Mountain Views News     Logo: MVNews     Saturday, December 12, 2015

MVNews this week:  Page 11

11

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
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