Senior Living Guide - Queens Chronicle 10-13-22

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Choosing a plan; what to know; what’s new; what has changed

• VOLUNTEERING: Ways to stay active mentally and socially • ELDER WELLNESS: Embracing trends in Telehealth

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CONTENTS • Tips for Medicare enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 • The advantages of telehealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 • Senior volunteers in demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 • Social Security column . . . . . Page 9

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Senior Living Guide

Things to know for Medicare enrollment

by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

By now you’ve surely seen those ubiquitous television commercials that feature everyone from Jimmie “JJ” Walker to Jets football hero Joe Namath to Captain Kirk, himself, William Shatner, hawking various Medicare coverage plans.

It can all be a little overwhelming if not downright confusing and, according to some experts, even misleading.

For newcomers to Medicare, the prime questions most likely involve when, how and, most dauntingly, where to begin what could be a rather intimidating process.

But, according to Jack Lippmann, president of Elder Care Services, Inc., a Rego Park-based business, in actuality, “Medicare is one of the friendliest programs the government has.” He advises anyone in need of information to call Medicare, “and they will be happy to assist you.”

And now with the fall open enrollment period (the time for signing up, reviewing benefits, Oct. 15 is the first day of open enrollment in Medicare, which comprises four parts, below. One, an making changes or switching plans) once again PEXELS.COM PHOTO; GRAPHIC BY SEHRISH ZAIN / WIKIPEDIA advantage plan, comes from the private sector. upon us — it runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 — Some people who select original Medicare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services there is some good news in the form of reduced opt for additional coverage such as Medicare released the 2023 premiums, deductibles, and costs for some beneficiaries. coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A Supplemental Insurance, or Medigap, extra But first, a little background. Medicare is the and Part B programs.” insurance you may buy from a private company federal health insurance program for people 65 The site indicates that for 2022, the standard to fill in the gaps in Parts A and B. Costs vary or older and for certain younger people with based on which policy you buy and other monthly premium for Part B coverage was disabilities. Most people are first eligible to sign $170.10. That cost will be lowered in 2023 to factors. up three months before turning 65.

You may also choose to purchase Part D by $164.90 per month, a monthly savings of MedicareResources.org cautions that if you don’t sign up for Medicare when first eligible, joining a Medicare drug plan in addition to $5.20. Similarly, the annual deductible for original Medicare, which helps cover the cost of all Medicare Part B beneficiaries was you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty. prescription drugs. Premiums vary based on the $233. That amount will be reduced to There are two main ways to get covered: the plan you join. Most plans charge a deductible $226 in 2023, or a savings of $7. original Medicare (also known as Parts A and In a recent speech, President before the coverage kicks in. Costs also vary B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (referred to as depending on the medicines you take and Biden alluded to the DepartPart C).

According to Medicare.gov, Part A is hospi- whether they are included in the plan’s covered ment of Health & Human Services’ announcedrugs, as well on the pharmacy you choose. tal insurance, which helps cover inpatient care ment that the premium Part C, known as a Medicare Advantage in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hosfor Part B will Plan, is a Medicare-approved plan from a pripice care and home healthcare. The site indicates that most people don’t pay a monthly pre- vate company that provides equal coverage to decrease.

“For the first time in original Medicare mium. If you don’t Parts A and B and more than a decade, it’s going qualify for premiummay provide some to go down,” Biden said. free coverage, you There is more good news. additional benefits. In might be able to buy it The recently passed Inflation most cases, your docwith monthly paytors must be in the Reduction Act caps monthly insulin costs ments. There is also a plan’s network. This for Medicare beneficiaries. It limits insulin deductible for each option may mean co-pays to $35 per month for Medicare Part benefit period as well lower out-of-pocket D beneficiaries starting in 2023. Seniors covas co-insurance that costs than original ered by Medicare also have a $2,000 annual increases depending Medicare; costs vary out-of-pocket cap on Part D prescription drugs on the length of the by plan, as do deduct- starting in 2025. Medicare will also be able to hospital stay.

