Located throughout Santa Clara County (SCC) at 35 convenient locations, Sourcewise HICAP counselors speak 11 different languages, an important factor in connecting with the diverse population. According to the American Community Survey as quoted in the Sourcewise 2016-2020 Area Plan on Aging, 51% of SCC residents speak a language other than English at home.

Counselors inform individuals in Santa Clara County about enrollment periods for Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Counselors also educate clients about enrollment rights and important timing in order to purchase or change Medicare supplement insurance plans (also referred to as Medigap.)

In September, Medicare Advantage Plan members received an Annual Notice of Change which informed subscribers about changes for 2017. Review this letter carefully to determine if upcoming changes will affect you or your loved one, and if changes to your Medicare Part C health plan or Part D prescription drug plan are necessary. 

Increased costs or decreased benefits for 2017 may help you determine if changes will be right for you; and may provide an opportunity to purchase a Medigap Policy without medical underwriting.  Any changes you elect during AEP in 2016 will take effect on January 1, 2017.    

The AEP is for existing Medicare beneficiaries (already enrolled in Part A, Part B or both) to enroll, make changes, or drop either a Medicare Part C or Part D plan. AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.   

Our Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program will help you make the best Medicare choices for you and your family. Our counselors are providing free presentations during the Annual Election Period. Visit our website for more information: www.mysourcewise.com.

As Baby Boomers get older and require additional assistance, the number of caregivers nationwide is rapidly increasing. Individuals who juggle caring for aging family members while raising children and working full-time are referred to as the “sandwich generation.”

A survey conducted for the Sourcewise Area Plan for 2016-2020 of 200 Santa Clara County residents found that 33% of caregivers work full-time while caring for loved ones. Balancing these considerable responsibilities requires special attention to avoid burnout and promote self-care.

In order to successfully care for others, self-care is crucial. Make time to exercise, eat healthily, and enjoy a stress reducing hobby in order to stay energized. Find support at local community centers, which are a great resource for seniors. They provide meals, recreation, and socialization; helping your senior loved one feel more independent and less lonely. You will also have time to focus on other priorities – including your own relaxation.

A national survey from the Area Agency on Aging shows caregivers find support programs are effective in helping loved ones remain at home longer. Of those surveyed, 40% of caregivers have been caring for a loved one 2-5 years, and 29% have been providing care for 5-10 years. 77% of caregivers reported that supportive services helped them to provide care longer than would have been possible, and 89% shared that they have become a better caregiver through these offerings. Support is a key component for busy caregivers.

The Family Caregiver Support Program of Sourcewise offers respite to those caring for individuals with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This program and others in Santa Clara County offer supportive services and assistance for caregivers.

For more information on caregiver resources, call a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010, health care premiums were too expensive for many families to afford. This legislation has made health care more affordable and universally available. Providing preventative services at no cost to the beneficiary, the ACA improves the quality of care for seniors aged 65 and older, people under the age of 65 with disabilities, and people with end stage renal disease, who are on Medicare.

According to CMS, millions of Medicare beneficiaries are already benefiting from the health care law’s improvements. Marcelo Espiritu, Product Analyst of Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program states, “The ACA tries to encourage preventative medicine. It implemented $0 copays and deductibles for Medicare-covered preventative services, like appropriate screening and testing.”

The ACA provides improvements to Medicare prescription drug plan coverage (Part D) including reducing out-of-pocket expenses for seniors in the “donut hole” (also known as the coverage gap.)

According to CMS, nearly 10.7 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts on over $20.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $1,945 per beneficiary. People on Medicare in the coverage gap once paid 100% of the drug price. With the ACA, discounts for generic and brand name drugs have been increasing at different rates, but both will reach 75% by 2020.

The ACA provides accessible and affordable medical health insurance coverage to over 52 million Medicare beneficiaries—offering a range of preventative services at no cost, and providing discounts on drugs when in the coverage gap.

Maria Luisa Meneses arrived from the Philippines with an impressive resume but lacked American job experience. After learning about Sourcewise Senior Employment Services, she and her husband enrolled in the program through the Sourcewise satellite office in Morgan Hill.

Maria Luisa says, “The [Sourcewise Senior Employment] program was a great help for me and my husband financially. It boosted our morale and self-confidence. We were exposed to an office environment, starting our journey of life in the U.S. pursuing the American dream.”

Maria Luisa’s path to her current position began with an assignment at the Work2Future in Gilroy–one of 15 partner organizations hosting on-site training for Employment participants–and the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center. She completed occupational courses, updated her resume, and professionally executed her assignments.

Maria Luisa learned of job openings at San Jose Job Corporation, and was hired as a Security Guard. A short time later, she applied for and obtained her present position as a Records Specialist.

Henri Villalovoz, Director of Sourcewise Senior Employment Services states, “Maria Luisa Meneses was an excellent SCSEP [Employment] Participant and represented the ideal conclusion to the senior worker training program. She took advantage of all training resources, had a positive attitude, was self-confident, and pursued opportunities to obtain unsubsidized employment.”

Maria Luisa was recently recognized for her successful participation in the program at the federally-sponsored National Employ Older Workers Week celebration, hosted by Sourcewise. 

Senior Employment Services of Sourcewise offers job training assistance for individuals aged 55 or older. Learn about opportunities available and eligibility requirements for Sourcewise Senior Employment Services: (408) 350-3200, option 5.

While all adults –regardless of age– face daily life stressors, mental wellbeing can change at different stages of life. Still, older adults face unique physical and mental challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the population aged 60+ is projected to double from 12% to 22% by 2050. WHO also projects that over 20% of adults aged 60+ will suffer from a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lifetime.

The enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 created Ten Essential Health Benefits, which includes coverage of mental health services, preventative care and wellness services, and prescription drugs.

Education and support is available for seniors to learn preventative measures and health management options to manage their mental health. Natural remedies such as exercise and meditation, as well as medication prescribed by a physician can vastly improve mental wellness. A supportive community can also assist in successfully managing this growing health issue.  

Acknowledging a change in a family member, friend, or your own physical or emotional wellbeing is the first step in identifying the need for support. Mental health resources are available throughout Santa Clara County. Older adults can ease loneliness and isolation by visiting local senior centers to participate in recreational activities and lunch programs.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) offers free support groups to help families deal with mental health challenges. Health care providers also have resources to help manage physical and mental health needs; start by having an honest conversation with your doctor about how you are feeling.   

Pay attention to both your physical and mental health; difficulties in one area can affect the other. Taking preventative measures and managing your mental and physical needs may help you become happier and healthier.