MASS SENIOR ACTION METRO NORTH WELCOMES NEW SHINE REPRESENTIVE AT MALDEN SENIOR CENTER
When many Seniors in the Malden Area and our Senior Group had trouble getting a Shine representative to furnish needed information on the confusing Medicare D plan and the Commonwealth secondary insurance PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE our board contacted the Mystic Valley Elder Services Executive Director Dan O’Leary (a MSAC member) to address the Problem and agreed to make an effort to improve the situation. We also made a visit to the Director of Elder Service Christine DePietro and on finding out that the problem was an issue
affecting Seniors at the Center we sought a solution.
We thank Christine DePietro for taking action and getting one of her staff (Kelly Chancy) to become a Shine representative.
“She will be participating in 50 hours of training to council elders, providing them with unbiased health information” according to the director of Senior Center.. “in to-days confusing HEALTH CARE options world, a confidential one and one meeting is necessary to make the best choice for you and your income”. Kelly will be taking appointments here in the Senior Center.
Mystic Valley Elder Services are looking for additional Volunteers
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Senior Wants and Needs
You ask a question What Seniors want?
There are many sides and opinions and all views should be considered.
My statement may not be “politically correct” and may be opposite to the politicians in Malden who try to sit on the fence. It is held by many of my
contacts and (in my opinion) deserves to be heard.
I. the organizations and city services in Malden get grants from Federal, State, and private sources stating in their proposals that they will be including Seniors in the services provided but then hedge when it comes
to producing the services mentioned.
2. Senior Citizens are getting more in the majority in the Cities population and are not used to the best advantage. They are “written off” as past their
prime and not worth consulting for their experience and skills.
THE CITY IS NOT USING SENIORS TO BEST ADVANTAGE.
Now for a list of what I think should be a priority in the immediate future for the City Officials to consider. I am stating these reasons with the hope they remember the biggest voting block in the City are Seniors!!!
a. get seniors involved in the programs being offered. b. improve transportation in the city.
c. Get computers for seniors in public housing and in
library, Cyber Café and at the senior center with
training and instruction.
d .Improve the area of affordable housing
e. support programs that Keep seniors in their own homes
f. MAKE THE CITY HALL OFFICES MORE USER FRIENDLY
I would like to see the senior population treated as a part of the general population not as a group judged by their weaknesses but by their strengths and what they can contribute to the “quality of life” of the
City. Look on the Senior population as an Asset not a liability.
Many Senior Citizens in Malden are not receiving subsidies or services from the City of Malden. They are placed thoughout the City and could be and should be considered when city services are to be offered.
Taxpaying citizens (this included everyone because no matter what our income or resources we pay taxes for everything we buy) are entitled to as many services as those provided to those considered in need and
supplied on a charitable basis.
It is important that all of our citizens are entitled to consideration by their elected city officials. They also have a “fiduciary duty” to appoint city department heads to serve the public and treat them with respect.
We expect those who choose to run for public office have the skill and experience to serve us well.
Howard McGowan
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
hcmgowan@aol.com
781 324 8706
1.
There are many sides and opinions and all views should be considered.
My statement may not be “politically correct” and may be opposite to the politicians in Malden who try to sit on the fence. It is held by many of my
contacts and (in my opinion) deserves to be heard.
I. the organizations and city services in Malden get grants from Federal, State, and private sources stating in their proposals that they will be including Seniors in the services provided but then hedge when it comes
to producing the services mentioned.
2. Senior Citizens are getting more in the majority in the Cities population and are not used to the best advantage. They are “written off” as past their
prime and not worth consulting for their experience and skills.
THE CITY IS NOT USING SENIORS TO BEST ADVANTAGE.
Now for a list of what I think should be a priority in the immediate future for the City Officials to consider. I am stating these reasons with the hope they remember the biggest voting block in the City are Seniors!!!
a. get seniors involved in the programs being offered. b. improve transportation in the city.
c. Get computers for seniors in public housing and in
library, Cyber Café and at the senior center with
training and instruction.
d .Improve the area of affordable housing
e. support programs that Keep seniors in their own homes
f. MAKE THE CITY HALL OFFICES MORE USER FRIENDLY
I would like to see the senior population treated as a part of the general population not as a group judged by their weaknesses but by their strengths and what they can contribute to the “quality of life” of the
City. Look on the Senior population as an Asset not a liability.