Insurance broker Stewart M. Small, left, recPart B is medical ommends calling a Medicare specialist with ibles, coinsurance and negotiate the costs of certain prescription drugs.

CNBC quotes Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief sciinsurance, which helps questions while Jack Lippmann of Elder Care copayments.

Lippmann suggests entific and medical officer at the American cover services from Services Inc. says the program’s representadoctors and other tives also are helpful. PHOTOS BY MARK LORD / FILE that “Medicare is Diabetes Association, as saying that for patients superior insurance. aged 65 and up who rely on insulin, the Inflahealthcare providers, The downfall is the need for supplemental tion Reduction Act is a “game changer.” outpatient care, home healthcare, durable mediStewart M. Small, an independent insurance insurance,” adding to the cost of coverage. cal equipment and many preventive services. broker who specializes in life and health insurIf a person can afford Medicare, Lippmann Most individuals pay a monthly premium; the ance, recommends the use of the fall open asks, “Why have Medicare Advantage?” But, amount can vary depending on income. There he adds, “If they don’t have a large income and enrollment period “to review your current plans is an annual deductible and co-insurance.

Medicare.gov points out that if you join orig- can’t afford supplemental insurance, Medicare and options.” He points out that “there are special enrollment periods that may allow you to inal Medicare, you may use any doctor or hos- Advantage is a blessing.” change off-cycle.” He strongly suggests that you Now, about those new, lower rates. pital that takes Medicare — anywhere in the According to CMS.gov, “On Sept. 27, the “contact a Medicare specialist who is referred United States.

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to you for advice.”

During open enrollment, people who are eligible for Medicare should review their 2023 coverage options, comparing original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as options for prescription drug plans.

According to Medicareresources.org, “If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and you’re not happy with it, you can switch plans during Medicare’s Open Enrollment.”

The site offers four primary reasons you may want to change Medicare Advantage plans: Your preferred providers are no longer in the network; your prescription drugs have been moved to a more expensive tier; there are cheaper coverage alternatives; and richer benefits may be available elsewhere.

Which brings us back to those television commercials, which have been the source of much confusion and a barrage of complaints.

First, it should be noted, as made clear by Small, that the commercials are neither public service announcements nor endorsed by the government.

Rather, according to the very small print at the bottom of your television screen, they are paid endorsements, meaning that the celebrity spokespersons are compensated for their participation.

And, according to John Demko on the site twincityunderwriters.com, “Ads tend to purposefully use vague, misleading, or incomplete information. The ads often use strategies such as promising huge savings or discounts. Most of us don’t qualify for those discounts at all.”

Denko advises to “focus on the information you receive from your insurance company.”

A life insurance company site further addresses the commercials’ urging for viewers to call the telephone number on the screen. “It’s done over the phone,” the site says. “There is no guarantee that you will get this insurance.

You may be talking to a pro or talking to a brand-new person.

There’s no continuity or quality of service.”

And a site known as Medicare university says, “The commercials are true, sort of. They only tell you part of the story. The specific benefits of each plan are different.” It adds that while the commercials suggest there are no premiums for some Medicare Advantage plans, that does not mean they are free, as implied. If you feel overwhelmed by all the hype, the site advises, “Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.”

Small agrees. “Makes sense to reach out to an independent broker to guide you because this is confusing,” he said. “Why wouldn’t everybody talk to someone?”

If you need to speak with someone, visit Medicare.gov or call 1 (800) MEDICARE (6334227). You may also schedule a consultation with Small by emailing mygroupbenefits@ gmail.com or with Lippmann by going online to Q eldercareservicesny.com.

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Community Medicaid eligibility is changing! any transfers during the two and one-half (2.5) years prior to fi lling, applicants will be disqualified for a period of time depending on the amount transferred. Disqualifications cannot be more than two and one-half years.

