Message from Secretary Roques | |
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We are entering an era where living longer than past generations is not just a hope, but an expectation. Remarkably, half of all five-year-olds alive today can anticipate celebrating their 100th birthday. This extraordinary milestone compels us to rethink how we plan our lives, both personally and collectively, to ensure we thrive throughout our extended lifespans.
The Maryland Department of Aging plays a central role in helping current and future generations reap the full benefits of longer lives. To support communities in adapting to these extra decades and planning for the growing number of older adults, the department has developed a multisector plan for aging, Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM), which will be released this month for public review and comment.
Developed with input from a diverse group of older adults and other community members from government agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups, LRM is an innovative long-term plan to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of our aging society so that no one is left behind.
The LRM plan will be available on our website, LRM.Maryland.Gov, on March 17th. Please review the plan and provide your feedback. Together, we can create a brighter future where all Marylanders, regardless of age, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives across their entire lifespan.
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You're Invited to LRM Town Halls | |
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Join us for a unique opportunity to learn about Longevity Ready Maryland and proposed objectives and strategies to transform the way Maryland approaches the growing aging population. Registration is FREE but space is limited for on-site events. We look forward to your participation in paving the way for a Longevity-Ready Maryland!
Click for more information and to register.
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Gov. Moore Launches Maryland Public Servants Resource Website | |
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Are you a federal employee in Maryland facing financial hardships, work-related stress, or other challenges? There are a range of support resources designed to help you during difficult times.
Impacted federal workers can now visit the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website to see what resources are available, including information on unemployment insurance, job search and career support, legal resources, and more.
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During this legislative session, the Maryland Department of Aging has proposed two departmental bills and supported other agency bills that contribute to creating a Longevity-Ready Maryland.
Both departmental bills have passed unanimously out of the House and Senate and await their crossover hearings and final consideration for passage before Sine Die on April 8th:
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HB36/SB212 consolidates, modernizes, and renames three existing state-funded programs under a new name - Supporting Older Adults with Resources (SOAR) -to better support older adults in their communities and more efficiently and effectively serve more Marylanders.
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HB158/SB223 - Senior Call Check and Social Connections - will expand the methods of communication the existing Senior Call Check service can use to increase program participation, enhance participants' well-being, and reduce social isolation.
MDOA’s advocacy efforts extend to supporting bills aimed at housing, homelessness, and other issues impacting older adults. These include HB286/SB266, which seeks to modernize comprehensive planning principles to create more affordable housing options; HB93/SB234 proposes a tiered state certification system for homeless shelters, ensuring baseline standards and accessibility, including older adults impacted by homelessness; HB246/SB205 aims to update disclosure rules for Adult Protective Services to reflect common-sense practices; and HB756 would allow for a stay on certain civil actions, such as evictions and foreclosures, while a guardianship petition is pending.
By supporting these bills, MDOA continues to work towards a Longevity-Ready Maryland, creating a future where the growing population of older Marylanders receives the support and resources they need to live well and thrive in their communities.
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Free Dementia Screening Tool Available | |
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People who are concerned about memory function can now utilize an updated, easy-to-use screening tool known as AD8 (Ascertain Dementia 8) to help identify signs of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
The evidence-based screening tool asks users eight brief questions related to memory, orientation, judgement, and function and can detect early cognitive changes associated with a number of brain-related illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
AD8 is offered in several languages and can be self-administered or given by family members, loved ones, health care providers, and caregivers. In addition, Maryland Access Point (MAP) counselors across the state have been trained on how to administer the helpful tool.
Call 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465) or visit marylandaccesspoint.211md.org to reach a MAP counselor near you. To learn more, visit Aging.Maryland.Gov/Brainhealth.
| MDOA staff joined Alzheimer's Association, Greater Maryland Chapter's Maryland Advocacy Day to raise awareness in the MD General Assembly about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pictured from left: MDOA intern Sarah Louis, MDOA Legislative Director Andrea Nunez, SHIP/SMP Program Manager Julia Schreiber (Not pictured: MDOA Cognitive and Behavioral Health Specialist Mark Tesoro) | |
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Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Expire March 31
Medicare in-home telehealth coverage that was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic is set to end on March 31, 2025. Starting April 1, 2025, people with Medicare must be in an office or medical facility for covered telehealth services, with some exceptions for in-home telehealth appointments due to mental health, acute stroke, and end-stage renal disease. Visit medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth to learn more.