Many Senior Citizens in Malden are not receiving subsidies or services from the City of Malden. They are placed thoughout the City and could be and should be considered when city services are to be offered.
Taxpaying citizens (this included everyone because no matter what our income or resources we pay taxes for everything we buy) are entitled to as many services as those provided to those considered in need and
supplied on a charitable basis.
It is important that all of our citizens are entitled to consideration by their elected city officials. They also have a “fiduciary duty” to appoint city department heads to serve the public and treat them with respect.
We expect those who choose to run for public office have the skill and experience to serve us well.
Howard McGowan
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
hcmgowan@aol.com
781 324 8706
1.
Single Payer Health Plans
Key Features of Single-Payer
Universal, Comprehensive Coverage
Only such coverage ensures access, avoids a two-class system, and minimizes expense
No out-of-pocket payments
Co-payments and deductibles are barriers to access, administratively unwieldy, and unnecessary for cost containment
A single insurance plan in each region, administered by a public or quasi-public agency
A fragmentary payment system that entrusts private firms with administration ensures the waste of billions of dollars on useless paper pushing and profits. Private insurance duplicating public coverage fosters two-class care and drives up costs; such duplication should be prohibited
Global operating budgets for hospitals, nursing homes, allowed group and staff model HMOs and other providers with separate allocation of capital funds
Billing on a per-patient basis creates unnecessary administrative complexity and expense. A budget separate from operating expenses will be allowed for capital improvements
Free Choice of Providers
Patients should be free to seek care from any licensed health care provider, without financial incentives or penalties
Public Accountability, Not Corporate Dictates
The public has an absolute right to democratically set overall health policies and priorities, but medical decisions must be made by patients and providers rather than dictated from afar. Market mechanisms principally empower employers and insurance bureaucrats pursuing narrow financial interests
Ban on For-Profit Health Care Providers
Profit seeking inevitably distorts care and diverts resources from patients to investors
Protection of the rights of health care and insurance workers
A single-payer national health program would eliminate the jobs of hundreds of thousands of people who currently perform billing, advertising, eligibility determination, and other superfluous tasks. These workers must be guaranteed retraining and placement in meaningful jobs.
from the American Journal of Public Health January 2003, Vol 93, No.1
Universal, Comprehensive Coverage
Only such coverage ensures access, avoids a two-class system, and minimizes expense
No out-of-pocket payments
Co-payments and deductibles are barriers to access, administratively unwieldy, and unnecessary for cost containment
A single insurance plan in each region, administered by a public or quasi-public agency
A fragmentary payment system that entrusts private firms with administration ensures the waste of billions of dollars on useless paper pushing and profits. Private insurance duplicating public coverage fosters two-class care and drives up costs; such duplication should be prohibited
Global operating budgets for hospitals, nursing homes, allowed group and staff model HMOs and other providers with separate allocation of capital funds
Billing on a per-patient basis creates unnecessary administrative complexity and expense. A budget separate from operating expenses will be allowed for capital improvements
Free Choice of Providers
Patients should be free to seek care from any licensed health care provider, without financial incentives or penalties
Public Accountability, Not Corporate Dictates
The public has an absolute right to democratically set overall health policies and priorities, but medical decisions must be made by patients and providers rather than dictated from afar. Market mechanisms principally empower employers and insurance bureaucrats pursuing narrow financial interests
Ban on For-Profit Health Care Providers
Profit seeking inevitably distorts care and diverts resources from patients to investors
Protection of the rights of health care and insurance workers
A single-payer national health program would eliminate the jobs of hundreds of thousands of people who currently perform billing, advertising, eligibility determination, and other superfluous tasks. These workers must be guaranteed retraining and placement in meaningful jobs.
from the American Journal of Public Health January 2003, Vol 93, No.1
MSAC Metro North Vision For Malden
1 Vision that Malden has a first class Medical Facility to meets the needs of the changing demographics on the City
A Community Hospital
2 Vision that the new Senior Center becomes a full service an economic engine in the development of the downtown area and reaches out to all sections of the city for participation in
Recreation, Information and Health Services.
