4 minute read
Community Heartbeat
C MMUNITY
HEARTBEAT
By Lisa Sydnor
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Now is the time to ask questions!
This Issue highlights information you need whether you are a caregiver or care receiver. There are conferences coming up as well as various seminars that highlight the many different stages of caregiving and the complexity of needs.
Medicare Open Enrollment is Oct 15 – Dec 7,
2022. Take time to research your options. If you have Medicare Advantage, do not assume you have Medicaid Advantage. It is not the same thing. Call the knowledgeable personnel at the Oklahoma Insurance Department or Oklahoma Department of Human Resources or Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitative Services. Get the facts that enable you to make informed decisions.
NOW IS THE TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS. The Oklahoma Insurance Department wants to help you make the right choice for you. As a state agency, they aren’t selling anything. Their only agenda is to help you make the right choice for you and your situation. Live webinars begin on October 4th and end on October 25th. This year, they have four webinars featuring leading experts in Medicare.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022, 10AM-2PM
COEDD Area Agency on Aging Is Hosting Caregiving: Where Do I Begin? Location: Project H.E.A.R.T. 830 W Ford, Shawnee, Oklahoma Free lunch and door prizes Debra Case, Caregiver Coordinator (405) 273-6410 ext. 130
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 AT 10 AM
2022 Oklahoma Family Caregiver Conference The Oklahoma Family Caregiver Conference will be held virtually on November 1st, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme of this year’s conference is “Family Caregivers Are Superheroes.” Participants will connect with other family caregivers, learn about support resources, and be eligible to win giveaways! Additionally, you can keep up with announcements about the event on the OKCares Facebook page and learn more about caregiver resources at OKCares.org.
MIPPA: Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act
Do you have limited resources or income? Do you have to choose between your monthly prescriptions and other expenses? Oklahoma Human Services offers programs to help low-income seniors and persons with disabilities to apply for two programs that help pay for their Medicare expenses:
Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or “Extra Help” If you are on Medicare and have trouble paying for your prescription medications you might qualify for this program. Eligibility varies depending on marital status, income, and resources Everyone is encouraged to inquire
Medicare Savings Program Depending on your particular situation you might qualify to have your Part A and/or Part B premiums reduced or eliminated Diabetes Supplies & Services
Home and Community Based Services Waivers for persons with physical disabilities
(a) ADvantage Waiver. The ADvantage Waiver Program is a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver used to finance non-institutional long-term care services through Oklahoma’s SoonerCare program for elderly and disabled individuals in specific waiver areas. To receive ADvantage Program services, individuals must meet the nursing facility level of care criteria, be age 65 years or older, or age 21 or older if disabled. ADvantage Program members must be SoonerCare eligible and reside in the designated service area. The number of members in the ADvantage Waiver is limited.
(b) Medically Fragile Waiver. The Medically Fragile Waiver Program is a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver used to finance non-institutional long-term care services through Oklahoma’s SoonerCare program for medically fragile individuals. To receive Medically Fragile Program services, individuals must be at least 19 years of age, be SoonerCare eligible, and meet the OHCA skilled nursing facility (SNF) or hospital level of care (LOC) criteria. Eligibility does not guarantee placement in the program as Waiver membership is limited.
There are many resources available to the community. The United Way of Central Oklahoma, Heartland 211, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Hospital, the list is long. Call 405-314-7840 for more information. The ASKLisa column in this magazine can assist in getting the right numbers for the services you seek. Ask for help.
Live Well with ArchWell
We’re helping Oklahoma City seniors get well, stay well and live well.
Welcome to a higher level of healthcare for seniors: ArchWell HealthTM . We’re here to improve all aspects of our members’ lives through a special kind of healthcare that focuses on wellness, community and strong member/doctor relationships.
We’re different from your typical doctor’s office. Here’s how:
We specialize in care for seniors. Doctors who actually spend time with you. Available same-day appointments, so you can see your doctor when you need to. Your healthcare team works with you to help keep you healthy, not just treat you when you’re ill.
Locations
Mid-Del 6951 Southeast 15th St Midwest City, OK 73110
Windsor 4629 NW 23rd St Oklahoma City, OK 73127
Southwestern 7313 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73139
A vibrant healthcare community focused on you and your wellness.
Our centers are welcoming communities where you can enjoy fitness classes, board and card games and many other activities. It’s a great way to connect with other seniors. Need a ride? We’ll gladly provide transportation to and from the center.
To learn more, or to schedule a tour, call 405.251.8885 or visit ArchWellHealth.com.
live well with archwell
TM
