Benefits Beacon

It's a fresh start, a blank page, a chance to write new chapters in our stories and the story of our community. And in this blank space, we see possibilities – possibilities to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and bring even more light to the lives of those who need it most.

Grab a mug of something warm, settle in, and let's embark on this journey together. Let's make 2024 a year of Action, of compassion, of community.

Warm wishes,

Your Dedicated team at Benefits in Action

Start the new year by supporting our work! Visit our website to make a donation today.

Want to volunteer? Keep reading or click here to learn more!

Dates to Remember

• January 1- March 31 - Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
• January 1-March 31 - Medicare General Enrollment
• January 23 - Tax Help by appointment at Benefits in Action begins

Understanding Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a limited time to make changes to your plan. This is called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs from January 1st to March 31st each year.

During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, or add a standalone Part D plan (only if you dropped your Medicare Advantage plan and returned to Original Medicare).

It's important to note that this enrollment period is only available to those who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Additionally, you can only make one plan change during this annual window, unlike the fall annual enrollment period when you can change your mind multiple times. Don't miss your chance to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan during the MA OEP.

Need help making changes to your coverage or have other Medicare questions? Connect with our Medicare team at (720) 207-0363.

Free Tax Help, TABOR, and the Earned Income Credit

In partnership with Mile High United Way and Tax Help Colorado, Benefits in Action hosts an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site (VITA) each year. Individual and joint filers can call 720-221-8354 to schedule an appointment for FREE state and federal income tax preparation if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• People who generally make $64,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

There are valuable tax credits and refunds on the line! File a state return by April 15th to qualify for the Colorado TABOR refund of $800 for individual filers or $1600 for joint filers.

Are you a low- to moderate-income worker? You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Appointments available now: January 23, 2024 - April 13, 2024.

Call today! 720-221-8354

Join Us: Digitize Impact! Volunteer for Data Entry Today

Your efforts ensure that crucial information is organized efficiently, enabling us to reach more people, deliver better services, and ultimately make a tangible, lasting difference in our community. Join us in creating a powerful impact through the simple yet vital task of data entry. Contact volunteers@benefitsinaction.org or visit our volunteer portal to sign up today!

We're seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team at the warehouse. Help us fight hunger by sorting, packing, and delivering boxes of food to families in need. Your commitment, even a few hours a week, will make a significant impact on our community. Together, let's make a real difference and bring smiles to those facing difficult times. Contact us today at volunteers@benefitsinaction.org to become a vital part of our food delivery program and help spread kindness, one box of food at a time! 

Can't volunteer but still want to get involved? Please consider giving to our cause here!

DID YOU KNOW? Benefits in Action provides FREE virtual peer support groups and Connectedness Calls to help our neighbors nurture their mental health and wellbeing. These resources are available statewide to Coloradans age 18 years and older. Click the links below to join, or for more information contact info@benefitsinaction.org or call 720-221-8354.

• Connectedness Calls are weekly or biweekly friendly calls from one of our volunteers which promote socialization and can help connect individuals to our programming when needed.

• Caregiver Circle is a warm community of fellow caregivers who care for someone aged 60+ or those affected by Dementia/Alzheimer's. Learn coping strategies, stress management techniques, and self-care practices to replenish your energy and resilience. Meets every first Tuesday at 5:30PM beginning February 6, 2024. Click HERE to join the meeting or visit: https://bit.ly/BIActionMW

• Caring Connections offers a safe space to connect with peers and gain tools for handling life's challenges. Meets every other Tuesday at 10AM. Click HERE to join the meeting or visit: https://bit.ly/BIActionMW

• Music Connections incorporates musical selections within a safe space amongst to practice emotional regulation. Meets every other Wednesday at 5:30PM. Click HERE to join the meeting or visit: https://bit.ly/BIActionMW

LEAP Applications Are Open

The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Their goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to your home and family by assisting with heating costs.

LEAP applications are open now through April 30, 2024. Click here to learn more about how to find support paying your home heating costs.