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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15;
Free counseling available from KDADS’ SHICK program
TOPEKA, Kan. – The open enrollment period for Medicare coverage in 2019 begins October 15, 2018, and runs through December 7, 2018.
“Older adults can sign up for Medicare for the first time during this period, and current Medicare consumers can make changes to several aspects of their coverage as well,” said Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Tim Keck. “If you’re already enrolled, this is an opportunity to review your coverage and adjust, as necessary, so it better meets your needs.”
“Earlier this year, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new policies that support increased flexibility of benefits, allowing Medicare Advantage plans to offer innovative coverage that fit the needs of people with Medicare,” Secretary Keck said. “The more affordable choices being made available through this patient-centered approach to health care lead to greater health security for those who need it most.”
During open enrollment, those currently enrolled may:
- Switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa;
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another;
- And if you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.
If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet some basic criteria:
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B
- You must live in the plan’s service area
- You cannot have end-stage renal disease (some exceptions apply)
CMS estimates that the Medicare Advantage average monthly premium will decrease by $1.81 in 2019, from an average of $30 in 2018 to $28. Approximately 83 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees remaining in their current plan will have the same or lower premium for 2019.
If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and you do not want to make changes to your coverage for 2018, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment, assuming your current plan will still be available in 2019. If your plan is being discontinued and isn’t eligible for renewal, you will receive a non-renewal notice from your carrier prior to open enrollment. If you do not, it means you can keep your plan without doing anything during open enrollment.
Be aware that benefits and premiums could be changing for 2019. So even if you’re confident you want to keep your current coverage for the coming year, it is important to understand any changes that may apply and check to make sure your current plan is still the best available option. The available plans and what they cover change from one year to the next, so even if the plan you have now was the best option when you shopped last year, it is important to verify that again before you choose your plan for another year.
Between January 1 and March 31 each year, those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) to make a change. Your coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll in the plan. You must be in an MA Plan already on January 1 to use this enrollment period. There is a coordinating Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to add or drop Part D when switching plans if applicable. You can only make one change during the MA OEP.
Changes to be aware of for 2019 include:
- 58 Medicare Advantage plans are available
- 100 percent of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan
- 26 Medicare prescription drug plans are available with premiums varying from $16.20 to $99.10
- 100 percent of people with a Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2018
State-by-State Fact Sheets are now available at https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Reach-Out/Find-tools-to-help-you-help-others/MA-Part-D-Landscape-State-by-State.pdf
For more information on these changes and other Medicare-related issues, please contact KDADS’ Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK), a free program that offers Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK has counselors throughout the state that can assist people to stay informed on changing conditions in health care insurance. Call 800-860-5260 for this free counseling service.
SHICK counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long-Term Care and other health insurance subjects that concern older Kansans. The counselors do not work for any insurance company, their goal is to educate and assist the public to make informed decisions on what’s best for each individual situation.
Driving a Holiday Shopping Rush For Your Business
GOOGLE HOLIDAY LIVESTREAM
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N Main St.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free Google Livestream event at Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N Main St. in Downtown Fort Scott. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 17th from 11:00 am to 1 pm.
The live stream focus will be on driving a holiday shopping rush for your business. Learn how your business can get in front of customers and showcase what you offer using Google My Business, Google Ads, and more. Live questions will be taken from viewers.
For more information please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.
Fort Scott Special Events Oct. 12-14
Number of Missing or Runaway Foster Care Youth Decreases in Kansas
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce a significant decrease in the number of youth who have run away from their foster care placement. On August 31, 2017, there were 86 missing or runaway youth. Comparatively, on August 31, 2018, there were 63, representing a 26.7 percent decrease in the number of missing and runaway youth.
“It is exciting to see a decrease in the number of youth missing or running away from placement, as this was one of my primary focuses when I started at the agency,” Secretary Meier-Hummel said. “I am extremely proud of the work of our Missing and Runaway Youth Investigator unit. We will continue to actively look for these youth because even one child missing from placement is one too many. Ensuring their safety is of the utmost importance.”
While the number of youth who have run away from placement continues to fluctuate on a daily basis, DCF has consistently seen lower numbers, as a result of recent agency initiatives.
Since Secretary Meier-Hummel’s arrival at the agency, DCF has emphasized locating missing and runaway youth. DCF has a team of investigators dedicated to actively looking for these youth and ensuring their safety. On a regular basis, these investigators partner with contract staff and local law enforcement to locate these youth. Secretary Meier-Hummel receives a daily report on youth who are missing or have run away from placement.
