Life is returning to normal. Restaurants and stores are open, people can gather again and meetings have returned to in-person events. In addition, we at Aging Matters are starting our Medicare Matters Workshops and other events.

Medicare Matters Workshops are in person meetings where we go over all the parts of Medicare from A to D. We discuss when you need to enroll, when you do not need to enroll and penalties if you get the timing wrong. We also discuss the cost for the different parts of Medicare, what Medicare does and does not cover and how Medicare works with other insurance. Finally, we go through the extra help programs that can help pay for Medicare if you meet the eligibility guidelines.

We will hold these Medicare Matters Workshops throughout the 18 counties we serve. If you would like more information, please call 1-800-392-8771 to find out here we will be and to reserve your spot. Aging Matters also does one on one Medicare counseling if that is preferred, please call for an appointment. Our offices are open for clients by appointment only at this time.

As we return to normal, we hope to have other events such as our Scamboree and Grand-parenting conferences. Scamborees are programs held in conjunction with the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Missouri SMPs mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors and abuse. At the Scamboree’s we discuss different scams that seniors in our area have reported to us and ways fraudsters try to take advantage of seniors, we offer tips and ways to protect yourself. Our Grand-parenting Conferences are aimed at grandparents who are raising their grandchildren; there is useful advice on legal protections, ways to relieve stress and other helpful tips.

Aging Matters is still assisting seniors to sign up for the COVID vaccine, if you need help getting the vaccine please call 573-335-2482. We can help schedule the appointment and if you need transportation, we can assist with that. If you are homebound and cannot get out to get your COVID vaccine, we can help arrange for you to get the COVID vaccine at your home.

Life is slowly getting back to a type of normal for most of us. Between the vaccine and facemasks, many people feel they are able to meet in person and go out more than they have in the past year. This is exciting and I am so glad that we can begin reaching out to people and helping them in ways we have before. If you would like more information about any of the services provided by Aging Matters, please call 1-800-392-8771. Because, Aging Matters.