Presently, applicants can transfer any amount The last extension was from October 1, 2022 of money one month and become fi nancially to January 1, 2023; however, the earliest date eligible for Community Medicaid the following that the state will seek implementation is month. This window of opportunity is slowly March 31, 2024. closing in. Potential applicants should keep in What does it mean to new applicants once the mind that the only way to avoid this issue is new regulation goes into effect? If there were to apply before the rule is enforced.

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Senior Living Guide

Skip the waiting room with telehealth

by Sean Okula Associate Editor

Until the latest edition of the iPad or MacBook contains some kind of portal technology connecting a doctor on one end of a call to a patient on the other, telehealth service cannot be the end-all to in-person doctor appointments. It can, however, come close.

“If you need to have hands-on care, you can’t do that through telehealth,” Vice President of Telehealth Services for Northwell Health Iris Berman said. “But you know what telehealth is really good for? Having conversations, follow-up care, review of imaging, review of a wound is great, as long as a person can get a camera so the doctor could see that or a rash, so dermatology.

All of the behavioral health support has been hugely successful.

Neurology has done really well.”

“It is fairly widespread now and fairly easy to get a telehealth appointment within the Northwell Health system, if that’s what someone desires,” she added.

Telehealth appointments, according to Berman, can save those working from having to take time off for an appointment, and can save those incapacitated in any way from having to go through the hassle of traveling to the doctor’s office, with most of the time there spent waiting anyway.

With telehealth, or virtual consultation sessions, what can be done from the comfort of one’s home is done there.

“It’s about convenience,” she said. “But it’s not just convenience in, ‘I don’t want to go.’ It’s more convenience because people don’t want to lose time away from other activities or necessities in life.

“They’re not having to prioritize healthcare above or below another activity. There are times when you can have it all,

Seniors can save time and healthcare providers can make informaFILE PHOTO tion coordination easier with telehealth services. which wasn’t always true.”

Northwell is aiming to take advantage of the technology to make aggregating patient information easier than ever. Berman said the healthcare system is working toward putting all of a patient’s relevant care providers on one virtual call, allowing them to coordinate the best care routine in real time.

“I can have my dietician, my endocrinologist and my primary care physician coordinate, and we’re working on a scheduling system to make that happen,” she said. “That way, everyone can be on with the patient at one time, and they’re all talking to each other and coming up with a simple plan of care that’s very well-coordinated.”

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Personalized health care plans...

Some companies have been founded on the predicated notion of the convenience of telehealth. DrHouse is a monthly subscription service offering 24/7 virtual clinical care through an app. For $19 per month, or $79 for a one-off visit, users are connected to a clinician within 15 minutes, per the company’s website.

“In-person visits are always better for treating the patient, but at the same time, there are some cons,” Co-founder and CEO Ergo Sooru said in a statement. “For example, it takes time to get to the doctor’s office, wait times in the waiting room, and exposure to germs. Telehealth visits are missing the physical touch but are much more convenient for something you know you have or prescription refills.”

Sooru says seniors have started to take advantage of the convenience.

“Seniors usually use it for prescription refills as it is easier to get them through our service,” he said. “We have also noticed that some primary care providers have started referring their patients to us for medication refills. It takes less than 30 minutes from starting a new visit to receive a prescription that our providers will send to the patient’s preferred pharmacy.”

In terms of advice for seniors interested in pursuing telehealth options, Sooru says some companies front as a provider but don’t offer, as he describes it, “healthcare.”

“These companies let you fill out the intake form and usually decide in 24 hours if they prescribe you a medication or not,” he said. “They call themselves telehealth providers, but I believe it is very far from practicing medicine. There is no effective doctor-patient communication.

“If you decide to use any telehealth provider, please check Q that the provider offers a video visit.”

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Senior Living Guide

Senior volunteers wanted and needed

by Deirdre Bardolf

back to work, it’s definitely about whatever you’re passionate about, whatever you feel most compelling.”

