The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is open now through December 7, 2024. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers services by appointment over the phone and by video conference. In person appointments are also now available at Sourcewise offices and at select community centers and libraries.  

Each year, drug and managed health plans may change premiums, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs (such as deductibles and copayments/coinsurance) for the upcoming year as described in your September “Annual Notice of Change”.   

The AEP allows existing Medicare recipients to review their previous Medicare selections and adjust as needed: 

• Change, enroll in, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). 

• Enroll in or change a Medicare Advantage (MA) Part C HMO or PPO plan for its extra benefits and managed network.  

• Leave the managed Medicare system of MA Part C and instead use Original Medicare, a PDP, and Medigap for greater physician, provider, or facility flexibility. 

HICAP counselors can help you review changes, identify options, and plan your Medicare coverage to meet your needs for 2025. HICAP will host AEP presentations called, “Medicare’s 2024 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2025” via Zoom and at various community organizations throughout the county.  

To prepare for an appointment, create a Medicare.gov account. You can then view your Medicare history, including a list of recently filled prescriptions.  

Save money on Medicare Part D drug costs through the Low-Income Subsidy program (also called “Extra Help”). To qualify for partial Extra Help, monthly income must be less than $1,883 for singles and $2,555 for couples. Or apply for MediCal, which includes Extra Help for Medicare recipients and has effectively similar income limits. 

Sourcewise HICAP counseling is free, unbiased, and available to  Santa Clara County residents. To attend a presentation, visit the Sourcewise website at mysourcewise.com/calendar. To schedule a one-on-one HICAP counseling session, visit our Medicare Counseling Appointments webpage or call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist. 

This article was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $422,078 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. 

November is dedicated to recognizing caregivers and all the demanding work they do in caring for their loved ones.  This commitment extends beyond family to include friends and chosen family as well. 

Roselyn Carter said that there are four types of people in the world: Those who will be a caregiver, those who have been a caregiver, those who are currently a caregiver, and those who will need a caregiver. 

The work done by family and friends in caring for someone is simultaneously an honor and a privilege, while still being among the most challenging things you will ever do. Here are some important things to remember:

1.  To care for your loved one, you need to care for yourself.
2.  It’s okay to feel anger and resentment. These are valid feelings, and they are telling you to take a break.
3.  You do not have to justify the decisions you are making to others.
4.  Ask for help! Seek out resources and talk to other caregivers for ideas and support. Don’t hesitate to ask someone to watch your loved one while you take a break. 

If you are not a caregiver yet but know someone who is caring for a loved one, offer help and be specific. Instead of saying, “I can help you”, try asking, “Can I help you pick up groceries?” or “Can I stay with your mom so you can go to lunch with friends?” or just, “Do you need to talk?” 

At Sourcewise, the Caregivers Network offers support to unpaid caregivers. Our services include a respite grant for temporary breaks from caregiving, case management to help you find long-term support, an in-person support group to discuss caregiving topics with peers, and on-demand online training videos to help fill in knowledge gaps.   

To connect with a Care Manager at the Caregivers Network, simply text “enroll” to 43386 to receive a link to our enrollment form, or call us at (408) 350-327. 

And remember, you’re doing a great job! 

For individuals with limited resources or mobility, going to the polls to vote on election day can be challenging. This is a major obstacle that may prevent seniors and individuals with disabilities from exercising their right to vote for our nation’s leaders and policies.  

However, in California all registered voters receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Voting by mail does not require postage and enables you to send in your ballot early. Voters can track the status of their mailed ballots on the California Secretary of State’s website at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. 

If you prefer not to mail your ballot, it can be dropped off at any polling place or ballot dropbox before polls close on election day. Anyone can return your ballot on your behalf, as long as they are not being paid on a per-ballot basis.   

Regardless of how you return your ballot, the authorization section on the outside of the ballot envelope must be filled out for it to be counted.  

Important reminder: If you are unable to sign your name on the envelope, make an “X” or a distinguishing mark by the red “X” on the envelope, or have someone print your name on the return envelope and sign as a witness. 

The 2024 general election will take place on Tuesday, November 5th. Learn more about ballots, registration deadlines, polling locations, and more at California Voting Information

For older adults looking to get back into the workforce or build new skills, there’s good news: the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Sourcewise is here to help. This program is designed to support older workersby offering training and job opportunities to help you succeed in today’s job market.

SCSEP provides hands-on work experience in administrative assistant roles. These positions allow older adults to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills that employers are looking for. Whether you’re returning to work after time away or simply looking to build new skills, SCSEP offers training in areas such as customer service, clerical work, and even digital literacy. With these skills, you can improve your chances of finding lasting employment. 

SCSEP is tailored for adults aged 55 and older who meet income requirements. It focuses on preparing participants for jobs in local nonprofits or government agencies, offering support throughout the process. SCSEP also provides personalized assistance, ensuring you receive training and experience that align with your goals. 

At Sourcewise, we’re proud to connect older adults with SCSEP, helping you take that important step toward a brighter future. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or refresh existing skills, SCSEP is a great resource for discovering new opportunities. Let us help you open the door to your next career. 

If you are interested in learning more about Senior Employment opportunities speak with a Community Resource Specialist by calling (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) continues to recommend that individuals 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccine formulations are updated every year to match the current strains.  If you have not had COVID-19 within the past few months, you are encouraged to get the latest booster. Historically, there has been a higher wave of infection during the holiday months from November to January, so it is especially encouraged for vulnerable populations to build immunity before then (John Hopkins).  

From the CDC: “Vaccination is especially important for people at highest risk of severe COVID-19, including people ages 65 years and older; people with underlying medical conditions, including immune compromise; people living in long-term care facilities; and pregnant people to protect themselves and their infants.”  

As of August 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discontinued the full coverage of COVID-19 vaccines. However, most insurance providers still fully cover COVID-19 vaccines. We recommend checking with your provider to determine whether you will need to provide a copayment for your vaccine. For residents of Santa Clara County (SCC) who have health insurance but are underinsured, consider applying for the Healthcare Access Program (HAP) operated by the County of Santa Clara Health System (CSCHS).  Per CSCHS: “HAP provides free or discounted medically necessary services and supplies to eligible patients who (1) are uninsured or (2) have insurance and high out-of-pocket medical costs.”  

For individuals with no health insurance, the County is encouraging everyone to apply and enroll into Medi-Cal so they can continue to access vaccines. Currently, there is no other way to get a free COVID booster other than with the aid of a doctor or health insurance plan. To apply, individuals can call the County’s Patient Access Department at (866) 967-4677 (County of Santa Clara).  

To learn more about what options may be available to you, call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist today.