Medicare Enrollment Deadlines Approaching
If you missed your initial Medicare Enrollment Period or want to switch your Medicare Advantage Plan, you have until March 31st to:
- Enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Part B (Medical Insurance) as part of the Medicare General Enrollment Period; or
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or to go back to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
2025 Updates to Medicare Subsidy Eligibility Criteria
This month, income and asset limits for Medicare programs that help make medical and/or prescription drug coverage more affordable were updated to align with the 2025 federal income guidelines. Impacted programs include:
Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to see if you qualify for cost-saving programs or to get help enrolling in Medicare. SHIP counselors can also provide information about a new resource for affordable medications from Good Pill - a nonprofit, home delivery pharmacy that offers most medications for only a $2 administration fee per 30-day supply.
For more information go to aging.maryland.gov/SHIP, Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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National Consumer Protection Week | |
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National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), held annually during the first week of March, is a nationwide initiative hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to unite government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations to raise awareness about consumer rights and how to safeguard against fraud. The FTC is hosting a variety of events during NCPW addressing identity theft, financial scams, consumer rights, and more. Visit consumer.ftc.gov to register for an event.
Tax Fraud
NCPW comes at the peak of tax season—a prime time for scammers to target taxpayers with phishing emails, suspicious texts, fake phone calls, social media schemes, or even fraudulent claims involving stimulus checks. The National Council on Aging spotlights the most common threats to older adults in the article: What are Tax Refund Scams? A Guide for Older Adults. In addition, the IRS has unveiled its 2025 Dirty Dozen list of tax scams.
Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud stands as one of the most pressing challenges in the realm of consumer protection, aligning closely with the mission of NCPW. Fraudulent activities—such as billing for services not rendered, performing unnecessary medical procedures, or misusing stolen Medicare numbers—drain valuable resources from the healthcare system, inflate costs for everyone, and compromise the quality of care that patients receive. If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) office at aging.maryland.gov/SMP.
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March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month, a campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to emphasize the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
This year’s theme, Food Connects Us, underscores the importance of maintaining connections among people through shared meals and culinary traditions. Many senior and community centers offer group dining, nutrition programs, cooking classes, fitness activities, and other social events that promote physical health and provide opportunities for social interaction and mental well-being.
Check with your local senior center to see what programs are available in your area, and take advantage of the resources they offer to support your nutritional and overall health.
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Maryland Living Well Center for Excellence:
Diabetes Self Management Online Class
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The Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence offers an online Diabetes Self-Management class designed to help you enhance your blood sugar management skills, create healthier menu and exercise plans, and gain the knowledge to ask your doctor informed questions. The class starts on March 24th and will meet virtually every Monday at 6:00 pm through April 28th. Click here to register.
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Maryland Poison Center: Poison Help for Older Adults | |
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Older adults often take multiple medicines, which puts them at greater risk for drug interactions and side effects. If an older adult forgets whether they have taken a medicine, for example, there could be severe outcomes if they take a second dose too soon or skip a dose. Staffed by pharmacists and nurses 24/7, the Maryland Poison Center can help manage this situation. Call 1-800-222-1222 for help or click here to learn more.
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Comptroller of Maryland: Direct File Program | |
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Starting this year, Marylanders can file their taxes online for free through the Direct File program offered by the Comptroller of Maryland and the IRS. Eligible taxpayers can now prepare and electronically file their state and federal tax returns directly with the government, with no hidden fees. To check your eligibility, visit marylandtaxes.gov/directfile. Free taxpayer assistance is also available via email at taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov or by calling 1-800-MDTAXES.
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Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame: Volunteer Nominations | |
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Do you know an older volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to improve the lives of others in the community? Now is your chance to nominate them for the 2025 Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Award. Each year, the Executive Board of the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame inducts 25 outstanding older volunteers into their Hall of Fame. Nominations must be received by April 7, 2025. The induction luncheon will be held on October 16, 2025 in Clarksville, MD. Visit mschf.org/nominate for more information.
| Positive Aging Community: The Voice of Retired Women | |
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After successful careers, Erica Baird and Karen Wagner found themselves facing an unexpected challenge: society's outdated perceptions of retired women. They ended up launching Lustre, a community that has attracted thousands of like-minded women, and will share their insights during a March 12th webinar hosted by the Positive Aging Community. In addition to challenging outdated assumptions about older, retired women, they will offer practical tips and solutions for women navigating this transformative life stage. Register here for the free webinar.
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The Maryland Department of Aging does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, the views they express, or the products/services they offer. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDOA. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and serves solely as an MDOA community outreach effort. | | | | | |
