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THE GOOD LIFE
Mountain Views News Saturday, December 12, 2015
SENIOR HAPPENINGS
HOW MUCH YOU’LL PAY FOR MEDICARE IN 2016
Dear Savvy Senior,
I know there won’t be a cost-of-living increase in Social
Security benefits next year but what about Medicare?
I’ve heard some beneficiaries will get hit with a big Part
B monthly premium increase in 2016. What can you
tell me, and who will this affect?
Planning Ahead
Dear Planning,
All things considered, the news regarding your
Medicare costs next year is pretty good. For about
70 percent of the nation’s 52 million Medicare
beneficiaries, there will be no Part B premium
increase in 2016. And thanks to the 2015 Bipartisan
Budget Act that was signed into law by President
Obama on Nov. 2, the other 30 percent will pay much
less than previously projected. Here’s what you can
expect.
Part B Premiums
Because the Social Security Administration will not
be giving out a cost of living increase (or COLA) in
2016, the Medicare Part B premiums for most current
beneficiaries will not go up either. Thanks to the
“hold harmless” provision in the Medicare law, which
prohibits Part B premiums from rising in any year
that there’s no COLA, the 2016 monthly premium
will remain at $104.90 for most current Medicare
participants.
However, this provision does not protect new
Medicare enrollees (those who enroll in 2016),
beneficiaries who are directly billed for their Part B
premium, or current beneficiaries who have deferred
claiming their Social Security. This includes people 65
or older who are still working but have signed up for
Medicare because their employer doesn’t offer health
insurance. It also hits people who have filed and
suspended Social Security benefits to allow a spouse
to claim.
If you fit into any of these categories, your Medicare
Part B premium will increase to $121.80 a month in
2016 – which is much lower than the $159.30 that it
would have been, had the budget deal fell through.
The hold-harmless rule also does not protect high-
income Medicare beneficiaries who already pay
higher Part B premiums because their annual incomes
are above $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for a
couple. If you fit into this category, here’s what you’ll
pay for your Part B premium next year, based on your
2014 tax returns.
Individuals with incomes of $85,000 to $107,000, or
married couples filing joint tax returns with incomes
of $170,000 to $214,000, will pay $170.50 per month.
Individuals earning $107,000 to $160,000 (couples
$214,000 to $320,000) will pay $243.60.
Individuals with incomes of $160,000 to $214,000
(couples $320,000 to $428,000) will pay $316.70.
Individuals over $214,000 or couples above
$428,000 will pay $389.80.
Another increase high-income beneficiaries (those
with incomes over $85,000, or $170,000 for joint
filers) need to be aware of is the surcharge on Part D
premiums. Affluent seniors that have a Medicare Part
D prescription drug plan will pay an additional $12.70
to $72.90 per month, depending on their income, on
top of their regular Part D premiums.
Deductibles and Co-Pays
Other changes you need to know about that will
affect all Medicare beneficiaries include the Part B
deductible, which will increase to $166 in 2016 (it’s
currently $147); and the Part A (hospital insurance)
annual deductible which will go up to $1,288 (it’s
currently $1,260) for hospital stays up to 60 days. That
increases to $322 per day for days 61-90, and to $644
a day for days 91 and beyond. And the skilled nursing
facility coinsurance for days 21-100 will also increase
to $161 per day (it’s currently $157.50).
For more information on all the Medicare costs for
2016 visit Medicare.gov and click on “Your Medicare
Costs” tab at the top of the page, or call 800-633-4227.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box
5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and
author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …December Birthdays*
Pat Karamitros, Joan Hufnagel, Mary Alice Cervera, Carol Horejsi, Shirley Anhalt,
Mignon Grijalva, Helen Reese, Levon Yapoujian, Toni Buckner, Lottie Bugl, Pat
McGuire, Sheila Wohler, Nan Murphy, Eleanor Hensel, Sylvia Curl, Elizabeth Levie,
Gayle Licher, Cindy Barran, and Melissa Stute.
*To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth
not required
...................................................................
ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the
Hart Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
Activities at the Senior Center
YWCA San Gabriel Valley - Intervale Senior Cafe
Seniors 60 years of age and up can participate in the YWCA Intervale daily lunch program held
at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Meals are served Monday through Friday at 12:00 pm
and participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 am. Meals are a suggested donation of $3.00
for seniors 60 and over or $5.00 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary, space is
limited. Please reserve your lunch by calling 626-355-0256.
Tech Talk: Held on Monday, October 19th and 26th from 1:30-2:30pm. Learn how to use your new
technology devises. Please reserve your space with the Hart Park House by calling 626-355-7394.
