Beginning in April, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began sending new Medicare cards to beneficiaries. The new cards are being sent to decrease Medicare beneficiaries’ vulnerability to identity theft by removing the Social Security-based number from Medicare identification cards and replacing it with a new unique Medicare Number.
Although an exact time has not been specified for Connecticut, the roll-out for Connecticut residents will be after this month (June). Here’s what you need to know before they arrive:
• Make sure your address is up to date because Medicare will be sending it to the location associated with your Social Security account. To update your address information, contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or go on-line to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
• Your new card will no longer include your Social Security number. It will include your name, new Medicare number, and the dates your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage started.
• Start using your new Medicare card once you receive it. Destroy the old one immediately, since it contains your Social Security number. If you happen to lose or misplace your card, you can get a replacement, but you can also access your new Medicare number on a Medicare Summary Notice or through Medicare.
• Keep your Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription, and/or Medigap. Continue using your health or drug plan’s card when you get health care or fill a prescription, but you know you will also get the new Original Medicare card.
• The Railroad Retirement Board will issue new cards to Railroad Retirement beneficiaries.
You can find additional information on the release of Medicare’s new card on Medicare.gov.
June Movies
Reservations are only required for the June 27 movie by Monday, June 25. Free popcorn and beverage are included!
June 5, 1 p.m. “Grace of Monaco”
June 12, 1 p.m. “The Kids Are All Right”
June 19, 1 p.m. “The Interpreter”
June 26, 1 p.m. “Miracles From Heaven”
June 27, 6 p.m. “Wonder Woman”
Mini Bus Trips
Trips require five passengers and are weather permitting. Call 860-668-3844 to make a reservation.
Tuesday, June 5 Holyoke Shopping – Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Thursday, June 7 Walmart Shopping – Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, June 8 Lunch at Red Lobster – Pick up begins at noon
Tuesday, June 12 Elizabeth Park and – lunch at the Pond House – Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Friday, June 15 Lunch at Sunset Tavern – Pick up begins at noon.
Tuesday, June 9 Birthday Lunch at the Senior Center – Pick up begins at 11:15 a.m.
Thursday, June 21 Walmart Shopping – Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, 6/27 Senior Center Movie “Wonder Woman” – Pick up begins at 5 p.m.
Medicare & You
Tuesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. Kate McCloskey of Stateline Senior Services is hosting this workshop to give you answers to your questions regarding enrolling in Medicare, the different parts of Medicare, the different stages of drug coverage (including the donut hole), when to enroll, and the differences between original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan. Whether you are getting ready to retire or are already on Medicare, this workshop will be helpful!
Greater Hartford Legal Aid & You
A Legal Aid attorney will describe all of the FREE legal services that Greater Hartford Legal Aid provides to seniors. In addition to helping with Medicaid eligibility, Legal Aid also helps victims of domestic violence who have family law issues, grandparents who want special education services for grandchildren they are raising, and seniors in the workforce who are not being paid or treated fairly. They help people who have been denied assistance from state and federal cash, food, and disability programs. Join us on Tuesday, June 12 at 10 a.m. to learn more. Please register by June 7.
Introduction to Card Making
June 12 at 9:30 a.m. Create four beautiful cards that you will be so proud to give someone. Cost is $10 and includes all materials and instructions. Please sign up by June 8.
Parkinson’s Peer Support Group
Meets monthly on the second Monday of each month at 10:15 a.m. Topics vary monthly. Refreshments are served. The next meeting is June 11. For more information, call Janet at EAA at (860) 668-1986.
Round Table With… Bonnie Waterhouse
President of Voices Against Lyme Disease CT, on Tuesday, June 19 at 1:30 p.m. Voices Against Lyme Disease Conn. is a non profit all volunteer organization that reaches out to all Connecticut towns to provide education and awareness information regarding Lyme Disease and other tick borne illnesses.
Caregiver Forum
Representative Tami Zawistowski will be hosting this AARP program on Friday, June 22 at 10 a.m. This program is a deeper-dive conversation designed specifically for family caregivers. Family caregivers are the backbone of our health care system and they can use some support to make their loved ones have the choice to live safely and independently at home. This workshop allows attendees to learn specific tools in navigating and connecting to services available, understand care options and costs, and stay informed on the legislative issues impacting seniors and family caregivers. Please register by June 18.
Healthy Creations Cooking Demonstration
Free – June 26 at 2:30 p.m. Chef Dave from MeadowBrook of Granby is back to show us how to prepare a healthy dish! You must register by June 20 (so we ensure there is enough for everyone).
Veterans Coffee Hour
June 29 at 8:30 a.m. with Wayne Rioux, Veteran and Veteran’s Liaison from Hartford Healthcare at Home. This is a great opportunity for veterans to come together, ask questions, share stories, and build relationships.
June Lunch Menu
All lunches are $3.50 and include dessert, coffee/tea and cold beverage (lunches are prepared on-site). Reservations required
Wednesday June 6: baked haddock, maple roasted sweet potatoes/vegetable
Thursday June 7: antipasto salad, bread and butter
Wednesday June 13: herbed chicken thigh, baked potato and vegetable
Thursday June 14: Italian grilled cheese, side of marinara and sliced cucumbers
Wednesday June 20: lasagna and tossed salad
Thursday June 21: assorted soups and bread bar
Wednesday June 27: stuffed cabbage, rye bread and butter
Thursday June 28: meatloaf sandwich and potato wedges
Quarterly Birthday Luncheon
Tuesday, June 19 at noon. Menu: BBQ spare ribs, homemade potato salad, baked beans, birthday cake and ice cream.
Please make your reservation by June 13. Come celebrate birthdays!