plumbing, Bath
Betty-Kay Bakery, Bath
Big Papa‘s Restaurant, Corning
Browsers, Hammondsport
Burger King, Bath
Chapters, Bath
Chemung Canal Trust Company
Connor‘s, Corning
Country Kitchen, Hornell
Crooked Lake Ice Cream Parlor, Hammondsport
DJ Flamingos, Bath
First Heritage Federal Credit Union
Ginger‘s Corner, Bath
Gino‘s, Bath
Giulia‘s, Hornell
Hammondsport Rotary Club
Hornell Do It Best & Strawberry Patch
Island Brew, Bath
Ivanhoe Chapter #160, Hornell
Keuka Artisan Bakery, Hammondsport
Maple City Lions Club, Inc., Hornell
McDonalds, Bath
May – August 2011
McHenry‘s, Canisteo
Pizza Delite, Bath
Rico‘s, Corning
Riley‘s, Bath
Robert N. Austin Post Memorial, Inc.
San Carlos, Bath
Sonora‘s, Corning
Spencer‘s, Corning
Stephanie‘s Family Restaurant, Bath
Steuben Bowl, Bath
Steuben Professional Massage, Corning
Steuben Trust Company, Bath
Sunset Restaurant, Hornell
Sweet Blessings, Bath
The Central, Corning
Tony R‘s, Corning
Tops, Bath
Twin Kiss, Bath
Union Block Italian Bistro, Hammondsport
Valley Grill, Canisteo
Wal-Mart, Gang Mills
Wal-Mart, Hornell
Wegman‘s, Corning
Wegman‘s, Hornell
Women of the Moose, Hornell
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BULLETIN BOARD
How to Reach the Steuben County Office
Did you ever feel that you were being
for the Aging:
discharged from the hospital or from a nursing
home rehab stay before you were well enough
to go home? When you receive a ―notice of
non-coverage‖ (which you should get at least
two days prior to your discharge), you can
appeal the decision, and Medicare will continue
to pay for the stay while they examine your
claim. All the information you need is on the
back of your non-coverage notice.
Hornell: Call (607) 324-4891
Corning: Call (607) 936-4661
Bath: Call (607) 664-2298
Fax: (607) 664-2371
E-Mail: [email protected]
Collect calls accepted if you‘re not in a local
calling area.
Farmers’ Market Coupons – We hope to
receive and distribute this years‘ Farmer Market
Coupons sometime around mid-July. Check your
local paper for information or call the Office for
the Aging in early July for times and dates of
distribution.
Have E-mail? If you would prefer to receive a
copy of ―Second Season‖ electronically, you can
let us know by calling (607) 664-2298 or emailing us at [email protected]
Senior Restaurant Dining Program
Did you ever wonder if you were eligible for
Medicaid, Food Stamps or SSI, but were afraid to
ask? Call us for a copy of the ―2011 benefit
levels‖ for basic eligibility information of the 14
most common assistance programs.
Currently accepting applications for
subsidized apartments from those aged 62+ or
disabled:
Addison Place apartments, 43 William
Street, Addison. Call (607) 359-2786.
C.F.S. Lakeview Apartments, 105 Geneva
St., Bath. Call (607) 776-4139.
Spring Meadow Apartments, 135 Water St.,
Bath. Call (607) 776-7823.
Times are tough. Costs keep going up - gas,
food, and medications all cost more. Often the
first area of your budget that you cut is good
nutrition and dining out. That can contribute to
declining health and strength, less contact with
your friends and less involvement in your
community.
Steuben Office for the Aging, and Pro Action
Senior Nutrition Program can help you stay
socially active and provide good nutritious
meals, too. We recently launched a new
program with the Canisteo Valley Grill
Restaurant offering a donation-based Senior
Menu. The Senior Menu offers nutritious,
Did you know? You can use Food Stamps to
dietitian-approved meals at a reduced price.
pay for home delivered meals, or for meals at
For a voluntary donation, you can obtain
Office for the Aging/ProAction Dinner Clubs. Food
vouchers to redeem for meals selected from the
Stamp applications are easy, and you can mail in
Senior Dining Menu at the Valley Grill located at
your form without having a face to face interview.
9 Main Street in Canisteo.
For information on Food Stamps, or for help in
applying, call your local Office for the Aging.
To find out more about this program and
complete a registration form, call Bobi Stratton
LARGE PRINT issues of our “Second
week days until 3PM at Pro Action Senior
Season” newsletter are available upon request.
Nutrition Program in Bath at 607-776-4310 or
Call (607) 664-2298 for more information.
Jan Leathersich in Canisteo anytime at 607-6984690.
