MAR News

MAR NEWS UPDATED: 11/07/2024

PLEASE LET MAR KNOW IF YOU HAVE HAD AN ADDRESS OR EMAIL CHANGE.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU SCROLL THROUGH ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE AS IT HAS NEW INFORMATION PLACED THROUGHOUT.

EASY ACCESS INSURANCE NUMBERS:  CIGNA DENTAL – 1-800-244-6224 AND AETNA VISION – 1-800-521-3605  

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULED CLOSINGS

Thursday, November 28, 2024………Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 25, 2024……Christmas
Wednesday, January 1, 2025…………New Year’s Day
Monday, January 20, 2025…………..Martin Luther King Jr.

 

DISCOUNTED MARINER TICKETS FOR MAR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILY!

MAR has worked with the Maine Mariners Hockey team administration to obtain discount tickets for MAR members and their families. If you go to the links below you will see a flyer, and the other link is where you can get tickets. Follow the instructions and if for some reason you have difficulty with purchasing the tickets let MAR know.

https://maineretirees.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Discounted-Tickets-Flyer-re-sized-90-11.249-x-7-in-2-003.png

fevo-enterprise.com/group/MARSeasonLongMarinersTicketLink

 

MAINE STATE RETIREMENT

MainePERS is seeking your assistance to ensure your contact information is up to date.  Have you moved since retiring? Has your email or cell phone number changed?  Did you give up your land line? Having accurate information assists us in the verification process when you contact MainePERS and helps maintain the security of your account.  It also ensures you receive critical information in a timely manner.

The quickest way to update your contact information is through the MainePERS Member Portal. If you have already registered, please login and double check your information. Need to register? Instructions are available at www.mainepers.org/memberportal.

Prefer to submit your information via mail? Complete the Member/Benefit Recipient Data Update form available at www.mainepers.org/forms-resources/forms/.  A quick link to this form is available on that webpage. Just complete and mail back to MainePERS at P.O. Box 349, Augusta, ME 04332-0349.

 

AARP – FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free federal and state income tax preparation to qualifying individuals.  Returns are prepared by Internal Revenue Service-certified volunteers.  Tax-Aide Counselors will help individuals navigate the 2024 U.S. federal and Maine income tax returns. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service.

Assistance is available by appointment only at locations throughout the State of Maine.  Most Tax-Aide sites will be open between February 1 and April 15, 2024.

AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide Site Locator Tool can help you find a site near you.   Click the link below to access the tool:

https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html

To use the site locator, enter your zip code and a distance (in miles) from that zip code.  The locator will provide a list of Tax-Aide sites, and includes each site’s days and hours of operation, as well as information to make an appointment.

 

AARP – MEMBERSHIP

The Greater Augusta AARP Chapter #511 is an affiliate of AARP and was incorporated in 1970.  Members of the Chapter serve the Augusta area communities through volunteerism and raising funds for senior citizens and other non-profit programs in the area. The Chapter welcomes new members. Annual dues are $7.  Monthly membership meetings take place at 10:00 am on the 4th Wednesday of the months March through October and the 2nd Wednesday of November and December at the Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Road, Hallowell, ME. Meetings include a speaker on a topic of interest to seniors. After each meeting, a luncheon is provided by the Cohen Community Center for $5.00.

 

CA$H MAINE – FREE TAX PREPARATION

Another organization offering free tax preparation is CA$H Maine.  This is a statewide collaboration for households with a combined income of less than $64,000.  They have volunteers who are trained to prepare and file your federal and state taxes for free.  To contact CA$H Maine go to:    https://www.cashmaine.org/free-tax-prep/

 

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE       

MAR’s spring newsletter highlighted bills pending in the Legislature which would have affected public service retirees. Ultimately, none of those bills nor others of substantial interest specifically to public service retirees were enacted. However, significant changes regarding the eligibility criteria to participate in the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) was left intact. This means that many more retirees may qualify under this Program to have their Medicare Part B premium paid. The article about the MSP provides additional information.

MAR’s attention now shifts to the 132^nd Maine Legislature which will convene in January 2025. We will be discussing future legislative priorities and strategy. MAR will undoubtedly need to continue to educate legislators, especially new electees, on public service retirees’ issues. You can help by letting candidates for the Maine House and Senate who are campaigning throughout the State know your views regarding needed law changes for retirement benefits.  Usually, candidates running for public office want to know about concerns that are important to you. For example, many legislators do not know that numerous public service retirees are not eligible for Social Security but are still required to pay for Medicare Part B in order to continue with their group health insurance plan.    Others have limited knowledge about the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) and the constraints placed on retiree benefits.