As volunteer programs continue to be built Seniors can become advocacy volunteers, as back up post-pandemic, senior candidates are AARP is a nonpartisan advocate for social not only wanted but needed. change on issues that matter to people 50 and They offer unique skillsets and life experiolder. ences, organizers agree, and volunteering pro“Not only do we train people how to advovides the opportunity not only to give back but cate to their legislators, but then they also see to get a lot in return, helping to stay mentally the fruits of their labor,” said Erin Mitchell, and physically well. director of engagement.

“They are a wealth of knowledge,” said Voter engagement is a current focus and Merav deGuzman, director of patient and custhere are also speaker opportunities such as tomer experience education at Long Island where volunteers can visit senior centers and Jewish Forest Hills, where she oversees the voleducate people about not falling victim to unteers at the hospital. fraud.

“They can strike up a conversation about As for Queens, volunteer opportunities just about anything ... And those are the types could come through everything from paper of things that we are missing in the hospital,” shredding events to big community happenings she said. like the annual Dragon Boat Festival in FlushThe hospital is busier than ever, she added, ing where AARP will have a table. as people catch up on healthcare they neglected AARP is also hosting a virtual event to during the pandemic, so help from volunteers, learn about volunteering with the organization especially seniors, is needed more than ever as on Monday, Nov. 21, from 11 am to noon. For she tries to grow engagement to prepandemic more information, email aarpnyvolunteer@ numbers. aarp.org to visit AARP.org/iwant2volunteer.

Seniors, deGuzman said, have the ability to The city Department of the Aging launched make people feel warm, welcome and cared Older volunteers are valued for their knowledge and life experience but giving back provides them a new volunteer portal over the summer, for. At LIJ Forest Hills, they might help by benefits as well. A range of opportunities exist across the borough for those interested. agingvolunteers.cityofnewyork.us, to help greeting or escorting patients, bringing them streamline the process for residents looking to In Queens, there were 175 active volunteers tor for RSVP. water, hospitality or magazines, or navigating “We want folks to consider, ‘do you want to give back. Those interested can also call (212) last year, ranging in age from 55 to 99, working the TV or connecting to the Wi-Fi. 244-6469. use the skills that you have existing from your “Patient-centered care is the norm now. It’s both remotely and in person.

Older adult volunteers can partake in the “This is our major focus now, to get back to lifetime of experience or do you want to try not about what we do or don’t do, it’s about agency’s health promotion program, where something new?” she said. how we make you feel ... it’s very small acts of that, for two reasons: because of the invaluable they can help organize presentations and fitThe ACES program, for example, requires kindness that go such a long way in patient services that volunteers are providing to organess programs at senior centers; the Health nizations and also because it’s really great for 40 hours of benefits training. experience.”

It’s a personal choice, too, she added, and Insurance Information, Counseling and Assisolder adults to be engaged and to not only feel DeGuzman interviews candidates to match tance Program; or the Foster Grandparent Pronot a one-size-fits all approach. them with a role that will leave them feeling that they’re making a contribution, but actually gram, which places them in community set“When I began volunteering, it was just making a contribution,” said Molina. fulfilled and also comfortable and safe, espesomething to fill my days, but over time, it tings like schools, community based-organizaOpportunities through RSVP are both intercially considering Covid and health concerns. tions and hospitals where they can provide became something that fills my heart — there Keeping busy, she said, helps seniors be ful- nal and external. tutoring and emotional support.

In-house, volunteers 55 years and older can is no price to be placed on that level of fulfillfilled and avoid depression, anxiety and deteriThe latter requires 15 hours per week, a ment,” Judith Purcell, a Queens Village resibe thoroughly trained in and work with Advooration of independence. dent and RSVP background check, and participants receive a And it’s a commitment, too, she said, as vol- cacy, Counseling volunteer at Ron- small stipend for their efforts. and Entitlement unteers go through an orientation process, get “The Department for the Aging has many ald McDonald Services, which medically cleared and are asked to commit six hen I began volunteering, it House of Long volunteer opportunities for older adults that put hours a week and 100 hours in total to volun- provides inforIsland, shared their skills and knowledge to good use, which teering. For more information, they can call her mation and advowas just something to fill my with RSVP in a helps them to be personally fulfilled, being cacy assistance at (718) 830-5400. active and engaged, in their communities,” said “I would love to find seniors who sing, who to seniors and days, but over time, it became testimonial.

