Take a Moment and Think

We have talked about different kinds of scams before but no matter how many times, there are always new scams and people who get taken in by them. Recently one of my twins, 18, called to tell me about a senior at the store he works struggling with a scam. The senior was putting money into a Bitcoin machine, Keegan stopped her to ask if she needed help and make sure she was knowledgeable about what she was doing. The money was not going to the family member, she thought it was. She was being scammed. He was heart broken and called me to vent.

First, let’s discuss what Bitcoin is. Bitcoin is a digital or virtual currency known as cryptocurrency. This is an exceedingly difficult thing for me to wrap my head around. Cryptocurrency exists in an electronic form only, there are not any physical coins or paper cryptocurrency. It is not backed up by a bank that can verify transactions or insure your money if the bank fails. With crypto, everything is digital, and funds exist in online databases called blockchains. Blockchains are like a virtual ledger that keep records of all the digital transactions associated with a cryptocurrency. Crypto can be used for making purchases and investing. 

Ok so that is a very brief description of cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, when we do not understand something, it is easy to fall for scams. Bitcoin has ATM machines where you can put in real money and buy Bitcoin to be deposited into a virtual account. Scammers pretend to be a family member or an internet love interest and once you have deposited the money in their virtual account, that money is gone. Many of these transactions are untraceable which makes it difficult to recover money or find and punish the scammers.

So how do you protect yourself with a technology that is not well understood? 

• Do your research and if you still are not certain then do nothing, it is not worth the risk.
• If someone reaches out to you even someone you “know” be cautious about sending money in any form, especially crypto or gift cards that have no way to recover the funds.
• If someone reaches out with an “investment” that seems too good to be true or offers unrealistically high returns, it is probably a scam.
• Double check any emails that want you to click a link or enter your personal information.
• If someone is pressuring you to act fast, they do not want you to think or research what you are doing.
• Trust your instincts, many times we know when something does not seem right and act against our own judgement.

Learning about new things can be intimidating and there is always innovative technology that can be overwhelming but try to stay informed and be cautious and do not be afraid to ask questions and accept help if offered.  As always, you can call Aging Matters, 1-800-392-8771 if you have any questions or concerns. Because, Aging Matters.

What’s new in Medicare for 2025

Things, they are a changing in Medicare, especially the prescription drug programs. Every year there are some changes to particular plans but 2025 will have big changes for Medicare Part D.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Part C and Part D plans is every year from October 15 through December 7 so now is the time to look at your current plan and see what will be best for the coming year. Medicare Part D plans send out an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September to give you a heads up about what is changing with your plan. You should look over that form and take into consideration what will change with your current plan. Plans can change the monthly premium amount, one plan will be increasing from $9.90 each month to $44.90, that is a huge difference and you don’t want that surprise in January when you can’t make a change. The deductible maximum is also going up to $590, some plans will have a lower one and some have no deductible. The most important yearly change is plans can change their formulary, which is what medicines are covers under a plan and what the co-pay amount is. You do not want to go fill a prescription in the New Year and find out it is not covered.

Some big changes for Medicare Part D is there will be an out of pocket spending cap on medicine for all Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans. This cap is $2,000 for 2025 and includes the amounts paid for the deductible, copayments and coinsurance on all covered medicines. It does not include the monthly premiums or anything paid for non-covered Part D drugs. This cap will eliminate the donut hole in its entirety.

In addition, in 2025, there will be a Prescription Payment Plan; this will allow Medicare Beneficiaries to spread out the cost of their prescriptions over the entire year. This could be beneficial for those with high drug costs; it allows you a set amount each month instead of the highs and lows when paying of the deductible. There will not be any additional fees or interest charged for this and it is open to all beneficiaries, no income guidelines. You will need to contact your prescription drug company to enroll. It is best to contact them earlier in the year so the amount can be spread out over a longer period. The payments are made directly to the plan, not the pharmacy and you will still need to pay the monthly premium for the plan.

Medicare.gov is the website to help determine what drug plan will be best for next year. At Aging Matters, we also look at which drug plan will best suit the beneficiaries’ needs for next year. Prescription information such as name of medicine, dosage and frequency are entered along with preferred pharmacy and zip code. The available plans are sorted by least expensive coverage. The costs for each medicine, the premium amount and the deductible are easy to see. You can also compare the Advantage Plans and see the different benefits they offer. This will allow you to make an educated choice about what coverage you want for next year.

When reviewing Medicare coverage for 2025 it is also a great time to check if there are any Extra Help programs you might qualify for. Those who meet the income and asset guidelines could get help to pay the Medicare Part D premium and help with co-pays for medicine.

Aging Matters will have Open Enrollment events at senior centers, libraries and other locations throughout our service area to assist Medicare Beneficiaries, let us know if you need assistance. To make an appointment for Medicare Part D or for more information call Aging Matters at 1-800-392-8771, because Aging Matters.

Age Spots

Jackie Dover

Freedom of the Open Road

There is nothing like hopping into your car and cruising down the road with your music blasting and the wind in your face. Driving is important to maintaining independence for all ages but especially seniors. Being safe on the road is crucial and everyone needs to take the needed precautions to be the best driver we can be.

The first thing for safety is to ensure you are in the best shape physically, staying active and getting regular check-ups to make sure there are no issue that can arise while we are in control of a vehicle should be mandatory for all drivers. Make sure you understand what medication you are taking and if there are any side effects like drowsiness that could impact alertness on the road. Getting regular vision and hearing checks is important to ensure you are able to make the needed adjustments while driving as quickly as possible.

