ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOR THE FALL/WINTER SEASON
The Senior Center office will help the Senior and Disabled population of East Lyme complete their applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program for the upcoming heating season. You must request an appointment by calling 860-739-5859. In addition, applications will be taken at the New London office of TVCCA - you can obtain an appointment by calling 860-425-6681 at any time. Be sure to request the New London office. Cathy Wilson will be at Twin Haven and the AHEPA complexes - signup sheets will be available at those housing complexes. Because of funding cuts, please be aware the benefit levels this year are dramatically less than previous years.
There are income eligibility guidelines as well as a liquid assets test for households applying for this benefit. The eligibility requirements for the Senior(over 60)/Disabled population are as follows:
- 1. If you live in a one-person household, your income level can be NO greater than $31,863.52. If you live in a two-person household, the household income level can be NO greater than $41,667.68.
- 2. If you are a renter, the first $7,000.00 in liquid assets, is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.
- 3. If you are a homeowner, the first $10,000.00 in liquid assets, is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.
The application process will take about 15 minutes. The following information is needed:
- 1. The most recent copy of income sources for 2011: copy of most recent monthly (quarterly, annual) check, or copy of an award letter, or copy of most recent bank statement showing a direct deposit. If you are employed, you must provide a copy of your four most recent consecutive weekly pay stubs.
- 2. Dividends, annuities, interest income (has to be more than $10/month). Copy of a statement for the most recently completed period.
- 3. You must provide proof of what you pay for rent. If you are a homeowner and have a mortgage, you must provide proof of your mortgage payment.
- 4. If you have a checking and/or savings account, bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.
- 5. If natural gas or electricity heats the household, bring the most recent copy of the ENTIRE bill.
Please remember that all members of the household, who receive income, must report their income.
NEW DATES FOR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
Every year, enrollees in a Medicare Advantage Plan or in a Medicare Part D plan should review their coverage to determine if the plan is still cost effective and appropriate for their individual situations. If any changes are made, they would begin in January of the upcoming calendar year. This year, the Open Enrollment Period has changed to October 15th to December 7th. You may be used to having until December 31st to make changes but the dates were changed. Please be mindful of these new dates since there will be No Exceptions. During the 2011 Open Enrollment Period you can:
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan (and vice versa)
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not offer drug coverage to one that does (and vice versa)
- Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
- Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another
- Drop you Medicare Prescription drug coverage completely
Everyone should take the opportunity to review their Medicare Part D (prescription drug) coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (health insurance), you should review the coverage. If you would like assistance with choosing a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan or if you would like to compare your current plan with those available in 2012, please contact the Senior Center office at 860-739-5859. There is a one-page form that we request you complete before an appointment can be made. The form will be provided to you - once the office receives the completed version, an appointment will be made.
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