A v i r t u a l Meka Nurse, senior director of Aging Connect low-income New play an instrument ... volunteers who speak something that fills my heart.” A m e r i C o r p s at DFTA, in a statement sent to the Chronicle.

Yorkers on beneother languages,” DeGuzman said.

“There are a variety of volunteer opportuniSeniors RSVP She continued, “Having someone that you fit programs — Judith Purcell, RSVP volunteer v o l u n t e e r f a i r ties from visiting a homebound older New including Mediccan sit with and speak with in your native lanwill take place on Yorker, to tutoring young children, and helping aid, SNAP, SSI, guage makes you feel better or less anxious residents navigate and understand Medicare.

Medicare, cash assistance and more; Financial Thursday, Nov. 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. about being in a country that you may not be a We encourage New Yorkers young and old to Register in advance at bit.ly/3rM3WYE. Coaching Corps, where volunteers serve as 100 percent comfortable in.”

AARP New York also provides seniors the visit our volunteer portal and sign up to make a The Community Service Society of New financial coaches to support low-income famidifference in the life of an older adult.”

York, a nonprofit established in 1843, also is lies and individuals; MentorUP, which offers opportunity to utilize their existing talents or Queens Community House also provides learn new skills. mentoring with a focus on academic supports working build back its cohort of volunteers. opportunities for older adults.

“The membership is what brings you in, but and vocational training to youth in the juvenile Prior to the pandemic, there were around “We have several older adult program parjustice system and young people not in school the camaraderie and the learning together as a 2,300 older adults volunteering throughout the five boroughs with the Retired and Senior Vol- and out of work; and MentorChip, which men- group, working alongside volunteers is what ticipants who are a part of the Action Group, tors kids ages 6 to 16 whose parents are makes you stay,” said Kemba Tamar, associate where they get to engage with participants and unteer Program, which falls under the umbrella state director for volunteer resources and other neighbors, learn more about the commuincarcerated. of AmeriCorps and has since been replicated nity and explore ways to better organize and engagement.

Or, RSVP will pair seniors with external nationally. The program partnered with a net“For people who are looking for something make positive change,” said Thomas Cruz, work of 250 organizations, but during the pan- organizations. Programs may be located at meaningful, something genuine that they can director of communications for the nonprofit.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, John F. demic the number of volunteers fell to under Volunteers can participate in cleanups and connect with, that has a real tangible, fun Kennedy Airport and more.

700, said Alina Molina, vice president of prorallies and help encourage Queens residents to atmosphere, AARP volunteer opportunities “The volunteer opportunities are as diverse gram services at CSS and a resident of Jackson Q give you just that. While it’s not like going vote leading up to elections, and more. as the city,” said Deirdre Ryan, program direcHeights.

Associate Editor

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Do you qualify for Social Security spouse’s benefits?

by Nilsa Henriquez

• the child has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit.

For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250.

Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and nine months old? If you answered yes to both, visit ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to get started today.

Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html P for more information.

Nilsa Henriquez is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist located in Queens.

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Social Security benefits are a crucial part of millions of Americans’ retirement income. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: • 62 years of age or older; or • any age and have in your care a child younger than age 16, or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit.

If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to one-half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement age, but care for a child and one of the following applies: • the child is younger than age 16; or

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Senior Living Guide: Ask Social Security

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By Donna Furey, Esq. Delayed Implementation of New Penalty Period for Community Medicaid On October 1, 2020, a 30-month “look back” penalty period was implemented for people applying for Community Medicaid which provides health care aides in the home. This means that Medicaid will “look back” at fi nancial transactions made during the 30-month period prior to the date of application and impose a penalty for any gifts or unexplained transfers made during that period.

