The Season of Change
By: Heather Bauer, Executive Director
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Change requires change.
For over five decades, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County has served our community to address the needs of aging adults. We help a growing number of people receive services and support with dignity and respect. Through every cycle each year, our strong foundation and commitment to our Vision allows us to evolve. This year especially, we are adapting to the change all around us and turning over a new leaf as we navigate the pandemic and its impact on the aging population.
Thanks to our donors, sponsors, and grant funding, we continue to expand our programs, enhance our understanding of the unique needs of our aging population in uncertain times, and intentionally respond to these challenges with a resilient staff and volunteer base.
Older adults often feel invisible and isolated. Our commitment is to raise awareness to the needs of the aging population and advocate for our clients, now more than ever. While we have a strong focus on those who are experiencing social & financial problems that impact their independence and well-being, we have an array of services available that are helpful to anyone in this age group. By addressing “social determinants of health”, the Council on Aging fortifies and influences quality of life for the aging.
This year, we are receiving additional funding through several COVID relief grants to support our Senior Dining & Wellness and Caregiver Support program. These CARES Act dollars will allow us to provide additional respite, nutritious meals, and other supportive services for those who have never received our assistance before and/or may have increased needs due to the impact of the pandemic.
We are looking forward to broadening outreach opportunities to rural areas, the historically marginalized and through new partnerships.
We have also partnered with MANNA FoodBank for SNAP outreach - to provide education and awareness in our community and to increase participation in the SNAP program, as well as link individuals to wraparound services and offer supportive follow-up.
When we talk about what we have to offer, people are amazed at all the ways we can help. Have you recently turned 60? Have you lost employer paid health insurance? Are you curious about the prescription drug coverage and Medicare plans? Have you been a victim of fraud? Are you caring for a spouse, parent, grandchild or other loved one? Want to give back to the community as a volunteer? Need a grab bar? Do you need help preventing falls? Could you benefit from cost savings, putting more money back into your pocket each month? These are just some of the many reasons you may want to contact us!
We wish you a safe, healthy, and prosperous fall. We are here for you. Want to continue the conversation?
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Want to help support our work?
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Medicare Open Enrollment:
Your Chance to Optimize your Health Insurance and Save Money
By: Bruce Birdsall, Director of Insurance Services
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You already have Medicare. Why should you care about the Medicare Open Enrollment? Well, for starters, this may be your only chance during the year to change certain parts of your Medicare coverage. From year to year Medicare Part “D” Drug Plans change the list of drugs they cover. They may change the premiums they charge, and they may change the copays you pay at the pharmacy. What does this mean for you? The drug plan you have this year may not be the best drug plan for you next year. The same holds true for drug coverage under a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Are you dissatisfied with your healthcare insurance coverage? Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, it pays to look at other options that may better meet your needs for the upcoming year. Having the best Medicare insurance plan, that suits your particular healthcare requirements, can save you large amounts of money and bring you peace of mind! Who doesn’t want that?
The Medicare Open Enrollment, or Annual Election, runs from October 15th through December 7th. This is the time of the year when you can:
Any change you make during this period is effective on January 1, 2021.
It may first seem like evaluating your Medicare coverage options is overwhelming, but once you understand your choices it will be easier for you to decide how you want to get your Medicare coverage.
Do not let the COVID pandemic stop you from evaluating your Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment! The Council on Aging is offering Medicare consultations remotely, by phone. If you would like help in choosing the best Medicare insurance coverage for you, contact us at 828-277-8288 for an appointment with a Medicare counselor.
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Affordable Care Act
Open Enrollment in the time of COVID
by: Susan Wilson, Affordable Care Act Project Specialist
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November 1st through December 15th of this year marks the eighth open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Every year has been different, but this year promises to take “different” to a whole new level. This year keeping our consumers safe means more than just using secure WiFi and keeping our appointments confidential. It means making sure that we are following proper pandemic protocol.
Since March, our appointments have been by phone or by computer using Zoom. Our main focus is providing the best service in the safest way possible. As the Spring has merged into Summer and now into Fall, we are continuing to offer our services remotely. That means that our eighth open enrollment will allow us to help our consumers enroll in the privacy of their own homes or office.
The ACA is still the law of the land and during this pandemic it has become increasingly important. Pre-existing conditions are always covered and a serious diagnosis like COVID-19 will not result in the loss of your insurance. The Marketplace continues to provide subsidies to help pay the premium for 94% of the North Carolinians who enrolled in ACA insurance. An additional 52% got insurance with lower deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and medical costs.
The Council on Aging has staff and volunteers to help you navigate the Marketplace to get the best plan that fits your needs and your budget. Call 1-855-733-3711 to set up an appointment or sign up online at ncnavigator.net.
We serve people of all ages through the ACA Navigator in 7 different counties of WNC.
Remember to bring to your appointment your estimated 2021 income, and if you already have a Marketplace account, your login and password information.
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Generation Plus (LGBTIA + Resources)
By: Vance Goodman, M.Div., Services Coordinator
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Although hard to measure, there are an estimated three million Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) people over fifty in the United States, and this figure is expected to double over the next decade. The aging LGBT+ community of today is one that has faced a lifetime of discrimination. This generation of aging adults lived through an era when members of the LGBT+ community were pathologized, encouraged to remain silent, and stigmatized as having something wrong with them. They lived through the Stonewall riots, the catalyst for the gay rights movement and the ongoing struggle of equal rights for LGBT+ people. The fear of ongoing discrimination causes many of these older adults in our region to remain hidden and not reach out for valuable resources such as social security, health care, and encouraging support from others. Studies show that LGBT+ older people are twice as likely to live alone; they lack culturally competent care from the the medical community, and face higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide due to these factors.