: Maximize and improve citizen participation in municipal decision-making: The high level of citizen participation is another important and distinctive problem to be solved in Malden. Citizens serve on boards and commissions and help to formulate policy and advise the City Council. There are many active neighborhood associations, merchant groups, and advocacy groups.
Improve Notification and the Dissemination of Information. Citizen complaints about inadequate notification about public meetings are common, and access to relevant information and reports can be difficult. The Plan contains policies to improve notification and to take advantage of recent technological(computer access) changes that can make important information broadly available to the public.
Improve Citizen Participation. Citizens should be actively involved in making decisions about anything that will have an impact on them and their families and neighborhoods. The Plan should mandate maximum citizen involvement in all public planning and decision-making processes. The Plan stresses the important role of neighborhoods and neighborhood groups in land use decisions.
Improve the Responsiveness of City Administration and Staff. Plan policies call for staff training and citizen involvement in evaluating the performance of the City’s administrative units
4 Vision for Malden expanding and supporting Adult Day Care to help in keeping Seniors And Disabled if the Home and their own neighborhoods.
Adult Day Health Centers provide frail adults experiencing physical, mental or social problems associated with stroke, isolation, confusion or other conditions with the opportunity to meet new people, participate in challenging activities and enjoy daily life in comforting surroundings. Supportive staff members and volunteers oversee a variety of activities specially designed to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of adults who may be physically challenged or coping with some sort of dementia or memory loss. These activities can range from arts & crafts, discussion groups and light exercise to the provision of safe care to functionally impaired persons and can include such services as Case Management, Individual counseling, and health screening. Caring for a frail or disabled person is a demanding job. Adult Day Health Centers can provide caregivers with a much-deserved break, secure in the knowledge that family members are receiving excellent care
5 vision for Malden to assure programs under the control of the City serve our citizens well
A Community Hospital
2 Vision that the new Senior Center becomes a full service an economic engine in the development of the downtown area and reaches out to all sections of the city for participation in
Recreation, Information and Health Services.
: Maximize and improve citizen participation in municipal decision-making: The high level of citizen participation is another important and distinctive problem to be solved in Malden. Citizens serve on boards and commissions and help to formulate policy and advise the City Council. There are many active neighborhood associations, merchant groups, and advocacy groups.
Improve Notification and the Dissemination of Information. Citizen complaints about inadequate notification about public meetings are common, and access to relevant information and reports can be difficult. The Plan contains policies to improve notification and to take advantage of recent technological(computer access) changes that can make important information broadly available to the public.
Improve Citizen Participation. Citizens should be actively involved in making decisions about anything that will have an impact on them and their families and neighborhoods. The Plan should mandate maximum citizen involvement in all public planning and decision-making processes. The Plan stresses the important role of neighborhoods and neighborhood groups in land use decisions.
Improve the Responsiveness of City Administration and Staff. Plan policies call for staff training and citizen involvement in evaluating the performance of the City’s administrative units
4 Vision for Malden expanding and supporting Adult Day Care to help in keeping Seniors And Disabled if the Home and their own neighborhoods.
Adult Day Health Centers provide frail adults experiencing physical, mental or social problems associated with stroke, isolation, confusion or other conditions with the opportunity to meet new people, participate in challenging activities and enjoy daily life in comforting surroundings. Supportive staff members and volunteers oversee a variety of activities specially designed to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of adults who may be physically challenged or coping with some sort of dementia or memory loss. These activities can range from arts & crafts, discussion groups and light exercise to the provision of safe care to functionally impaired persons and can include such services as Case Management, Individual counseling, and health screening. Caring for a frail or disabled person is a demanding job. Adult Day Health Centers can provide caregivers with a much-deserved break, secure in the knowledge that family members are receiving excellent care
5 vision for Malden to assure programs under the control of the City serve our citizens well
Presciption Advantage
Mass Senior Action Metro North
We would like to inform all Senior and disabled residents that
our efforts with the State Legislators have gained open enrollment!!!
