Dear Friend,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and healthy. As your state senator, I’m working hard to increase access to affordable, quality health care as well as improve services for Michigan’s seniors. In this newsletter, I provide an update on what is being worked on at the state level to make sure all residents can get the care they need, and to detail resources available to you and your loved ones.
Throughout the past four years, much good has been done not only for Kalamazoo County’s many seniors, but for all the generations who reside in this district. Many important programs and activities are provided through your tax dollars. It is an honor and privilege to represent you in Lansing and if I can be of assistance to you at any time, you can always reach me by email at SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at (517) 373-5100.
Sincerely,
Website: SenSeanMcCann.com
Email: SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: (855) 347-8020
Click here to review the PDF version of newsletter
REASONS TO CONTACT MY OFFICE
Michigan Senate | District 20
To Comment on Legislation
Your opinion counts, and I value your input. Contact me if you want to express your opinion or ask a question about pending legislation.
If You Need Help
My staff and I are here to help you resolve problems that can be addressed through state government. Please do not hesitate to contact my office, so we can try to assist you.
To Suggest a New Law
If you have any ideas for new laws, or ways to improve or repeal existing ones, share your suggestions with me.
Protect Yourself From Medicare Scams
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are warning seniors to protect themselves and their personal information from potential scams and high-pressure sales tactics.
Fraudsters posing as Medicare “representatives” are calling unsuspecting consumers about their Medicare coverage and asking for Medicare ID numbers or other personal information, such as a Social Security Number or date of birth. Once the scammers have this information, they can use it to make unauthorized changes to your Medicare plan.
DIFS and MDHHS have some important tips for protecting yourself:
- Never give your Medicare number or other personal information to an unknown caller. You are always able to get information on Medicare plans without providing an ID number. The only time the Medicare ID number is required is when you are actively enrolling in a plan.
- Do not give out your personal information if someone calls or visits your home and says they’re from Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will never call or send someone to your home to ask for personal information or check your Medicare number.
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers use technology to make it look like they are calling from a legitimate business or government agency.
- Ignore anyone who calls saying you must join their prescription drug plan, or you will lose your Medicare coverage. While it is true that there may be a penalty if you delay enrolling in the Medicare prescription drug plan (also known as Part D), that coverage is voluntary
- Don’t trust mailers that appear to be government communications but are advertisements for private companies. These mailers will sometimes have a disclaimer, but it is buried in small print.
If you have questions or concerns about your Medicare coverage, DIFS and MDHHS urge you to contact Medicare directly at Medicare.gov or by calling (800) 633-4227.
Insurance fraud, including Medicare fraud, results in higher health care costs for participants and taxpayers alike. That is why it’s so important to know how to protect your Medicare card and number. If you or a loved one has experienced this type of scam or high-pressure tactic, contact DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints or call (877) 999-6442 to file a complaint.
SENIOR SERVICE NUMBERS TO ASSIST YOU
Help is just a phone call away. Please save these useful numbers.
PROTECT AGAINST ELDER ABUSE & FRAUD
In Michigan, more than 73,000 older adults have been victims of abuse — and many more are targets. Seniors are often vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and much of it is unreported or underreported.
Elder Abuse: SEE IT, DOCUMENT IT, REPORT IT
If you or someone you know might be a victim of elder abuse, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office recommends you:
• Take photographs and written notes on what you observed, when you observed it, and who was present, along with any further helpful information;
• Immediately report incidents to the nursing home or health care facility administrator, if applicable; and,
• Report the abuse to the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 242-2873 and to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services at (855) 444-3911.
NEW PORTAGE COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER
203 East Centre Avenue | (269) 329-4555
Earlier this year, Portage welcomed a new senior center to the community at 203 East Centre Avenue. I was proud to join local leaders, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Charles and Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center. Many thanks to the Zhangs, Portage Mayor Patricia Randall, and senior center staff and volunteers for their hard work on the capital campaign to bring this wonderful facility to fruition.
The senior center is a 32,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that offers senior programming, activities, and amenities to promote an enhanced lifestyle of personal growth, health, friendship, and independence for a more dynamic, older adult population. Membership is open to all area persons over the age of 50, with spouses — including those who may be younger than 50 — also welcome. City of Portage residency is not required for membership.
The center was funded through a first-of-its-kind public/private partnership. The facility was paid for with $5.7 million raised through community philanthropic donations, $5.5 million from the City of Portage, and $1.5 million from the State of Michigan. I was proud to work with Representative Christine Morse (D-Portage) last year to secure this money in the state budget.
COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Our health care professionals and public servants have been hard at work since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic making sure that everyone has access to important information and resources. Even as most people are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important that you continue to do your part to stay safe and help stop the spread of this virus and its variants.
Visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus to find the latest information, a list of Frequently Asked Questions, testing sites, and vaccination locations near you or call the COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136.
If you’re feeling emotional distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, help is available.
Michigan Stay Well Counseling via the COVID-19 Hotline
Call (888) 535-6136 Press “8” to talk to a Michigan Stay Well counselor
Counselors are available 24/7 | Confidential and free
National Disaster Distress Helpline
Call (800) 985-5990 | Available 24/7
Lifelong Learning at WMU
With a passion for people and learning, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Western Michigan University (WMU) is designed for adults who are age 50 and older. Since 2011, the university has hosted a variety of learning opportunities for older adults who love to learn, enjoy traveling, want to connect and socialize with other adults, and who are interested in volunteering and planning events.
Whether you are a retiree or still employed, OLLI has a great deal to offer, including opportunities to have fun, socialize, and enhance one’s overall health and well-being. See what awaits you by exploring their website at wmich.edu/olli or connecting with OLLI on Facebook (@WMULifelongLearning).
Questions? Call (269) 387-4157 or
send an email to wmu-olli@wmich.edu.
Meals on Wheels
No one should go without access to healthy meals. If you, or a senior you know, are struggling to pay for food, Meals on Wheels can help. This program provides five nutritious meals per week to homebound, older adults. They also offer liquid nutrition for those who are unable to eat solid food and who have a prescription from their physician.
To qualify for Meals on Wheels, an adult must be:
- 60 years of age or older;
- Homebound (e.g. unable to leave home without assistance and unable to drive);
- Unable to cook for themself;
- Have no one willing or available to prepare meals on a regular basis; and,
- Able to feed themself.
For more information or to determine if you are eligible for Meals on Wheels, contact:
Milestone Senior Services
Website: milestoneseniorservices.org | Email: info@milestonseniorservices.org
Phone: (269) 382-0515 | Toll Free: (800) 711-2113