Medicare prescription drug premiums will not increase, more seniors receiving free preventive care, discounts in the donut hole

 Aug 4, 2011

New Data: 17 million Americans have received free preventive services; 900,000 received 50 percent discount on prescription drugs

Medicare average prescription drug premiums will not increase in 2012. The announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) comes as more people with Medicare are receiving discounts on prescription drug costs and no-cost preventive services. New data indicates that 17 million people with Medicare have received free preventive services this year while 900,000 Medicare beneficiaries who hit the prescription drug donut hole have received a 50 percent discount on their prescription drugs.

Under the Affordable Care Act, people with Original Medicare can receive recommended preventive benefits and a new annual wellness visit without paying an additional penny out of pocket. In addition, the Affordable Care Act is closing the prescription drug donut hole by providing increasing discounts on covered drugs in the donut hole. In 2011, the number of people with Medicare benefiting from these improvements is growing.

HHS also announced that the cost of the average Medicare prescription drug plan premium in 2012 will be about $30. The average premium in 2011 is $30.76. The announcement was based on bids submitted by Part D plans for the 2012 plan year.

The national and regional premium data in today’s announcement can be found at: http://www.cms.gov/MedicareAdvtgSpecRateStats/RSD/list.asp.

For state-by-state information on the number of Medicare beneficiaries who have seen lower out-of-pocket costs in the donut hole, please visit http://www.cms.gov/newmedia/03_partd.asp

For state-by-state information on utilization of free preventive services and the annual wellness visit, please visit http://www.cms.gov/newmedia/02_preventive.asp

To read the entire HHS Press release click here: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/08/20110804a.html

For more information on Medicare’s Share the News. Share the Health prevention campaign, go to http://www.medicare.gov/share-the-health/ or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Montgomery Senior Center - Feb 2012

 Jan 26, 2012

356 Skillman Rd, Skillman, NJ

The best bargain in town! Where you can enjoy lunch, friends, fun events & wellness programs for a suggested donation of $1.50. Please call Denise Crowley before 10:30 am the day before for lunch reservations 609-466-0846. We look forward to seeing you.

Blood Pressure Screening - Third Monday of month, 9:45 am
Exercise - Every Monday, 10:15 am
Yoga - Tuesday, Friday, 10:30 am (call for schedule)
Zumba Gold - Tuesday, 11 am (call for schedule)
Dance Class with Dawn - Wednesday & Friday (call for schedule)
ESL Chinese - Every Tuesday
Walking Club - Every Wednesday, 10:30 am
Beginners Computer Class - Every Thursday, 10 am (call to sign up, limited seating).
Computer Resource - Every Thursday, 11 am (call to sign up, limited seating).
Card Game - “3-13” Every Thursday
Laughter Class - Call for schedule
Tai Chi Class - Call for schedule
Pool Table - Available daily
Art of the Masters Program - Every month (call for schedule)
Birthday celebration last Friday of the month
Plus much more…
Call or email for detailed calendar of events
dcrowley@twp.montgomery.nj.
 

Montgomery Senior Citizens - February 2012

 Jan 26, 2012

If you are a Montgomery Township or Rocky Hill resident who is 55 years and older, you are eligible to join. Call Mike Arons 609-734-4770.

Feb. 9 1 pm Mtg. @ Otto Kaufman
Community Center
Feb. 16 9 am Birthday Breakfast,
Blawenburg Reformed
Church
Feb. 27 8:30 am Trip to Atlantic City,
meet at Elks parking lot

All programs are subject to change. EMS will do free blood pressure readings at monthly meetings. Call Muriel Kellenger for Atlantic City and regular trip reservations 908-874-3626. You do not have to be a member of the Montgomery Senior Citizens Group to participate in the above activities, if seats are available, with the exception of the picnic, Christmas luncheon, and monthly meetings.
 

Savvy Senior - 2011 Tax Filing Requirements for Seniors

 Jan 26, 2012

Dear Savvy Senior
What are the 2011 IRS income tax filing requirements for seniors? I had to file and pay federal income taxes last year, but my income dropped and I'm wondering if I'm exempt this year.
Recently Retired

Dear Retired,
According to the Tax Policy Center, 56 percent of retirees will not have to file or pay federal income taxes this year mainly because their incomes are under the IRS filing threshold. Here's a breakdown of the 2011 filing requirements along with a few other tax tips to help you determine if you need to file.

IRS Requirements
If your gross income is below the IRS filing limits, you probably won't have to file a federal tax return this year. Gross income includes all the income you receive that is not exempt from tax, not including Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately. You probably don't have to file this year if:
- You are single and your 2011 gross income was less than $9,500 ($10,950 if you're 65 or older).
- You are married filing jointly and your gross income was under $19,000. If you or your spouse is 65 or older, the limit increases to $20,150. And if you're both over 65, your income must be under $21,300 to not file.
- You are head of household and your gross income was below $12,200 ($13,650 if age 65 or older).
- You are married filing separately and your income was less than $3,700.
- You are a qualifying widow(er) with a dependent child and your gross income was less than $15,300 ($16,450 if age 65 or older).

Special Situations
You also need to be aware that there are some special financial situations that require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirement. For example, if you had net earnings from self-employment in 2011 of $400 or more, or if you owe any special taxes to the IRS such as alternative minimum tax or IRA tax penalties, you'll probably need to file.
To figure this out, the IRS offers a page on their website called "Do You Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return?" that includes a list of financial situations and a series of questions that will help you determine if you're required to file, or if you should file (if you're due a refund). You can access this page at www.doyouneed2file.info, or you can get help over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

Check Your State
Even if you're not required to file a federal tax return this year, it doesn't necessarily mean you're also excused from filing state income taxes. Check on that with your state tax agency before concluding you're entirely in the clear. For links to state and local tax agencies see taxadmin.org - click on "Links."

Tax Help
If you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TEC provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-829-1040 to locate a service near you.
Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at around 6,100 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-227-7669 or visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book.