Another initiative DCF has recently launched is Missing and Runaway sweeps. During these sweeps, our missing and runaway youth investigators partner with contract staff and local law enforcement to target specific locations to find youth. The agency has conducted these sweeps in Wichita and Kansas City—two of the most populated areas in the state. To date, there have been 880 recovery events.
“On a daily basis, we are working with contacts across the state to search for and locate these youth. Youth that are missing or have run away from placement are at a higher risk of becoming victims of human trafficking, among other issues and that is why the work we do is so vital. We want to help these youth and keep them safe,” Missing and Runaway Youth Investigator Kody Johnson said.
DCF has also recently partnered with the Youth Advocate Program (YAP). YAP comes alongside case managers to be advocates for families. Once in care, a youth is assigned an advocate through YAP that sticks with them regardless of where they go in the state or where they are placed. It is a trust-based relationship between the advocate and the youth. In our partnership with YAP, we will assign every youth that runs away from placement an advocate that can support them, help identify why they run and help prevent them running in the future. With this partnership, we are giving youth that run away from placement a level of safety, security and support through establishing meaningful relationships with their YAP advocate.
Division of Vehicles to Launch Improved Service
TOPEKA—Many Kansas drivers will have the option to renew their license online starting October 23, just one customer service improvement in a list that includes new Monday hours and faster customer processing time, the Division of Vehicles announced Thursday.
The option for some drivers to renew using the iKan mobile application comes alongside the launch of KanLicense, a software program that updates the interface used by driver’s license examiners from an outdated mainframe system to a cloud based application. The modernized software prorgam should decrease customer processing time.
“We are so pleased to jumpstart improved customer service with these new applications,” Director of Vehicles David Harper said. “The combination of these two new platforms set the stage for the long-term reinvention of the process of obtaining or renewing a license or ID across Kansas.”
Starting October 29, the new schedule for most driver’s license offices will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The addition of Monday service, plus the option for mobile renewals and faster counter service should ease pressure and wait times during the week. Opening for service on Saturdays will remain an option during peak times such as spring break.
“We are signifcantly expanding our capacity to serve our customers,” Director Harper said. “We will be open normal business hours everyone is accustomed to, but also offer 24/7 access for renewals on the iKan mobile application.”
Director Harper noted that high demand will remain as Kansans come into the office to upgrade to a Real ID credential ahead of the October 1, 2020 federal implementation date.
“We are modernizing the credential process for the long-term, but many people will still have to come in to get their Real ID before the one-time federal implementation event,” Director Harper said. “We continue to encourage our customers to make sure they have all the documents they need before getting to the office.”
Driver’s and ID holders can use a Real ID checklist at ksrevenue.org/realid to ensure they have the necessary documents.
Driver’s license offices statewide will be closed Saturday, October 20 to prepare for the launch of the KanLicense system.
Flooding Postpones Tri-Yak-A-Thon to Oct. 20
The 6th Annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon, at Gunn Park Trails, has been postponed due to river flooding. Organizers have tentatively rescheduled for October 20.
The Gunn Park Trails volunteers would like to invite everyone to enjoy the fall weather and join us for the 6th annual Tri-yak-a-thon. This year’s proceeds will benefit our new bike share program. The event will take place October 20 at 10:00 AM in Gunn Park. The Tri-yak-a-thon is a race where participants run on Gunn Park’s beautiful trails, kayak up and down the Marmaton River, and then tackle the trails again on a bike. The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the bike share program. The trail run is approximately 4 miles, the kayak portion is 2.5 miles, and the final portion is a 7-mile mountain bike ride. Participate as a relay team, or if you are tough enough you can do the entire race as a solo participant. You must bring your own kayak, life jacket, helmet, and mountain bike. Riders must wear a helmet.
Onsite registration and packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM at Shelter House 6. You can register online at https://www.trireg.com/tri-yak-a-thon. The race will begin at 10:00 AM. Whether you enter the race or just come and cheer, please join us and support our park, our trails, and our bike share program.
We would like to thank our generous sponsors:
UMB Bank
Landmark Bank
Briggs Auto of Fort Scott
City State Bank
Smallville Crossfit
Papa Don’s
Brock Electric
Southwind Cycle and Outdoor
Liquor Store Ribbon Cutting Oct. 12
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Chamber Coffee at Labconco Oct. 11
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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
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Hosted by:
Location: 2500 Liberty Bell Rd.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Click here for the Labconco’s website.
