News and Events

Family Caregiver Support Group will meet once a month at Friendship Circle Senior Center. The meetings will start at 3:00PM on the third, Thursday of the month.

WEATHERIZATION CAN HELP FAMILIES LOWER THEIR BILLS

MEDIA- As the current economic downturn continues to affect low-income Americans each day, they can expect high prices in home heating bills next winter to making it even tougher. However, there is something that they can do now to help lower these bills. Weatherization provides a cost-effective permanent solution for reducing the heavy energy burden on low-income Americans. The Weatherization Program is also a priority of the federal economic stimulus plan to help make low-income households more energy efficient so there is additional funding available.

The Weatherization Assistance Program in Delaware County is administered by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC). The program provides quality energy education and home conservation modifications up to $6,500. On average, the program reduces heating bills by 31%. All services are free of charge.

Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, urged, “With the continued escalation of home heating costs, this program can make a tremendous difference to those already with a strained budget. This is an excellent time to call and get fast service before the program gets very busy in the Fall.”

Annual income guidelines include the following:

• Family of 1: $23,110
• Family of 2: $30,221
• Family of 3: $37,332
• Family of 4: $44,443
• Family of 5: $51,554
• Family of 6: $58,665

Delaware County renters and homeowners are eligible to apply as long as they have not had their homes weatherized since September 30, 1993 and meet income eligibility guidelines. To apply for the Weatherization Program or for additional information, residents can contact CAADC at (610) 521-8770.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The holidays are a time for friends and family to get together. We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements for the state's expanded Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program to see if you, or perhaps your parents, grandparents or friends qualify for rebates of up to $650 on rent or property taxes paid in 2009.

About 120,000 seniors who qualify for property tax or rent rebates have not yet applied for the money they are due. We do not want any seniors to miss out on receiving the help they need in paying their property taxes.

The deadline for applications is December 31. Visit www.papropertytaxrelief.com or call the PA Department of Revenue, toll-free, at 1-888-222-9190 for more information and to request an application.

MEDICARE FACT SHEET
For Immediate Release
September 19, 2008

CMS Announces Medicare Premiums, Deductibles for 2009

The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $96.40 in 2009, the same as the Part B premium for 2008. This is the first year since 2000 that there was no increase in the standard premium over the prior year.

The 2009 Part B premium of $96.40 is the same as the amount projected in the 2008 Medicare Trustees Report issued in March. This monthly premium paid by beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B covers a portion of the cost of physicians' services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other items.

By law, the standard premium is set to cover approximately one-fourth of the average cost of Part B services incurred by beneficiaries aged 65 and over. The remaining Part B costs are financed by Federal general revenues. The income to the program from premiums and general revenues are paid into the Part B account of the Supplementary Medical Insurance trust fund, and Part B expenditures are drawn from this account.

Normally, the Part B premium increases at the same rate as average Part B expenditures from year to year. A number of factors explain why the premium can be kept level for 2009.

Growth is expected in 2009 for most areas of the Medicare Part B program, including growth in the cost and use of physician and outpatient hospital care, home health services, physician-administered drugs, ambulatory surgical center services, durable medical equipment, independent lab and physician's office lab services, as well as growth in the Medicare Advantage program. In most years, this would result in the need for an increase in the Part B premium and general revenue financing.

To view this Fact Sheet in its entirety go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp

September 19, 2008 - 2009 Medicare Parts A and B Costs Announced
Breaking news - CMS has announced the 2009 Parts A and B costs for beneficiaries. Here's what you will be paying next year:

Part B monthly premium $96.40
Part B annual deductible $135.00

Part A hospital deductible $1,068
Part A hospital daily co-pay $267.00 for days 61 through 90
Part A hospital lifetime reserve co-pay $534.00 per days, days 91-150
Part A Skilled Nursing Facility co-pays $133.50 per day, days 21 - 100


Part A "voluntary" enrollee premium
Fewer than 30 quarters of coverage $443.00 per month
Between 30 and 39 quarters of coverage $244.00 per month

The New Graduating Class of Foster Grandparents

(pictured top, left to right: Carl Davis, Chester PA; Freddie Mae Harmon, Chester PA; Carolyn Smith, Darby PA; Maxine Stone, Chester PA; bottom, left to right: Thelma Rhodes, Chester PA; Audrey Johnson, Marcus Hook PA; Cheryl Tucker, Upper Darby PA.)

Congratulations! To the new foster grandparent volunteers. These new volunteers will be mentoring and tutoring children working with them one on one and making a difference in their community.

Requirements are you must be 60+ and love children. Benefits include a tax-free stipend up to $400.00 a month, free transportation, Holidays, paid vacation, sick and personal days.

If you would like to participate in the program and be in the next graduating class please call 610-490-1498.