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Talking with your doctor, part 2
Karen Reilly elected Elder Services Board President
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From the Director - The Changing Goals of Retirement
Elder Services Board of Directors as of October 24, 2001
Berkshire County Thanksgiving Dinner
to homebound elders
Ask Elder Services
By Sim Gaunt
The Information and Referral (I&R) department of Elder Services of the Berkshires receives many calls each month from elders with problems or issues they are unable to solve on their own. Here are some examples.
Encouraged to do so by his family, an elderly gentleman visited Elder Services. He and his wife were having difficulties making ends meet and he had just received a notice that his supplemental insurance was increasing by 40%. He was greatly distressed since he is the caregiver to his wife who takes over six to twelve medications daily to maintain her health.
The couple’s income was $1200 per month. With the rising costs of fuel and utilities the elder did not know how he was going to come up with the extra money. He talked about working very hard all his life and raising three children on sometimes less than adequate pay...."But that’s the way it was back then," he said, proud of his accomplishments. He continued that he is retired and in his 70's and is supposed to be enjoying his "golden years," but he is finding things are not any easier. Also, as the only caregiver for his wife, he is unable to return to work to compensate for the rise in living costs.
We explained to him about the Prescription Advantage program, and that he should considered applying to the Program for his wife; drop from his current supplemental insurance plan, which covers medications, and that he should change to a Medigap policy, which does not have medication coverage and pick up The Prescription Advantage Program. This would save him money on supplemental insurance premiums and the cost of medications.
We also suggested other financial aid programs such as fuel assistance, electrical assistance, telephone assistance, and rate reduction for the "Berkshire Eagle." The elder said he would consider these options.
Epilogue - The gentleman came back to Elder Services stating that has an appointment with Berkshire Community Action Council for fuel assistance and has also called the two Medigap carriers in Berkshire County to request information packets be sent to him for review.