Hawaiian and Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11am. Join
instructor Barbara Dempsey as she instructs you in the art of hula.
Bingo: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00pm. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to
join. May be canceled if less than 5 people.
Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to 12pm. No appt. is
necessary.
Brain Games: Thursday, October 15th, 10:30am - 11:30am, improve your memory and strengthen
your brain. Activities facilitated by Swati Puri, Community Liaison for New Wave Home care of
Pasadena.
Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, October 21st from 10:30am to Noon. Attorney Lem
Makupson is available for legal consultation. He specializes in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates,
and Injury. Appointment are required by calling 626-355-7394.
Chair Yoga: Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am. A suggested donation of $5 at one
of the classes is requested, but is not required.
Case Management: Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month. Case Management services are
provided by the YWCA and provide assistance in a variety of areas. Appointments are required
and can be scheduled by calling the HPH Office at 626-355-7394.
Birthday Celebrations: Every second Thursday of the month at the Hart Park House. The free
birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre Civic Club.
Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:00pm. (Please note the time change.) A regular group of
seniors play poker. Other games available for use.
Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 12:45pm to 1:30pm with Lisa Brandley. The class
utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All materials for the class are provided.
Senior Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am.
Club meeting at noon. Bingo 12:30-3:30pm. Annual Membership is only $10.00.
CANDLELIGHT PAVILION (CLAREMONT)
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
DATE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015
TIME: 10:30AM - 4:00PM
MEETING LOCATION: HART PARK HOUSE SENIOR CENTER
COST: $75.00 (LUNCH IS INCLUDED)
Description: Ben D. Bollinger’s Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre in Claremont provides
patrons with a dinner theatre and musicals for a theatrical experience the caliber of the
Broadway shows in downtown LA. The gourmet food prepared by the executive chef and served
by his formal wait staff ranks the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre as a fine food restaurant
that rivals any fine dining establishment in Los Angeles and San Bernardino. For 30 years, the
Candlelight Pavilion has written and produced each of its Christmas shows with a focus on
the spirit of Christmas and bringing family and friends together. Appropriate dress requested:
Jackets for gentleman, tie optional, dress or dressy pant suits for ladies, no jeans, t-shirts or
tennis shoes. Price includes lunch, show and gratuity. Level of Walking: Low. Last day to register
is November 2nd. Please call the Hart Park House at (626)-355-7394.
Excursion Refund Policy
Notification of the cancellation must be made at least 3 business days before the excursion. A refund
will only be issued 1) for a medical excuse or 2) if the Department is able to fill the patrons spot
from a waiting list. This refund will be issued in the form of a credit which will be applied to the
patron’s account with the City, less a $11 cancellation fee. The credit will remain on your account for
one year from the date issued and the credit may be used for any program or service offered by the
Community Services Dept.
KATIE Tse..........This and That
“WHEN THE DOG BITES!
WHEN THE BEE STINGS!”
“The hills are alive...” with the
sound of critics. Did you watch
“The Sound of Music” last
Thursday? My husband and I
did, and though I doubt any of the cast are going to
be nominated for acting awards, I shamelessly admit
that I loved it! (That doesn’t mean I want to watch it
again, but it was fun the first time.)
Like all great musicals, “The Sound of Music” has
a unifying effect on people. The fact that NBC is
selling a sing-along DVD attests to this. There are a
surprising variety of people you wouldn’t expect to
know, or care, about “The Sound of Music.” One of
my junior high teachers was a big, tall “man’s man”
who liked rough and tumble sports and had a saint
Bernard with a head the size of a basketball. The topic
of faith came up one day during class. Misty eyed,
my teacher described the scene in which the Mother
Superior exhorts Maria to “Climb Every Mountain!”
Then there was my Mom’s principal, an Asian man
in his 40’s; he loved the movie so much that he even
gave his daughter the Alpine name, Heidi. Even my
husband surprised me by knowing many of the songs.
Apparently he sang them in grammar school for a
Christmas program.
Of course, what I love most are Rodgers &
Hammerstein’s songs! Commenting on the musical
score, Rodgers once stated, “You don’t leave the theater
humming the scenery.” While no one has criticized
Carrie Underwood’s singing, many have lambasted
her acting ability and her nerve to attempt Julie
Andrew’s iconic role as Maria von Trapp. Frankly,
I think any actress would be crucified for taking on
that role. (The same can be said for Dorothy in “The
Wizard of Oz,” or Scarlet in “Gone With the Wind.”
Actually, there was a “sequel” to the latter, but it was
so awful it doesn’t warrant mentioning.)
