Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, September 16, 2017

THE GOOD LIFE

WHAT TO DO WITH CREMATED ASHES?

10

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 16, 2017 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HOW TO FIND A BETTER MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION 

DRUG PLAN


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ….September Birthdays

Clem Bartolai, Pat Hall, Donna Anderson, Teresa Chaure, Cathy Gunther, Esther Macias, 
Sheila Pierce, Nancy Sue Shollenberger, Yvonne Osti, Patti O’Meara, Judie Cimino, Mary 
Steinberg, Geri Wright, Parvin Dabiri, Denise Reistetter and Nehama Warner. 

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of 
birth not required but you must be over 60.

ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart 
Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 

 

Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10a.m. to 
11a.m. Join instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula.

Bingo Time: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! 
Everyone is welcome to join. May be canceled if less than five people.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays of the month from 11a.m. to 12p.m. No appt. is necessary.

Brain Games - *New Activity*: Join us on Thursday July 20th, at 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m for 
Scattergories. A creative thinking game by naming objects within a set of categories. Everyone is 
welcome, no experience needed. Great way to strengthen your brain and make new friends. Activities 
are facilitated by Senior Volunteers.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, August 16th from 10:30a.m. to Noon. Attorney Lem Makupson 
is available for legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, and Injury. 
Appointments are required by calling 626-355-7394.

Senior Club: Meets every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown Bag Lunch at 
11:30a.m.

Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45a.m. with Paul Hagen. 3rd Mondays of each 
month, a variety of balance exercises are practiced.All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed!

*A suggested donation of $5 at one of the classes is requested, but is not required.

Case Management: Case Management Services are provided by the YWCA and offer assistance in 
a variety of areas. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Hart Park House 
Office at 626-355-7394.

Birthday Celebrations: Every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Hart Park House, share some free 
birthday cake provided by the Sierra Madre Civic Club.

Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:00p.m. Come join this group of Seniors in their poker game. 
Other games are offered to all.

Free Strength Training Class: Fridays from 12:45p.m. to 1:30p.m. with Lisa Brandley. This energetic 
class utilizes light weights for low impact resistance and training conditioning. All class materials are 
provided.

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:

SEPTEMBER EXCURSION

RILEY'S at Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen

Date: Wednesday, September 27th

Time: 10:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Cost: $40.00 (including Lunch)

Enjoy the scenic beauty and breathe in the crisp, clean mountain air while 
enjoying your country meal at the oldest and largest ranch in Oak Glen. Lunch includes slow roasted Tri-
Tip and BBQ chicken, potato salad, biscuit with apple butter, and a slice of apple pie or crisp for dessert. 
Entertainment by Riley’s Mountaineers singing some of your favorites from bygone times. After your lunch, 
enjoy a 20 minute tour of the historic 1906 Packing House. The Farm Store will be open for shopping. Level 
of Walking: Low–Medium; Please call us at the Hart Park House for reservations at (626) 355-7394.

SENIOR CINEMA -

September 20th at 1:00p.m.

Fences (2016)

Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) makes his living as a sanitation worker in the 1950’s. He dreamed 
of becoming a professional baseball player but was too old when the major leagues began admitting 
black athletes. He creates further tension in his family when he squashes his son’s chance to meet a 
College Football Recruiter. Rated PG13; Run time 2h. 19m.

INSURANCE RESOURCE TABLE

If you have any questions on your health plans,

please come to the Insurance Resource Table at the 
Hart Park House on Monday, September 11th from 
12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m. A licensed representative 
will be available. As a Medicare beneficiary, you 
have from October 15 to December 7, 2017, to

review your coverage and make any changes for

2018. New coverage for changes made during the

open enrollment begins January 1, 2018.

Dear Savvy Senior,

I think I’m paying too much for the medications I take. 
I have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and 
my out-of-pocket spending is over $4,000 thus far in 
2017. When and how can I change my Medicare drug 
plan?

Inquiring Carol

Dear Carol,

 You can change your Part D prescription drug plan 
during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which 
runs from October 15 through December 7. During 
this time, beneficiaries can switch drug plans or join 
a drug plan if you didn’t have one before. They can 
also switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare 
Advantage plan, or vice versa if they wish. Any 
changes to coverage will take effect January 1, 2018.

 In September, you should also keep your eyes 
peeled for your “annual notice of change” from your 
drug plan. It will outline any changes in coverage, 
costs or service that will take effect in January.

 If you take no action during open enrollment, 
your current coverage will continue next year. Yet 
even those who are happy with their coverage should 
review their plan for any changes to come.

Change Medicare Plans

If you have Internet access and are comfortable using 
a computer, you can easily shop for and compare all 
Medicare drug plans in your area, and enroll in a new 
plan online.

 Just go to Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool at Medicare.
gov/find-a-plan, and type in your ZIP code or your 
personal information, enter in how you currently 
receive your Medicare coverage, select the drugs you 
take and their dosages, and choose the pharmacies 
you use. You’ll get a cost comparison breakdown for 
every plan available in your area so you can compare 
it to your current plan.

 This tool also provides a five-star rating system that 
evaluates each plan based on past customer service 
records, and suggests generics or older brand name 
drugs that can reduce your costs.

 When you’re comparing drug plans, look at the 
“estimated annual drug costs” that shows how much 
you can expect to pay over a year in total out-of-
pocket costs, including premiums, deductibles and 
co-pays. 

 Also, be sure the plan you’re considering covers all 
of the drugs you take with no restrictions. Most drug 
plans today place the drugs they cover into price tiers. 
A drug placed in a higher tier may require you to get 
prior authorization or try another medication first 
before you can use it.

Need Help?

 If you need some help choosing a new plan, you 
can call 1-800-MEDICARE and they can help you 
out over the phone. Or, contact your State Health 
Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which 
provides free one-on-one Medicare counseling. They 
also conduct seminars during the open enrollment 
period at various locations throughout each state. 
To find the contact information for your local SHIP 
visit Shiptacenter.org, or call the eldercare locator at 
800-677-1116.

Low-Income Assistance

 If you find yourself struggling to pay your 
medication costs, check out Medicare’s “Extra Help” 
program. This is a federal low-income subsidy 
that helps pays Part D premiums, deductibles and 
copayments. To be eligible, your income must be 
under $18,090 or $24,360 for married couples living 
together, and your assets must be below $13,820 or 
$27,600 for married couples. For more information 
or to apply, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or 
visit SSA.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp.

 Other resources that can help include RxAssist.
org, which maintains a comprehensive database 
of patient assistance programs, set up by drug 
companies for those who have trouble affording 
their medications. And NeedyMeds.org, a national 
nonprofit organization that maintains a website of 
free information on programs that help people who 
can’t afford their medications or other health-care 
costs.

 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.


LUNCH AND LEARN - Transit 101 Class 
Wednesday, September 27th 12:15p.m. – 1:00p.m. 
at the Hart Park House If you haven’t used public 
transportation before or it’s been a long time 
since you tried and you don’t know where to start, 
THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU! No need to stress 
over mobility or other limitations - Feel confident 
enough to go out on your own! Come join us for 
this FREE Transit Training Class

-Please call the Hart Park House at 626-355-7394.
make a reservation-


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