To qualify for Community Medicaid in 2022, an individual may only have $16,800.00 in total assets and income up to $934.00 per month. In addition, the individual will also be entitled to a $20.00 monthly personal needs allowance for a total of $954.00. The home equity limit is $955,000.00. When calculating your resources, Medicaid does not include the value of your IRAs and 401Ks. However, Medicaid will be entitled to the Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA (which will count towards your income). If the person’s income is above the Medicaid limit, they may still be able to qualify for Medicaid with proper planning.

Due to the pandemic, THE 30-MONTH “LOOK BACK” PENALTY PERIOD HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK SEVERAL TIMES AND WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL MARCH 31, 2024.

NYS 2023 Budget Increases in Medicaid Income and Asset Limits for Age 65+/Disabled/Blind The 2023 NYS budget increases the limits for income and assets for individuals age 65+, disabled and blind to qualify for Medicaid. Effective January 1, 2023, an individual 65+, disabled or blind may have monthly income of approximately $1,563.00 and total assets in sum of approximately $28,134.00. This means that more people will be able to qualify for Medicaid without having to spend down their income or assets.

To create a plan tailored to your needs, consult with an elder law attorney.

Understanding Medicaid: Frequently Asked Questions What is Medicaid medical assistance?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state funded program, run by the state and local counties, providing medical insurance, home-care services (assisting with all activities of daily living) and nursing home medical assistance to the poor, elderly or disabled.

However, individuals requiring home-care services or nursing home medical assistance, in addition to fi nancial requirements, also will need to have a medical need for these services.

Who can apply for Medicaid?

Medicaid is for anyone who meets the income and resources restrictions.

What services does Medicaid provide?

• Doctors • Hospitals • Prescriptions • Nursing Homes (room & board) • Home-care Services, such as home attendants, home health aides and nurses

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What is an MLTC?

MLTC stands for Managed Long-Term Care. One example: When an applicant has been approved for Medicaid home-care services, the applicant has to choose one MLTC from several approved Medicaid plans. Upon joining an MLTC a coordinator will be assigned and this coordinator will be the point person between the applicant/recipient and the MLTC.

Changes with Community Medicaid eligibility!

Due to Covid-19 once again the new rule regarding transfer of assets for Community Medicaid has been extended from October 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023; however, the earliest date that the state will seek implementation is March 31, 2024.

What does the new regulation mean to the applicant?

Once the new regulation is in place, applicants wishing to apply for community Medicaid and receive homecare services paid for by Medicaid will need to submit two and one-half years of bank statements. If there were any transfers during that period, other than spouse to spouse, the applicant will be disqualified for a period of time. Presently, applicants can transfer any amount of money one month and become financially eligible for Community Medicaid the following month. This window of opportunity is closing in fast. There is no time to procrastinate. The only way to avoid this issue is to apply before the new rule is enforced.

Elder Care Services, Inc., offers Free consultations.

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For more information please contact Jack Lippmann at 718-575-5700

www.eldercareservicesny.com

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St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum

LAW OFFICES OF

DONNA FUREY ELDER LAW WILLS and TRUSTS ESTATE PLANNING MEDICAID PLANNING PROBATE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES SPECIAL NEEDS REAL ESTATE

One of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love is a sense of security – the knowledge that you have taken care of everything.

St. Michael’s is a religious cemetery open to people of all faiths.

For more information including a free Resource Guide call (718) 278-3240 or visit us at www.stmichaelscemetery.com

Page 11 • SENIOR LIVING 29 QUEENS CHRONICLEE CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 13,GUIDE, 2022 Thursday, October 13, 2022

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Donna received her law degree from St. John’s University of Law.

Co-Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Queens County Bar Assn. 2012-2019

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She is currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens and was past President of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association, past President of the Astoria Kiwanis Club, past President of the East River Kiwanis Club, and past President of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens.

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