In Western North Carolina, we want to give the aging LGBT+ community a safe place to stand, to access resources, and to find social connection. Blue Ridge Pride's GenerationPlus was formed with the mission “to enrich the lives of LGBTQIA+ and allied community adults who are living life’s third act, the years beyond fifty.” GenerationPlus (formerly called LGBTQ Elder Advocates) merged with Blue Ridge Pride in an effort to leverage the power of community by connecting this aging population with area service providers.
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County remains committed to providing services and resources for all aging adults and has partnered with Generation Plus in an effort to reach the LGBT+ community. The Council on Aging welcomes the LGBT+ community to participate in their internal programs related to Nutrition and Food Security, Caregiver Support, Elder Justice, In-Home Aide, and Medicare/Affordable Care Act. In addition to these resources, the Council on Aging is working with GenerationPlus to identify additional LGBT+ friendly resources (such as medical care, social services, transportation, housing security, and long-term care) for this aging population.
Please reach out to us with any questions.
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Get to Know Our New Staff
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Daniel Mendez,
Elder Justice Navigator
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My name is Daniel Mendez and I am the new Elder Justice Navigator at COABC. I grew up and attended elementary, middle, and high school all in Buncombe County. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 2015 and then graduated from Elon University School of Law with my Juris Doctor in 2018. During my time in law school I was able to study and live in The Netherlands for a period of time. I studied Elder Law and even got to visit and study a dementia village and the positive effect it has on the elder community in Netherlands.
What eventually drew me to work at COABC is the positive influence I have had from both of my grandmothers. Especially my grandmother, Mildred, who helped raise me during my formative years. Taking care of our elder community in Buncombe County is very important and I hope I am able to give back to the community that helped raise me. My role as the Elder Justice Navigator is to assist residents of Buncombe County, 60 and over, who have experienced a form of elder abuse. Our elder community is at a significant higher risk for abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, self, and monetary exploitation). My role is to not only to provide navigation and assistance for elders when dealing with these terrible issues but also to educate and provide outreach to the community.
In my free time I enjoy playing or watching soccer, listening to music, cooking and playing competitive video games. I am super excited to be working at COABC and I look forward to helping Buncombe County in any way I can.
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Judy Rudolph is this edition's Resource Coordination volunteer superstar. Judy has been volunteering for over a year. Judy delivers food bags to clients twice a month. It is a pleasure to have Judy as a volunteer as she is always willing to help out in whatever way she can, and does it with a smile. Our clients' are always very pleased with her.
Judy says that she enjoys volunteering because, "While I get a good feeling from being helpful, seeing my new friends every time is the best. Being shut-in myself during this pandemic, I appreciate the opportunity to safely interact with these seniors, and I know some of them look forward to my visits. Thank you COA for this great experience!"
During the pandemic Judy has stepped up to make additional deliveries. Judy has been a great addition to our Homebound Food Delivery program and we are very fortunate for her service!
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This edition's Medicare Volunteer Superstar is Chuck Kelsey. Chuck has been a Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Medicare counselor for 6 years. Chuck is one of our most highly requested volunteer counselors due to his professionalism and expertise.
He continues to volunteer because, "SHIIP is about the only place I am aware of where people can get timely and un-biased answers to their questions about Medicare and Medicare options. Without SHIIP volunteers, I am not sure many people could comfortably navigate the complexities of Medicare."
Chuck primarily counsels Medicare beneficiaries from Henderson County, and he also teaches classes on Medicare. We are grateful to have Chuck on our team!
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"I like the response I get when I call them [Council on Aging] for information about resources that are available to elders here in Asheville. They never respond with I don't know. They're always helpful and do a nice job at pointing me in the right direction. Thank you Council on Aging of Buncombe County."
-Council on Aging Client
"This Service means a lot to me. It is very nice for you to do this for seniors and others. I am really grateful for the food. I really thank you for it. Your kindness will never be forgotten."
-Food Delivery Client
"Thank you for your help signing up for Medicare. Your services are so important. Thank you again."
-Medicare Client
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Free "Introduction to Medicare" Webinars
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The Council on Aging of Buncombe County is presenting virtual classes on Medicare! We explain how Medicare works,
the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties,
and ways to save money .
Pre-registration is required and you must provide an email address. A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the class with further instructions.
"This was excellent information provided in a logical manner that was very helpful. I had been doing a lot of reading, but this was more helpful by far! I may have some questions, but at least I know where to start now.
Great presenter."
- Virtual Webinar Participant
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Upcoming Classes via Zoom
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October 7, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
October 22, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
November 6, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
November 19, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
December 2, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Not All Superheroes Wear CAPES
CARING FOR AGING PEOPLE EDUCATION & SUPPORT
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CAPES has gone virtual and meets on the
3rd Tuesday of every month, 5-6:30pm via Zoom.
Whether you are a long-distance caregiver, working family caregiver, living with or nearby your loved one, we recognize that you need support, education, and
information that can help you navigate this journey.
Due to the pandemic, our monthly meetings have gone virtual.
While we look forward to the time where we can meet again in person, please join us!
Start the conversation by contacting
Juanita Igo, Caregiver Specialist at:
(828) 277-8288
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