Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the TASCA Activity Center, located at 10495 County Road 2167 in Whitehouse, from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.

As Spring approaches, we are thrilled to announce the 2024 Older Americans Month (OAM) theme – "Powered by Connection." Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this annual observance aims to recognize and honor the valuable contributions of older Americans. The chosen theme emphasizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of our elderly population. This year, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is proud to join the nationwide celebration by hosting a series of events throughout May in our 14-county region. In the spirit of collaboration, we invite local organizations to partner with us in hosting events that foster connections, share experiences, and promote the well-being of older Americans. The AAA is at the forefront of this effort, seeking host organizations to make a meaningful impact. If you or your organization is interested in being part of this initiative, we encourage you to reach out to Nellie Henry at nellie.henry@etcog.org . By coming together and creating a network of support, we can ensure that the celebration of Older Americans Month goes beyond the confines of May. These events are not just about a month-long celebration; they are about building lasting connections, understanding the needs of our older community members, and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Join us in making May a month of joy, shared experiences, and strengthened connections. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being of older Americans in our community.

Did you know that if you're unsatisfied with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options to change? Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is an opportunity to make changes to your health plan from January 1 - March 31.

People with Medicare have more choices and options for their Medicare coverage in 2024. Plan costs and covered benefits have changed, so the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) encourages people with Medicare to look at their coverage choices and decide the options that best fit their health needs. Open Enrollment for 2024 Medicare health and drug plans begins on October 15, 2023, and ends on December 7, 2023, giving individuals a chance to modify their plans. The changes Medicare recipients can make during Open Enrollment include: Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan Switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan) Beneficiaries should always shop for a new drug plan and Medicare Advantage plan each year to ensure they are getting the best coverage for the best price to suit their needs. Plans can be viewed and compared at www.medicare.gov. “If you're feeling overwhelmed by Medicare Part D Open Enrollment, or if you have any questions about your options, don't hesitate to call the Area Agency on Aging for help. Our Benefits Counselors are here to help you compare plans based on your individual needs and guide you to make the best decisions for your health and your finances,” said ETCOG’s Aging Director Colleen Halliburton. The AAA is also known as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and is available to compare your current coverage with available options and assist you with enrollment at no cost. Speak to a qualified Benefits Counselor by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-442-8845. You may set up an appointment and be advised over the phone, by virtual meeting, or in person. Local schedules presentation Our Certified Benefits Counselors have events scheduled for several counties in the 14-county ETCOG region. Benefits Counselors are available for appointments at these community events. To reserve your spot, call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-442-8845. Events include: Tuesday, October 17 9 AM – 2 PM – TASCA Activity Center, 10495 CR 2167 Whitehouse, TX 75791 Thursday, November 2 10 AM – 3 PM – St. Louis Baptist Church, 4000 Frankston HWY. Tyler, TX 75701 Wednesday, November 8 Appointment Only – Palestine Activity Center and Meals on Wheels of Palestine, 200 N Church St. Palestine, TX 75801 Thursday, November 16 | Appointment Only - Gilmer Senior Citizen Center, 206 Silver Alley Gilmer, TX 75644 Be on alert for these Medicare Open Enrollment scams: Medicare or a health plan calls and wants to send you a new health card for $299. You receive a call about a refund from last year’s premiums or your drug plan cost. An agent tries to sign you up for a plan that you don’t need, isn’t right for you, or doesn’t even exist. Watch out for fake RX cards offering significant discounts with little or no benefits. You receive a call offering significant discounts on a new health insurance plan. Tips on how to stop fraud during Open Enrollment: Medicare will never call or visit. Medicare will only send information via postal mail service. Guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card. Don’t give out your Medicare number except to your doctor or other providers. Don’t let someone push you into making a fast decision. If you receive a call, especially from a number you do not recognize or anyone requesting personal information, hang up immediately. Know your health care options. Get help from your family, the Medicare website, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). No health care plan is allowed to cold call. For questions about fraud or to report a scam, please contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-888-341-6187.

More than two hundred area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors will receive training at the 32nd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next week. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 4-5 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.