Why Join Prescription Advantage?
Because........There is no monthly premium.
Because.........It supplements your Medicare prescription benefit by
helping to pay co-payments and other gaps in coverage*
Because..........It limits the amount of money you will pay for prescriptions**.
Because..........You cannot afford not to join.**
*includes HMO’s
**Annual out of pocket Spending Limit
Prescription Advantage covers the D0-NUT hole
Howard McGowan
Board Member
MSAC 781 324 8076
For information and help see
SHINE REPRESENTATIVE Kelly Clancy Talk or make appointment 781-397-7144 Senior Center for all your medical and prescription needs.
Other Contacts 1-800-AGE-INFO ()1-800-243-4636 TTY 1 877 610 0241
www.800ageinfo.com
We would like to inform all Senior and disabled residents that
our efforts with the State Legislators have gained open enrollment!!!
Why Join Prescription Advantage?
Because........There is no monthly premium.
Because.........It supplements your Medicare prescription benefit by
helping to pay co-payments and other gaps in coverage*
Because..........It limits the amount of money you will pay for prescriptions**.
Because..........You cannot afford not to join.**
*includes HMO’s
**Annual out of pocket Spending Limit
Prescription Advantage covers the D0-NUT hole
Howard McGowan
Board Member
MSAC 781 324 8076
For information and help see
SHINE REPRESENTATIVE Kelly Clancy Talk or make appointment 781-397-7144 Senior Center for all your medical and prescription needs.
Other Contacts 1-800-AGE-INFO ()1-800-243-4636 TTY 1 877 610 0241
www.800ageinfo.com
Community based services for seniors
Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget does not provide a meaningful funding increase for state programs providing in-home and community-based services for seniors whose incomes are above the Federal Poverty Guidelines. In Berkshire County two such programs, State Home Care and Enhanced Community Options, are serving more than 1,000 lower income seniors a month. These two programs help seniors to continue to live in their own homes with dignity and independence by providing assistance with such things as bathing, getting to and from the bathroom, getting dressed and ready for the day, and homemaking. The State Home Care and Enhanced Community Options Programs need increased funding to keep up with the growing need for the services they provide.
1. Without increased funding, lower income seniors may once again be caught in the middle and may “fall through the cracks” between the MassHealth and state programs. These seniors have incomes above the Federal Poverty Guidelines criteria for the MassHealth programs that have received additional funding; however, there may be little or no room for them in the state programs for which they are financially eligible, because of a lack of additional funding in those programs. Other vital senior services, which need additional funding to keep up with senior needs, include the Councils on Aging, Protective Services, Mental Health Services, and the Nutrition/Meals on Wheels Program. Additional funding for these services will help seniors to continue to live in their own homes and communities — which is where they want to be.
1. Without increased funding, lower income seniors may once again be caught in the middle and may “fall through the cracks” between the MassHealth and state programs. These seniors have incomes above the Federal Poverty Guidelines criteria for the MassHealth programs that have received additional funding; however, there may be little or no room for them in the state programs for which they are financially eligible, because of a lack of additional funding in those programs. Other vital senior services, which need additional funding to keep up with senior needs, include the Councils on Aging, Protective Services, Mental Health Services, and the Nutrition/Meals on Wheels Program. Additional funding for these services will help seniors to continue to live in their own homes and communities — which is where they want to be.
Heritage Apartments
In Exchange for $10.8 million in financing, the owner First Church in Malden Home's Inc. will agree to extend afforability until 2046, renew the development's Section 8 contracts and maintain 100% ogf the units as affordable for households earning no more than 80% of the area median income, which is $52,900 for a family of two in Malden.
In addition 86% (152) of the units will be affordable to households earning no more than 60% of the area median income which is $39,720 for a family of two in Malden
In addition 86% (152) of the units will be affordable to households earning no more than 60% of the area median income which is $39,720 for a family of two in Malden
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