MAR’s Legislative Committee Chair will be at the Regional and Informational Meetings.  Please plan on attending one of these meetings for a more comprehensive discussion. Meeting dates/times are listed on page 1 of this newsletter. You may also contact the MAR office or your Regional Director with issues/concerns.

If you would like to show support for any of the LD’s, please contact your legislator.  Following is the link to testify in person at the hearing or submit written testimony:

https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/

If you would like to know what MAR has been doing with regard to Legislation that would affect Public Service retirees. Following is the link:

https://maineretirees.org/legislation-policy/

For further information contact Diane Bailey, Executive Director, Maine Association of Retirees, 157 Capitol Street, Suite #4, Augusta, ME 04330

MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE

Please go to the MAR Web site to find the final outcome of the 131st Second Session LD.s.

 

US CONGRESS LEGISLATION

WINDFALL ELIMINATIION PROVISION (WEP)
& GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET (GPO).

There are several different bills pending action – H.R.4583 and S.2280, Social Security 2100 Act which modifies the Social Security system, particularly with respect to benefit calculations, fund administration, and beneficiary resources; and H.R.82, the Social Security Fairness Act that eliminates the WEP and GPO.

There have been hearings in the US House Ways & Means Committee. As of November 12, 2024, in a 327-75 vote, the US House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), legislation that would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The identical US Senate companion bill (S.597) has 62
bipartisan cosponsors which is enough for passage.

MAR continues to encourage you to contact your Congressional Senator and Representative for their support in making changes to the WEP and GPO.

 

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM (MSP) UPDATE – EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024

Good news!  Additional changes took effect July 1^st for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) due to State legislative approved amendments. The MSP helps to cover Medicare costs including paying for Part B premiums. Maine’s income criteria to determine eligibility has increased significantly.

MSP has two separate tiers which provide different levels of assistance.

• • • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
    • Qualifying Individual (QI)

The new monthly income limits are:

	Single	Couple
QMB	$2,322	$3,138
QI	$3,152	$4,259

 

As you know, the present cost for Part B is $174.90 monthly or $2,098 annual and it is likely this amount will increase January 1, 2025.  If you qualify for either QMB or QI, then the Medicare Savings Program will pay for your Social Security Medicare Part B premiums.

Other changes include:

• • • As of January 1, 2024, assets are no longer counted towards determining if you are eligible for the MSP. Examples include savings accounts, additional property other than your home, stocks/bonds, etc.
    • There is no estate recovery associated with MSP. No claim will be made toward your estate if the only benefit you receive is the MSP.

NOTE: Married couples with income greater than the amounts listed above may still be eligible due to some disregards. Applications are now being accepted.

To obtain an application go to: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms and click on MaineCare applications or you may create an account at www.mymaineconnection.gov   You may also call 1-855-797-4357 or visit a local Office for Family Independence.  Office locations can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/offices

If you have questions or need assistance completing the application, you may contact Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Maine’s Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-965-7476. You may also call the MaineHealth Access to Care Coverage Team at 1-833-284-8816 or 207-662-7930.

 

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM

(NOTE: See above paragraph for updated information)

If you are age 65+ and have medical insurance, you are required to have Medicare Part B.  The present cost of Part B is $174.90 monthly or $2,098 annual.  If you are eligible for Social Security, then the monthly Part B premium is deducted from your Social Security amount.  If you do not receive Social Security, then you are billed (usually quarterly) for Part B. This is an additional cost that many retirees did not realize they would incur.

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps to cover Medicare costs including paying for Part B premiums and due to recently passed legislation there are significant changes to this Program.

• • • As of January 2024, assets are no longer counted towards determining eligibility for the MSP. Examples include savings account, additional property other than your home, stocks/and bonds, etc.
    • There is no estate recovery associated with MSP. No claim will be made if the only benefit you get is MSP.
    • In 2024, the monthly income limits are changing which means that people who previously did not qualify may now be eligible to receive benefits from this Program. Look for more information on income changes in MAR’s next newsletter.

MSP has three tiers with different levels of coverage.

• • • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
    • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
    • Qualifying Individual (QI)

Following are the present monthly income limits which will be raised in 2024:

	Single	Couple
QMB	$1,883	$2,555
SLMB	$2,134	$2,896
QI	$2,322	$3,152

NOTE:  If you qualify for any one of the three tiers, MSP will pay for your Medicare Part B premium.