Click here for Labconco’s Facebook page.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
October 18th – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
October 25th – Trinity Lutheran Church
November 1st – Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
@ Landmark Bank
November 8th – VFW
Fort Scott Public Library Upcoming Events
Storytime continues on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., at Fort Scott Public Library, with the notable exception of NO storytime on November 6 due to Miss Val’s training meeting that day in Iola.
Teen Advisory Group has the following upcoming events:
October 10 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Craft Night (pumpkin painting)
October 17 at 4 – 6 p.m.: Teen Games & Snacks Night (with a fall & Halloween twist)
October 24 at 4:15 p.m.: American Idiots Teen Book Club at Common Ground Coffee Co.
October 31 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Halloween Party (come in costume if desired)
November 7 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Community Service
November 14 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Craft Night
November 20 (due to Thanksgiving) from 4 – 6 p.m.: Teen Game Night
November 28 at 4:15 p.m.: American Idiots Teen Book Club at Common Ground Coffee Co.
Maker Monday: At our second Maker Monday on October 15, 4 – 5 p.m., we will make seasonal crafts using pinecones, faux leaves, pumpkins, and various other craft supplies (attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks as well), and add stickers to our sticker mosaic poster. All ages are welcome to attend, but children 2nd grade and below must have an adult with them at all times.
Marvelous Monday is a family program for all ages, with the primary goal of serving local homeschool families by offering educational activities, special guest speakers, and collaborative projects. The second meeting will be held on October 22, 2 – 3 p.m. in the library event room. The theme will be a Field Trips and Scavenger Hunts with special guest speaker, retired educator Vickie Shead speaking to adults on field trip ideas and the group taking a scavenger hunt nature walk together. Scavenger hunts will vary in difficulty based on age. Snacks will be served.
Join millions of readers worldwide in reading the book Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy as part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record program on October 25 at 10 a.m. with Miss Val! We will take photos of the group to share the event with fellow readers on social media. Like the child in the story, we will create beautiful artwork and then enjoy a colorful treat. According to Jumpstart’s website, “Read for the Record brings much-needed attention to inequities in early childhood education, inspires adults to read with children, spurs policymakers and organizations to take action towards transformative change in early education, and puts books in the hands of children across the country.” Since its inception 13 years ago, more than 19 million people have participated in the program. Go here to learn more: https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record
Library programs are offered free of charge. If you would like to volunteer or donate snacks or supplies, please contact Miss Val at [email protected], call 223-2882, or visit the library. Follow Fort Scott Public Library on Facebook or visit our website at fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org to view upcoming events.
USD 235 Fitness Center Ribbon Cutting Oct. 11
Famed Fitness Icon Jake (Body by Jake) Steinfeld and Uniontown 235 Students to Cut Ribbon on their Newly Gifted DON’T QUIT!TM Fitness Center
WHAT: Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, dignitaries and students will cut the ribbon on Uniontown USD 235 School’s new DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center at 8:30 a..m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018. Uniontown was one of three Kansas schools selected as a DON’T QUIT! Fitness Champion earlier this year for demonstrating new and innovative ways of promoting student physical activity and wellness. The other two winning schools were Lincoln Elementary in Fredonia and Jardine Middle School in Topeka.
Governor Colyer signed a proclamation declaring October as “DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month.” During DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month, families and communities are encouraged to renew their commitment to making physical activity and healthy eating part of our children’s daily lives.
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils program has now rolled out in twenty-four states and will be putting fitness centers in all 50 states. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Amerigroup Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. TuffStuff Fitness International provides all of the fitness equipment, which is manufactured right here in the United States. The Foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.
WHO: Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
Lynne Oharah, County Commissioner
Bret Howard, Superintendent
Vance Eden, Principal
VISUAL: 500 excited students
DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center – Students will use the equipment for the first time!
Proclamation presentation
WHEN: Thursday, October 11, 2018
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Uniontown 235
602 5th Street
Uniontown, KS 66779
WBE Gymnasium
WHY: Physical activity and exercise have been shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life and reduce health care costs. In schools, physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve academic achievement, increase confidence and self-esteem, reduce discipline problems, cut absenteeism and foster better interpersonal relationships.
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For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org.
About The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The NFGFC envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “DON’T QUIT!” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world. Since 2012, the NFGFC has delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, California, New Mexico, Connecticut, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin, Arizona, Maryland, Louisiana, Oregon and Colorado. In 2018, we will gift fitness centers to four more states including Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee and Utah.