Plan your route so you are comfortable knowing how to get to where you are going. GPS and navigation aids are great with telling you how to get to unfamiliar places, use the hands free options so you are able to keep both hands on the wheel. Planning a trip so most or all of the driving is done during daylight hours is also a great idea; visibility is better and you have more notice to make required adjustments. In addition, plan enough time that if there is bad weather, you can make other arrangements if needed. Weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow can significantly affect driving conditions. You may need to slow down and maintain a larger distance from other vehicles. If conditions worsen, consider postponing your trip until weather conditions improve or look into other options such as public transit, ridesharing or arranging rides with friends and family. Being safe is the key.

Keeping your vehicle in good condition is important for all drivers. Maintain regular service and inspections; check tires, lights, brakes and fluid levels on a regular basis. Many newer cars will alert you to any issues and when servicing is required. Having my car tell me when it needs an oil change is super convenient and maybe a little creepy. 

A very important rule for driving safety is minimizing distractions. I cannot tell you how many times I see drivers of all ages talking on their phone, head down texting or eating as I try to avoid getting in their way. Limit distractions, use the hands free and voice activated options. Try to avoid adjusting the radio or other controls while moving. Be the example for others.

The discussion on when someone should stop driving will vary for everyone. If there are physical limitations involved such as vision loss or dementia the conversation may come sooner than anyone wishes and some people will be good drivers their entire lives.  There are several resources that offer refresher courses or evaluations for older drivers such as AARP, the National Institute on Aging and even your local insurance company. For or more information on this topic or any age related issues, please call Aging Matters 1-800-392-8771, because Aging Matters.

We All Need Heroes

Have you ever been pulled over for speeding or “rolling through” a stop sign? These are such frustrating experiences that can feel like a waste of time and can be overly stressful as you try to find your insurance and registration without being suspicious. At least that’s what I think when I am pulled over. It is stressful, but have you ever thought about the stress on the other side of that stop. The officer is walking up to a vehicle with an unknown amount of people and unknown intentions. Are you a family out on an ice cream run or did you just rob a house down the street? The fact the officer still does their job without knowing what may happen is heroic.

President John Kennedy established national Police Week in 1962 to recognize and honor law enforcement officers with a special acknowledgement of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Events are held throughout the country in celebration of Law Enforcement during this week. If you get the chance, please show kindness and respect to all of the men and women who put on the badge and put their lives on the line to keep us all safe. You can show gratitude and support by thanking any officers you see out and about. If an officer has gone above and beyond for you, write a letter and show your appreciation. 

Locally, Seniors and Lawmen Together (SALT) an organization established to bring together seniors and law enforcement to address unmet safety needs and allow seniors to meet and interact with law enforcement in a friendly and positive environment will host the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. This event will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 9 at the Cape Bible Chapel, 2911 Kage Rd, Cape Girardeau, Mo. This event will recognize all the fallen heroes who died in the line of duty in our area. This event offers family, friends and coworkers of those who have lost their lives to remember them with respect, gratitude and honor the men who made a difference in their communities and paid the ultimate price. SALT honors those from the counties of Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne.

What makes a hero? Someone who is willing to give of themselves and sacrifice for the betterment of others. Someone willing to put themselves in danger to step in front and protect those who are weaker and more vulnerable. A hero runs into danger and helps guide others out of the line of fire. Law Enforcement have a tough job and get little respect and sometimes little pay and recognition. Please take the time to acknowledge all that our first responders do to allow us safety and security as we go about our days and nights.

If you are a senior or have questions about senior issues, please call Aging Matters 800-392-8771. Because….Aging Matters.

Time Matters

My twins, my babies are graduating from high school in a few months. I cannot believe how fast time flies. It feels like yesterday I was carrying them around in their little car seats and now they tower over me. The funny thing about time is, it’s the one thing we can never get back. Once the time has passed, it is just gone, we cannot slow it down to savor a precious moment or speed it up to get through an awkward or painful time. Time is finite for each of us and we each get to decide how we spend our time.

We do not have to wait to start living the life we want to have; we can start now. Prioritize what is important to you. 

• Spending time with family and friends that you enjoy is a great way to spend your time. Building social connections has many benefits; it can lead to better health both physically and mentally. Friends and family can be a support system and help when needed and can hold you accountable to stay active and make better choices. Spending time with the younger family members can build memories they will cherish forever.
• Devote time to hobbies or find new hobbies to pursue. I love to read and do that almost daily. It is a way for me to relax and refocus on myself; it is something that is just for me. I can turn off the outside chatter and just focus on what I find enjoyable. Finding something you enjoy doing can add value to your life, it can reduce stress, make you happier and introduce you to new people who have similar interests. 
• Be true to yourself and live the life you want. Get to know yourself and what makes you happy and pursue that. We all need to make choices that bring us peace and happiness. Find out what that is for you. 
• At the end, when you reflect back on your life, you do not want to have regrets about the life not lived. Take that vacation of your dreams. Reach out to the friend you lost touch with. Make amends to those you have wronged and choose the life that makes you happy.
• Make healthy life changes. Eating healthy and incorporating more physical activity may help you live a longer healthier life. It could give you more time with those you care about and allow you to do more of the things you enjoy.

I am enjoying this time with my High School Seniors, we will never have these fun, stressful and crazy moments again. I know in the next few months we will have lots of changes, some I will enjoy, some I will struggle through, but I plan to make as many long term memories as I can, because this time matters. I hope you do the same.

There are only 10,080 minutes in a week, how do you want to spend those precious minutes? 

If you have questions about aging services, please call Aging Matters, 800-392-8771. Because, Aging Matters.