My Journals (5)

 

  Get Extra Help for Medicare Part D and You Could Save Hundreds, Even Thousands, on Prescription Drugs

 
You may already know about Medicare prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. But did you know that in addition to Medicare Part D, Medicare also offers Extra Help paying for your prescription drug costs if you have limited income and limited resources? Extra Help can reduce or eliminate premiums, deductibles and co-payments, and provide coverage all year long for a Medicare prescription drug plan (with no donut hole.) You could save a lot of money, possibly even thousands of dollars.
 
You may qualify if you currently have Medicare and:
 
  • You have an annual income less than $15,600 ($1,300 per month) for a single person or less than $21,000 ($1,750 per month) for a married couple living together, and…
 
  • You have resources and assets (savings accounts and investments) that are less than $11,990 for a single person or $23,970 or less for a married couple living together. Assets such as the house you live in and your personal possessions do not count.
You can apply for this payment assistance for a Medicare prescription drug plan at any time through the AARP online community. But the sooner you do, the sooner you will find out if you are eligible for Extra Help. If you qualify, you still need to choose and sign up for a plan through Medicare Part D, but you will not have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
 
If you have a computer, it is really easy to apply online through AARP. Simply go to QuickLINK.
 
If you prefer to apply over the phone or request a paper application, call 1-800-772-1213. To apply in person, check the blue pages of your phone book for the Social Security office located near you.
Added: May 7, 2008
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   Please come and visit AARP in Maryland on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. 

More than 2,000 seniors attended our 2007 Expo and gave it rave reviews. 

This year’s Expo at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center will be even bigger and better!  Job seekers age 50 and older can attend this event for free to speak with recruiters, identify resources and to gain practical knowledge about finding and securing a new job.  Metro area employers and non-profits are welcome to exhibit at no charge. 

 

Added: May 6, 2008
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On February 17,2009, the conversion to digital TV broadcasting will take place, and TV stations will stop sending out program signals on their analog channels.  While this will offer consumers better-quality pictures and a wider range of programming options, those who don’t own a digital TV or are without cable, satellite service or a special digital converter box will not be able to watch television.

 
If you use an analog television that is not hooked up to a digital TV converter box or cable, satellite, or other pay service, you must take action before February 17, 2009, to continue receiving television broadcasts. Your options include:
·         Buy a digital TV converter box that will plug into your analog TV.
·         Buy a digital TV.
·         Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service. (Check with the provider to see how they will support the transition.)
 AARP is linking to the Federal Government’s site, which is offering every household up to two $40 coupons to help with the cost of buying a digital TV converter box, The cost of a digital TV converter box is expected to be between $50 and $70. The coupons are free, but the supply is limited and you must apply to receive them. Apply for digital TV converter box coupons online by clicking here. Digital cable converter box coupons will expire after 90 days and cannot be reissued, so be sure to review your information and use your coupon as soon as possible after you receive it.
Added: March 10, 2008
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 AARP’s 50th anniversary was honored last week with a proclamation from the Governor as well as resolutions in both the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. Speaker Michael Busch presented the House Resolution to State Director Joe DeMattos in the House Chamber, congratulating AARP for 50 years of leading positive social change to make life better for all Marylanders as they age. In his brief remarks to the assembled delegates, DeMattos joked that AARP this year is finally eligible for AARP membership.

 In a similar presentation in the Senate Chamber, Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller acknowledged AARP’s efforts to improve Maryland for all generations through advocacy, education, outreach and service.

 In his proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley congratulates AARP for 50 years of service to our state and our nation, and for championing the future of every generation
Added: March 10, 2008
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Welcome from Joe DeMattos, AARP Maryland State Director
 
Happy New Year!  2008 is an exciting year for AARP in Maryland. In 2007 the General Assembly passed a bill during special session in which 100,000 Marylanders will gain access to healthcare.  I am very proud of the role that AARP, its staff and volunteers played in this success.
 
 In 2008 AARP Maryland will again be at the table. We will work to pass legislation that ensures appropriate quality standards and monitoring of those standards across the long-term care continuum in the state, especially in nursing homes. We will continue to call for regulations and business practices that establish more predictable energy rates for consumers and create a more stable energy marketplace. We will strengthen consumer protections, securing enactment of the recommendations of the Legislative Task Force on Identity Theft, of which AARP is a member. And we will continue to be a leader in the effort to ensure that all Marylanders, and all Americans, have access to quality, affordable health care.
 
At AARP, advocacy is key to positive social change, and volunteers are key to our advocacy efforts. We are committed to making a difference in Annapolis in the coming months. I invite you to join us! If you are interested in getting involved please email us at MDAARP.org
Added: January 11, 2008
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