Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, March 14, 2020

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Mountain View News Saturday, March 14, 2020 

HOW MEDICARE 
IS COVERING 
CORONAVIRUS

Dear Savvy Senior:

Is Medicare covering testing for the coronavirus? 
My husband and I are very nervous about this virus and would like to find out if or when we 
should get tested, and how Medicare manages it. Nervous Nelly

Dear Nelly:

Yes! Medicare is indeed covering the cost of testing for the coronavirus, or COVID-19. But 
be aware that getting a test isn’t as simple as going to your local pharmacy or doctor’s office 
and asking for one. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare is covering, along with how to 
get tested if you think you may have symptoms.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare (Part B) will cover the lab test to see if you have coronavirus, but only when your 
doctor or other health care provider orders it. You will pay no out-of-pocket costs for these 
tests.

In addition, Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes 
if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from 
the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under 
quarantine.

And while there’s currently no vaccine yet to protect against COVID-19, when one becomes 
available next year, it too will be covered by all Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D).

If you happen to get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, 
you will have access to these same benefits. In addition, many Advantage plans are also 
expanding coverage of telemedicine, which allows beneficiaries to consult with medical 
professionals without having to go to a doctor’s office. Check with your plan for coverage 
details.

When to Call Your Doctor

Older adults, age 60 and older (especially those in their 70s and 80s), and people with 
chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease are at a higher risk 
of serious illness if they contract the coronavirus. So, everyone in these categories need to 
be vigilant. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe cases can 
lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death.

If you develop any symptoms that are concerning, you should contact your primary-care 
provider by phone for guidance. If your doctor believes you need testing, he or she will 
instruct you on what to do. Unfortunately, there have been reports of test shortages across 
the country, so depending on where you live you may have to wait a few days.

Prevention Tips

To help you steer clear of COVID-19 the CDC recommends that you avoid close contact 
with anyone who is sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, 
especially after being out in public, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and 
water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

To the extent possible, try to avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. And avoid touching 
high-touch surfaces in public places, like elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, and 
handshaking with people. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you 
must touch something.

 

Also, clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: Practice routine cleaning of 
frequently touched surfaces – tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, 
faucets, sinks and cell phones.

You should also avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure 
to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with 
little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick. 

The CDC also recommends that seniors and high-risk individuals stock up on supplies, 
such as extra medications and groceries. And, if there is an outbreak in your community, 
remain at home as much as possible. They also discourage non-essential travel.

For more information on the COVID-19, visit Coronavirus.gov.

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.


SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …MARCH Birthdays*

Cathy Flammer, Clare Marquardt, Karen Blachly, Carla Duplex, Ella Guttman, 
Viky Tchatlian, Mary Cooper, Sun Liu, Helen Wallis, Joan Crow, Nancy Fox, 
Martha Cassara, Rita Johnson, Mercedes Campos, Dorothy Webster,Terri Elder, 
Carol Cerrina, Amy Putnam, Sally Contreras

 * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 

 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required


HART PARK HOUSE MONTHLY PROGRAMS: 

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 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
Join the class with Instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula!

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

Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays Monthly from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Brain Games: Every third Thursday of the month at 12:45-1:45pm Join us for Scattergories, a creative thinking game by 
naming objects within a set of categories; or Jenga, a block-building challenge that keeps you stacking and bal-ancing 
your tower. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed. A great way to strengthen your mind and make new 
friends... Games are facilitated by Senior Volunteers. 

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, February 12th from 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Attorney Lem Makupson is available for 
legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates and Injury. Please call the Hart Park House for an 
appointment, 626-355-5278 ext. 704.

Senior Club: Meets Saturdays, Weekly at Hart Park House Brown Bag Lunch, great company and bingo at 11:30 a.m.

Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. with Paul Hagen. Classes include Yoga and balance exercises. 
All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed!

Birthday Celebration: Every 2nd Thursday Monthly at the Hart Park House. Share free birthday cake and ice cream 
kindly provided by the Senior Community Commission!

Game Day: Every Thursday Monthly 12:00 Noon come into the Hart Park House and join a lively poker game with 
friends!

Free Strength Training Class: Fridays 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. with Lisa Brandley Light weights, low impact resistance 
training and body conditioning. Class equipment provided.

Gentle Yoga for Active Seniors: Every Monday & Wednesday from 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. with Andrea Walsh at the Hart Park 
House. Classes include complete floor relaxation, standing and floor postures, balancing, and featuring extended 
meditations on the fourth Wednesdays of the month! Call (626)-355-5278 for more information.


MEALS - ON - WHEELS PROGRAM

The Home Delivered Meals Program provides healthy meals to homebound Seniors 60 and above. 
Seven frozen meals, milk, bread and fruit are included and delivered once a week. $3 Donation per 
meal is suggested but remains completely anonymous and voluntary. Clients must be eligible and we 
invite you to contact YWCA Intervale Senior Services at 626-214-9467. SUBJECT TO CHANGE 
WITHOUT NOTICE SUGGESTED DONATION $3.00 1% LOW FAT MILK INCLUDED


SENIOR CINEMA 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.

February 5th “Moonstruck” PG; 1 
hr. 42 min.