To get an online application go to:  https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms and click on MaineCare applications or you may create an account at www.mymaineconnection.gov .

Call 1-855-797-4357 or visit your local Office for Family Independence.  Office locations can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/offices

If you need assistance completing the application or have questions, you may contact Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Maine’s Consumer Assistance Program at

1-800-965-7476.  You may also call the MaineHealth Access to Care Coverage at 1-833-284-8816 or 207-622-7930.

 

MAINE COUNCIL ON AGING

In December MAR became a member of the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA), a broad, multi-disciplinary network of more than 135 organizations, businesses, municipalities, and older Mainers.

MCOA was established with a vision of creating an age-positive Maine where we can all live healthy, engaged, and secure lives with choices and opportunities as we age in our homes and communities.  We provide a strong network with opportunities for shaping aging policy and shared knowledge. MCOA is a cohesive voice for advocacy on initiatives on aging and shared learning that are moving Maine forward toward this vision with a goal of achieving an age-positive culture by 2034.

There are many ways for MAR Members to take advantage of our work and offerings!

Join one of our free webinars hosted by our education arm, the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging (TSLCA).  The TSLCA is designed to build collaborative, community networks that address the needs of older adults aging in their communities through free educational programming and networking. Check it out at www.agefriendly.community

Join our weekly Legislative calls on Monday mornings during the legislative session to keep track of what’s happening in Augusta!  Contact Jena Jones at jjones@mainecouncilonaging.org to sign up and learn how you could help us at the State House!

Our Power in Aging Project engages audiences from different sectors in direct conversations about age-bias, the impacts of ageism, and the benefits of living and working in an age-positive culture.  We would be pleased to offer a free session at an affinity group or community gathering. Contact Maureen O’Connor at moconnor@mainecouncilonaging.org  We are also   always looking for facilitators of these conversations if you’re interested in joining in the work!

The Leadership Exchange on Ageism (LEA) helps executive, business, policy, and community leaders see their role in ending ageism and provides tools to implement changes.  This program is offered to Community Leaders as well – so if you’re leading a community effort or serving on a town council and want to participate contact Jess Maurer at: jmaurer@mainecouncilonaging.org.

The Equity + Healthy Aging Initiative helps aging services providers and community volunteer organizations understand the social health needs of diverse older people in Maine, the barriers diverse older people face in meeting these needs, and to integrate these needs into MCOA’s network of advocacy efforts.  We also support a BIPOC Elders group and partner closely with LGBTQ Leaders on efforts to give voice to LGBTQ elders.  Contact Kathy Vezina at: kvezina@mainecouncilonaging.org

For more information about MCOA visit: www.mainecouncilonaging.org.

 

MAR NEWSLETTER FALL-2024

Click the following link and find our Fall-2024 Newsletter:

Note: https://maineretirees.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Fall-2024-Newsletter-Final-11-18-2024-1.pdf

 

FROM THE MAR I.T. OFFICE 

By: Brent Wadleigh

ARTIFICIAL INTELLEGENCE 

Lots of our members were able to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) during MAR’S 2024 annual meeting.  We received many positive comments towards the topic. For those who were not able to attend, here is a quick summary and how you can try AI right in your home. AI has immense potential for improving quality of life, if we allow it. The world is slowly moving from the “fear” stage to “acceptance” of AI, and you can too. A great way to introduce yourself to the brilliance of AI, is to visit www.chatgpt.com. ChatGPT is a tool, a companion, and currently the most powerful AI in the world. It can answer any questions, converse with you about any topic, and help you accomplish many tasks. Just simply send it a message and it will respond.  You can send it pictures, chat vocally with it, or simply send it a typed message.  Enjoy exploring ChatGPT.

If you are ever unsure about a message or email you received, please either call or send me an email at bwadleigh@maineretirees.org.

 

IT – 30 COMMON CREDIT SCAMS: Are you vulnerable?

The link below has been provided to MAR from Frank Myers, and the link will take you to a guide outlining 30 credit-card-scams to avoid.  Frank is a Consultant/Researcher Digital Content and Media. We agreed that this is valuable information for our members.  Take a moment and look at the guide Frank has offered us.

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/30-credit-card-scams-to-avoid/  

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

DISCOVER MAINE MAGAZINE – PAID VOLUNTEER

Magazine Distributor Needed

Discover Maine Magazine is looking for a reliable person with a flexible schedule to distribute magazines.