May – August 2011
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RSVP…………Lead With Experience!
RSVP News:
Recognition
By the time you receive this, our 38th
annual recognition event will be past.
Annually, during the event, we present two
awards, the Louise Argentieri Award and
the Spirit of Volunteerism Award. This year‘s
winners are Eleanor Silliman (Louise Argentieri) and
Jane Fahl (Spirit of Volunteerism). Eleanor has
been a volunteer for the Steuben County Historical
Society and also the County Historian,
putting in many hours at both places.
Jane Fahl has been a volunteer with
the Red Cross in Hornell. Look for
more information about our
volunteers in the next ―Second Season‖.
The GOOD NEWS: RSVP is still here. In the last
newsletter I explained that our program was
dealing with the possibility of serious budget cuts
or total defunding. Thankfully, we were not cut
but, the BAD NEWS is that we did get a 20% cut in
2011 federal funds and a 50% cut in state funds.
The federal budget for 2012 is being worked on,
and we may face more cuts or possibly total
elimination of the Corporation for National and
Community Service, which funds Senior Corps
(RSVP, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion),
Americorps, VISTA and other programs. I will keep
you informed of how we do in the 2012 budget.
RSVP is a wonderful program that helps anyone 55
or older to get involved in his/her community
through volunteering. Not everyone knows exactly
where they want to volunteer, but they do know
what they have to offer. The volunteer coordinator
has a hand on ―the pulse of the community‖,
knowing what type of help is needed and who
could best use your skills. That is one great
feature of RSVP – the ―personal touch‖.
In Line With Recognition……..
As long as we are recognizing people, I want to
take the time to thank the RSVP Advisory Council.
Recently they participated in an evaluation of our
program, and we realized that they have so much
to offer because of their diverse backgrounds.
Many (but not all) are 55 and older, so they are
sensitive to the needs of older individuals. One of
our council members, Brenda West, and her
husband, Sheldon, chaperone all of our fundraising
trips. Some council members are RSVP volunteers
and others represent community agencies such as
the VA Medical Center, Steuben Educators, Office
for the Aging, Institute for Human Services – 211,
Corning Community College, Catholic Charities and
Steuben County Rural Ministry. Thank you to our
council members - Sheila Allen, Ruth Barry, Nancy
Becker, Sister Susan Cain, Pat Chappell, Lynn
Dinehart, Patricia Schultz, Linda Tetor, Barbara
Welles, Brenda West, Lauran Wilson, and Carol
Wood.
Hopefully, things will turn around at some point,
and we will be able to continue our work in
Steuben County.
We promise to keep you
informed.
Nan Hammes
Welcome to New Volunteers!
It‘s always great to have new volunteers on
board. Our many non-profit agencies in the
county appreciate their help.
New volunteers from the Bath area are Lillian
Snyder, Roger LaSante, Anne Keddy, Patsy
Baxter, Bruce Grant, Darolene Grant, Barbara
Shader, Deb Shader, and Carol Holder. From
Corning area, we welcome Esther Sherrod,
Judy O‘Connell, Richard Begell, Denise
Paciorek, Joan Mattison and Sharon Little.
We also welcome Twila O‘Dell from Hornell.
It is great to have you all on board!
Tell your friends about volunteering.
May – August 2011
Keep in Touch
You can call the OFA and RSVP Bath offices at
(607) 664-2298.
Also, check us out on:
Steuben County RSVP
Or on the web at:
www.steubencony.org/rsvp
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Bone Builders
We have started another new Bone Builders group. This group meets at the Howard Public
Library (3607 County Route 70A) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30. It is open to all
women and men age 50 and older. It‘s FREE to anyone in Steuben County. This makes 19
groups in the county.
The yearly evaluation questionnaire was recently completed. There were 202 participants
who turned it in. I‘d like to share some of the statistics and comments with you. The ages
range from 50 to 93, with the average age being 74.4. Only six people or 3% of those
responding suffered a broken bone last year. Several reported falling, but did not fracture a
bone. They attributed this to having stronger bones as a result of the strength training
exercises.
They were asked to indicate ways in which Bone Builders had been beneficial to their physical
health: 83.7% improved strength; 72.8% improved balance; 71.8% improved flexibility;
60.4% improved stamina/endurance; 56.9% improved energy; 27.7% eating healthier.
Bone Builders also has an impact on personal well-being and lifestyle: 62.9% increased
social activities; 44.6% improved attitude; 37.1% improved future outlook; 43.1% improved
mood; 35.6% increased sense of independence; 68.3% increased physical activity.
