Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7th

It's not too late to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage options! You have until December 7th to switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, change to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Changes will take effect on January 1, 2024. Keep in mind that private insurance companies who offer Part C and Part D may try to steer beneficiaries toward their plans with flashy commercials and advertisements offering free or additional services that might not save you money in the long run. While agents, brokers, and direct communications are required by law to follow specific marketing guidelines, television and radio commercials have more leeway to attract your attention. Don't fall for manipulative and deceptive sales and enrollment strategies and tactics. Before you make any changes to your plan, go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find the best plan for you. You can find additional information on how to protect yourself from Medicare marketing fraud at aging.maryland.gov.

From our Partners

Family Caregivers Asked to Provide Input

Suvey Link: https://umaryland.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Sb6Cei706L7zhQ

Caregivers in Maryland provide invaluable, though mostly uncompensated, support for individuals with
care needs. This support often supplements gaps in formal health care structures. As a result, it is crucial to know how the state can best support caregivers and advocate for enhanced caregiver resources.

If you are a family caregiver living in Maryland and are 18 years or older, you are invited to take part in this survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Human Services and the Maryland Commission on Caregiving in collaboration with the University of Maryland, School of Social Work.

Your input will be used by the Maryland Commission on Caregiving to inform policymakers and community organizations to help provide better support for family caregivers.

Caregiver Support Program Holiday Guide Now Available

Access Caregiver Holiday Guide: caregiver.va.gov

Register for Finding Comfort in the Healing Gifts of the Season Education Call: 1-855-260-3274

The holidays are upon us, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers resources to help caregivers manage and enjoy the magical season.

"The Caregiver Support Program is committed to supporting the whole caregiver and helping them every step of the way," said CSP Executive Director Dr. Colleen M. Richardson. "Our holiday guide and events can help caregivers create positive holiday memories while nurturing their self-care needs."

The VA CSL also offers free, monthly one-hour telephone education calls for caregivers. The topic for December is Finding Comfort in the Healing Gifts of the Season, which offers different ways caregivers can connect with others for support and healing. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. ET
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at 3 p.m. ET

EPA Announces $2 Billion in Funding for Climate Justice

Funding Information: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen climate resilience, and advance clean energy.

There is significant science that demonstrates how climate change impacts the health of older adults—from respiratory diseases to mental health issues. Additionally, social determinants of health like economic security or substandard housing can exacerbate the impact of climate induced disasters.

The funding will be used for environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. To see eligilibity or receive techinical assistance, go to https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-equitable-resilience-technical-assistance.

Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation

Webinar registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7007589360466944350

As part of its Smart Growth webinar series, the Maryland Department of Planning is pleased to host community resilience and housing expert Danielle Arigoni who will present on "Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation," based on her book of the same name.

From heat waves to hurricanes to floods, it is older adults – people aged 65 or older – who are most likely to die during natural disasters. And by 2034, the U.S. will have more people over 65 than under 18. The country is not prepared to meet the needs of older adults in the face of an increasing number of disasters fueled by a changing climate.

The webinar takes place on Tuesday, December 5th at 1:00pm and will address the unique needs of older adults and how to meet the challenges they face through new planning approaches, including an age-friendly process and a planning framework dedicated to inclusive disaster recovery. 

What Health Issues Matter to You?

Survey link: https://forms.gle/HXtEJt2X3F5jdATr6.

The Maryland Department of Health has launched a collaborative initiative called “Building a Healthier Maryland” aimed at improving the health and well-being of all Maryland residents.

MDH is asking you to complete a brief survey on what you consider to be the most pressing health issues for Maryland residents. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean and is intended for any Maryland resident who is at least 18 years old. The survey closes on January 3, 2024. If you have questions about the survey, email: MDH.BAHM@maryland.gov. 

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Beware of Holiday Scams As the holiday season approaches, stay vigilant against scams and fraud as this time of year is notorious for an increase in scams such as fake charities, online shopping scams, and phishing emails. These scams can result in financial loss, identity theft, and other negative consequences. Prior to donating to any charity, verify they have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) by visiting their website or calling the charity directly. To learn more about scams targeting older adults and how to protect yourself, go to https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/ScamsFraud.aspx.

It's Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated The holiday season is upon us and so is National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 4-8), reminding us it's not too late to get a flu vaccine before spending more time with family and friends over the holidays. Getting an annual flu vaccine will not only protect you, but will also help prevent the spread of flu and its potentially serious outcomes to certain higher risk groups such as adults 65 years and older and people living with chronic conditions. Learn more about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/how-to-get-your-vaccines.html.

Prepare for Winter Emergencies To be prepared for winter months, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released a Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults that includes step-by-step instructions for disaster preparedness. The booklet, which includes helpful checklists, worksheets, fillable forms, and an FAQ, will help you prepare for home and travel emergency situations caused by the threat of snow, ice, and cold temperatures, as well as strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, and more. Download FEMA's Take Control in 1, 2, 3: Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults at Ready.gov.

Stay Safe on the Roads During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 4–8, 2023), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administration is highlighting tips and resources for older drivers and their families to empower those who can drive safely to continue to do so. As the number of older drivers continues to rise in Maryland, it is important to recognize age-related changes and seek supportive resources to maintain a safe road network. MDOT recommends drivers evaluate their driving and adjust driving habits or adapt vehicles to remain safe on the road. Click here for MDOT resources. Click here for additional resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Happy Holidays from MDOA!