They publish 8 issues per year to be distributed.  Distribution requires being on the road for 2-3 weeks at a time, throughout all parts of the state throughout the year.  We provide hotel/motel lodging, $200 allowance per trip, company vehicle with EZ pass provided, gas reimbursed.  It can be a perfect opportunity for a retiree with a free schedule who enjoys driving and travelling the state. Compensation is payment per drop.  For more Information, contact us at 207-874-7720 or info@discovermainemagazine.com

 

AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE VOLUNTEER

 

MEALS ON WHEELS – SPECTRUM GENERATIONS – NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Spectrum Generations provides Meals on Wheels services.  Spectrum is looking for volunteers to package and deliver prepared meals, volunteer servers for congregate dining from 11:00 am-12:30 pm, setting up and cleaning tables.  We are also reaching out for money management volunteers to assist people with understanding their bills, mail and setting a budget on a fixed Income.  Volunteer drivers are always needed for this essential service.

Meals on Wheels primarily provides nutritious meals, a quick safety check and much-needed human connection to homebound seniors age 60 and over.  Meals on Wheels is supplied to communities throughout Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Waldo Counties, plus the towns of Harpswell and Brunswick in Cumberland County. If interested, call Stacey Forkey at 207-620-1684 or email:  volunteer@spectrumgenerations.org

 

FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGAM (TEFAP)

The link below is from Maine State Government, Department of Agriculture. This link lists all the Food Banks in Maine and their locations. If you or someone you know are struggling with the cost of food and need to supplement your groceries and fill your freezer or cupboards, please do not hesitate to go to one of these Food Banks and get what you need. Remember the Banks sole purpose is to give food to those in need. They welcome everyone with a warm smile and are happy to serve you. It is a non-judgmental zone. The amount of food they receive is plenty and they do not want to waste any food left at the Bank.

Please feel free to forward this link to anyone that may need assistance.

Maine Department of Agriculture: TEFAP https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/index.shtml
MAINE.GOV https://www.maine.gov/portal/index.html
DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Agricultural Resource Development Division → Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) → Search Food Programs → Programs By Town. https://www.maine.gov/dafs/

 

JOIN SOLAR

Join Solar is a leader in community solar development in
Maine and we are proud to partner with the
Maine Association of Retirees.  Our membership is open to all renters and home owners who are serviced by CMP & Versant – offering these benefits:

• Free and simple to join
• Save money on your energy bill
• Support clean, local energy
• Offsite solar array, nothing on your roof

Community solar offers local residents an opportunity to
participate in clean energy production – with guaranteed savings
and no risk involved. Your community solar membership
supports the environment while lowering your utility bills. Click
this link https://enroll.joinsolar.org/community-partner to
learn more and become a member of Join Solar. If you would like
to speak with a Join Solar representative, please contact Michael
Borrell at (651)-364-7185 or michel.borrell@joinsolar.org

*Use referral code ‘MAOR-0250’ upon registration and Join Solar will donate $50 to the Maine Association of Retirees*

 

EDUCATION-MAINE SENIOR COLLEGE

The Senior College Network offers face-to-face and online Zoom classes at seventeen locations across the state.  Starting July 1, 2024, MAR has increased annual registration reimbursement from $15 to $25. To obtain reimbursement, please provide MAR with a copy of your receipt.  To find out more about the many exciting, fun and thought-provoking classes offered, visit maineseniorcollege.org or call 207-780-4128.

 

SENIORHOMES ORGANIZATION

Looking for senior living can be overwhelming, emotional, and time-consuming.

Staff here at MAR have connected with the Seniorhomes organization and thought their services and information would be extremely helpful in the journey to find the right match for your needs or the needs of a loved one.

This is a nationwide organization that provides a family advisor as a free resource to help you find the right match at your local level.

Along with an Advisor, Seniorhomes has hundreds of articles available to you to help educate you throughout the process.

Seniorhomes helped more than 400,000 seniors since 2009. Their web site provides information on how to determine the level of care you need. They help you explore your financial options and will even schedule a tour with the home that you may be interested in visiting.

Their articles cover subjects such as: Independent Living; Assisted Living; Continuing Care; Memory Care; Retirement
Communities; along with Aging in Place.

Take a moment and click on the link below and explore the information and services they provide.

Here is their link:   https://www.seniorhomes.com/