Loretta Castorini, a bookkeeper 
from Brooklyn, New York, finds 
herself in a difficult situation when 
she falls for the brother of the man 
that she has agreed to marry

 

February 19th “Hope Floats” 
PG-13; 1 hr. 54 min

Birdee Calvert choose between 
her morals and her heart after 
her husband divorces her and a 
charming young man, who her 
daughter disapproves of, comes 
back into her life.


AUTRY MUSEUM (LOS ANGELES)—LOS ANGELES

*Date: Thursday, February 20th *Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. *Cost: $20 per 
person

Don't miss a visit to this historic museum and the once in a lifetime exhibit Master 
of the American West Art Exhibition and Sale. See paintings and sculptures by 
more than 60 nationally recognized, contemporary Western artists. A one hour 
docent-led tour of the exhibit will be given upon arrival.

* Lunch will be on your own at the Crossroads West Café at the Autry;

* Participants should bring money for lunch & souvenirs;

* Level of Walking: Medium;

* Bus departs from the Hart Park House Senior Center at 9:00am and returns at 2:30 p.m.

 Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. 

Sierra Madre Resident Registration starts Monday, January 27, 2020 through Tuesday, February 4, 
2020. Non-Resident Registration starts online or in-person on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


HAVE NOSE, WILL SNEEZE 

Many things about me could be called into question, and a lot has. I get that. However, 
the most attractive thing about me is my nose. I am not sure of the reason why, 
it looks like anybody else’s nose.

My nose, however, attracts everything around it, from dust to pollen and other unmentionables. 
If there is something not attracted to my nose I haven’t found it yet.

This past week has been no exception. If it was in the air, it was in my nose. I do not know why my nose 
is so attractive to things, but there it is. I am the one that suffers the consequences of that at-tractive 
nose of mine. To be very certain, I did not pick my nose, it came with my face.

It seems the older I get, the more attractive my nose gets. I do not know if that is old age or if I am just 
beginning to notice it. When I was younger, of course, I was busy with other things, although I cannot 
remember what they were. Now that I am older, I have more time to pay attention to stupid things like 
my nose.

I can sneeze at the drop of a hat, which is one reason I do not wear hats anymore.

One mystery surrounds my sneezing. When I start sneezing, it has to be at least three sneezes. Why 
three? You’ll have to ask my nose about that. It never fails; my sneeze is a consistent triplet activi-ty.

Coming into the house the other day, I stopped and started one of those sneezing fits. The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage said, "Why didn't you sneeze outside before you came into the house?"

I know she can control everything around her, including me, which is the difference between her and 
me. The one thing I can never control is my nose. If I could control my nose, I probably could be a 
happier person.

My nose will sneeze whenever it wants to sneeze, and I have no authority over that decision. It never 
asks my permission!

I only know three seconds after I sneeze that I am going to sneeze. That creates many problems with 
me during this time of the year.

My wife once instructed me that when I sneeze, I need to sneeze into the elbow of my shirtsleeve. 
This has caused me to change shirts at least three times a day, which has made the laundry basket a 
problem.

One time my wife asked, “Why are there so many of your shirts in the laundry basket?”

“Just look at the right sleeve,” I instructed her.

When she did, an awful Yuk sound came from her direction.

This week my sneezing has been the worst I have ever known it. I do not have a cold, the flu, or any 
sinus infection, just a nose that sneezes all the time. I do not have a headache or sore throat, or clogged 
lungs. I am just sneezing for no reason at all, which is a source of frustration for me.

I hate it when I am about to take a sip of coffee, and I sneeze. After I jump up and do a happy dance, I 
change my trousers for clean ones. Coffee can really be hot, especially when you sneeze.

Is there such a thing as a sneezeologist? I sure would like to get some counsel on how to control my 
sneezing. Somebody needs to be an expert on sneezing. Sure, I am an expert on sneezing, but not on 
how to quit sneezing. That is my biggest problem.

Every Sunday, I am so frightened that in the middle of my sermon I am going to have a sneezing fit. 
Nothing could clear the church quicker than one of my sneezing fits to be sure.

After one of my sneezing fits, I wondered if there is such a thing as a sneezing contest. If there is, I am 
sure I could come very close to taking home the trophy.

I once asked my wife, “Do you think that sneezing is an exercise?”

Looking at me, she said rather soberly, “Well, it’s an exercise on my patience.”

I am not sure if that was a positive answer or not. Although I am skeptical, I did not want to ask and 
find out for certain. I exercised my right to keep my mouth shut.

My wife and I went out to eat dinner the other night, and the restaurant was rather crowded. Every-
thing was going quite excellent, we ordered and the waitress went to process our order, and we en-
joyed our time together.

Then it happened. I did a very loud triple sneeze heard all through the restaurant.

“Thanks,” my wife said very quietly, “for all the attention our way.”

I looked around, the people were looking at me, and I could not see anyone smiling. I was afraid to 
smile back at anybody. I was tempted to explain what happened, but I thought otherwise.

I then thought of what Solomon once said. “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: 
and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:28).

I may not be able to control my sneezes, but I think with a great deal of work and concentration, I can 
keep my mouth shut when necessary.


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