While I’m by no means extolling Underwood’s
acting, I think we all need to take a step back and
remember that this was a LIVE, MUSICAL. I readily
admit I know as much about acting, singing, dancing,
and the theater in general as I do about higher math.
However, as a closet old person, I’ve watched many
movie musicals, and even went to see a few musical
plays.
As far as I can fathom, movies are vastly different
from plays, especially musicals. First, theater actors
have to project their voice, movements, and overall
character enough so the people in the nosebleed
section can appreciate them. This, in itself,
necessitates some over-acting. Now, when you add
dancing and singing to the mix, even more is required
from actors. Not only do they have to remember their
lines, but they’ve got to belt them out, sometimes
while dancing. I can barely hike and talk at the same
time, so I have a deep respect for those who sing and
dance simultaneously. Heck, I can’t even stand being
“dressed up” for more than a couple hours.
Furthermore, while movie actors have the luxury of
multiple takes and breaks in between scenes, theater
actors have to get it right the first time. There are no
second chances in front of a live audience. For all of
these reasons, I’ve always considered musical theater
actors more as athletes. The stamina it must take to
pull off these productions night after night, week after
week boggles my mind.
The difference in the amount of skill and energy
expended by these actors is kind of like comparing
my little column to the work of a stand-up improv
actor. It’s one thing to come up with witty one-liners
on the spot, and it’s another to sit typing at home in
your jammies, as I am now. By the time you read this,
it will be at least my third draft, (and even then, I can’t
promise anything). But at least it’s a lot cheaper than
buying theater tickets! And now I must bid you “So
long, Farewell, Auf wiedersehen, Good bye!”
UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:
LUNCH AND HOME DELIVERED MEALS PROGRAM
Seniors 60 years of age and up can participate in the YWCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale
daily lunch program held at the Hart Park House. Meals are served Monday through Friday
at 12:00pm (participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:45am). Meals are suggested donation
of $3.00 for seniors 60 and over or $5.00 for non-senior guests. Reservations for lunch must be
made at least 24 hours in advance by calling 626-355-0256. The Meals-On-Wheels program
offers hot meals to homebound seniors within the community. Meals are delivered at the
door, Monday through Friday. For more information on this program, contact the YWCA San
Gabriel Valley Intervale program at 626-214-9467.
MUSIC AND MEMORIES OF FRANK SINATRA
This being the year of Frank
Sinatra’s 100th birthday, Arcadia
Senior Services is having a two
part musical presentation about
the life and music of Frank
Sinatra. The first part will be
on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at
the Arcadia Community Center,
365 Campus Drive, Arcadia
at 1:15pm. Larry Maurer,
educator and film historian in
American music will take you
down memory lane with a two
part series on American singer,
actor, director and producer,
Frank Sinatra. Frank is one of
the best-selling music artists of all time, selling
more than 150 million records worldwide. Sinatra
was also the recipient of eleven Grammy Awards.
You will learn about the early years of Sinatra and
his road to stardom. The lecture is for individuals
age 50 and over. Cost for this special musical event
is $3.00. The second part of this presentation will
be on March 1. For additional
information, please call Arcadia
Senior Services at 626.574.5130.
About the City of Arcadia
Nestled in the foothills of the San
Gabriel Mountains, Arcadia is
an 11.38 square mile community
with a population of just over
56,000. Located approximately
20 miles east of downtown Los
Angeles, Arcadia is known for
combining small-town charm
with the conveniences and
amenities of a mid-size city.
Arcadia is a full-service charter
city governed by a five-member City Council,
elected at large. Recognized for exceptional
education and recreation opportunities and
beautiful neighborhoods, Arcadia is also defined
as the “Community of Homes” and has twice been
designated the “Best City in California in which to
Raise Kids” by Business Week Magazine.
LIFESAVERS PARAMEDIC SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM
The Sierra Madre Lifesavers Paramedic Subscription Program is an official program offered by
the City of Sierra Madre which offsets the cost of emergency medical responses. The membership
program is available to residents of Sierra Madre. Your subscription to the program will perform
similar to a secondary insurance plan, with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Subscriptions are
$60.00 per individual (July 1 – June 30). For additional information contact The Sierra Madre Fire
Department 626-355-3611.
626-355-5700245 West Sierra Madre BlvdSierra Madre, CA 91024www.TheKensingtonSierraMadre.comRCFE License198601953At first, Dad and I didn’tsee eye to eye about moving toThe Kensington, but sincehe did, we’re both thrilledLimited Senior Living Suites Still AvailableCall or Visit to Reserve Yours Today
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com
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