The first ever Senior Scam Jam for Union County will take place on Tuesday, June 24 from 9:00-Noon at the Agricultural Services Center in Monroe. Since older adults are often the target of scams and fraud, this is a great opportunity to hear from experts some of the schemes that have and are occurring across the state. Representatives from the Attorney General’s office, Dept. of Insurance, law enforcement, US Postal Services, etc. will speak. All seniors are encouraged to attend. To register, call 877-926-8300. The event is free to the public.

The annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D is from November 15 - December 31.  Council on Aging will assist you during this time to review your current plan to determine if it is still the best plan for you.

There were 59 Medicare prescription drug plans available in 2007.  For 2008, 52 plans are offered, with many premium and coverage changes for continuing plans.  Take this opportunity to review and compare your current plan to those offered for 2008.  Call 704-292-1797 and a Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor will assist you by phone or schedule an appointment for a counseling session.  You may also contact the SHIIP Call Center at 1-800-443-9354.

There is a penalty for deferring enrollment when a beneficiary is eligible.  If you decide at a later date to enroll the penalty is 1% of the average national premium.  The penalty is also based on the number of months you were eligible for Part D but did not enroll and the penalty lasts for as long as you have Medicare Part D.

Since October 1, 2007, 1401 Skyway Drive in Monroe has been our new home.  Along with a new address, we have a new phone number and new email addresses.  Here is our contact information:

Council on Aging in Union County

1401 Skyway Drive

Monroe, NC 28110

Mailing address:  PO Box 185 Monroe, NC 28111

Phone:               704-292-1797

Fax:                   704-292-1776

e-mail:                coauc@carolina.rr.com

Web address:      coauc.org