The Ice Box of the Nation Chapter of AARP met at 1 p.m. April 14 with chairman Tom Wagner presiding.
The informal meeting was quickly turned over to Karen Tveit from the SHIP, Senior Linkage Line and Douglas Skrief from the Koochiching Aging Options Program. Both presenters had a wealth of information to relay concerning services for Koochiching County senior citizens and their care givers. Most important, they stressed that seniors with medical and social needs are not alone, nor are the family members or friends who look after and assist seniors. Everyone with questions, as to the types of assistance there are available, is encouraged to call and make appointments to speak directly with Tveit at Senior Linkage Line or Leslee Loop, Koochiching Aging Coordinator, 283-7030.
Materials were handed out from both programs and Tveit informed us that there are changes ahead in Medicare laws. The changes will be phased in from 2110 to 2015 and possibly even later.
Everyone has a stake in keeping necessary health care costs down and so we are asked to report any abuse to our Medicare and Medicaid payment systems. We should keep all medical bills and canceled checks for a year and remember to carefully check all medical bills for errors.
An IRS scam is active in Minnesota and we are reminded to never give out social security numbers or bank account numbers unless we began the telephone call. This scam is also active on the internet and looks very official. The IRS, banks, medical facilities and Social Security offices never ask for bank account information or full Social Security numbers.
Information was received that the Knutson Fund is making grants to low income, local seniors for hearing aids through the Northeast Hearing Aid & Assistance Center. Applications are available at Koochiching County Senior Center.
Refreshments were served following the meeting. We remind all persons interested in senior issues that the next meeting at 1 p.m. May 12 will be the last meeting until September when we resume the regular meeting date of the second Wednesday of each month.