Some of the comments that were written: ―First time in years that my bone density scan
came back normal. The classes have more than met my expectation. Hand strength
improved. Knees more flexible and am able to walk up and down stairs. Helps relieve pain
from arthritis. Nice to get out during winter months. Easy exercise program to stick with.
Husband joined and lost 15 pounds. Had hip replacement surgery and they were amazed at
how well I recovered in a short time. Told them about Bone Builders and they concluded that
it had been very beneficial to my progress‖.
Looking ahead: The Leaders‘ Training has been set for Wednesday, September 21, 2011,
beginning at 9:00 am. It will be held at O‘Malley Hall at the former St. Mary‘s School in Bath.
Our guest speaker will be Dr. Leigh Berry, DC, from Hands On Chiropractic in Corning. Please
put this date on your calendar now for all current leaders and anyone who would like to be
trained to become a volunteer Bone Builders leader.
For further information about the training or joining any of the groups, please contact
ProAction at 607-776-2125 or 1-800-553-2033. Give your name and phone number to the
receptionist, and she will forward it to me. I will then contact you.
Darlene Auckland
Bone Builders Exercise Program Coordinator
May – August 2011
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Second Season
Preparing Summer Meals
Often on hot days we don‘t feel like preparing and
eating a regular balanced meal including meat or
other protein food, a starchy food, bread,
vegetables and fruit or dessert. We might just
want
something
cool
and
refreshing. That is certainly OK,
but we should try to include foods
from each major food group.
Here are some suggestions:
Your favorite type of fresh lettuce and other
vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, onions.
Add slices of hard cooked egg (white only if you are
limiting your cholesterol), shredded cheese or
chopped nuts, mandarin oranges, chopped apple
or fresh strawberries, croutons, and a low fat
dressing.
Tuna salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato, a
fresh fruit and a glass of skim milk.
Cottage cheese served on lettuce leaves or
shredded lettuce with sliced peaches, pears or
pineapple on the side and a modest size muffin or
five-six crackers.
Fresh vegetables with cooked chicken strips or
chunks, kidney beans, chopped apples and
chopped nuts topped with shredded cheese and a
low fat dressing.
Senior Dinner Clubs
Open for Lunch
Monday through Friday
Please make reservations one
day in advance
Addison
Addison Place Apartments
43 William St. (607) 359-9297
Bath
No reservations required
Clyde Simon Lakeview Apts
105 Geneva St. (607) 776-4310
Corning
Corning Senior Center
1 Park Lane
(607) 962-2009
and
Dayspring II Apartments
220 Tioga Ave. (607) 769-9786
Hornell
Church Street Court Apts
71 Church St. (607) 324-0814
and
Hornell Senior Center
20 Broadway Mall
(607) 324-8609
Pita bread stuffed with chopped vegetables,
chopped cooked meat or tuna and dressing of your
choice, some fruit and low fat milk.
Wayland
Little House Café
3rd Avenue Ext.
(585) 690-0300
These may not be your favorite food choices but,
hopefully, will give you some inspirations for making
your own delightful and healthy, “lite” and refreshing
meals.
Canisteo Valley Grill
9 Main Street
Need voucher from ProAction
Call (607) 776-4310
Sponsors: United Way, Steuben County Office for the Aging,
New York State Office for the Aging, Administration on Aging
May – August 2011
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May – August 2011
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Your “Second Season” newsletter from
Steuben County Office for the Aging
…working together for senior solutions
3 East Pulteney Square
Bath NY 14810-1510
Phone 607-664-2298
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Steuben Senior Services Fund, Inc. (SSSF) is updating its look and expanding its methods of receiving
donations and communicating with supporters. Thanks to a wonderful graphic artist in Horseheads,
Polly Smith-Blackwell, and a great web designer, David Williams in Alfred, we have completed these
major updates.
We have also added a secure on-line donation capability to our website located at
www.steubenseniorservicesfund.org. Through the Network for Good Donate Now button, one-time
donations can be made, as well as recurring donations. If you choose a recurring donation, you are
notified each time one is debited, so that you do not lose track of your accounts, and you can stop the
gifts at any time you choose. Donations, as always, can be made in honor or in memory of a loved
one.
Since the mission of SSSF is to build a resource for aging in place, we have also begun publishing a
quarterly Aging in Place newsletter. The second issue was just written, and if you are interested, you
can choose to receive it on-line or in hard copy. There is a newsletter signup form on our website, or
you can contact Linda Tetor at 664-2298 or [email protected] to begin receiving your
newsletter.
Thank you for your support!
Peter Robbins, Board Chair
SSSF
May – August 2011
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