March 2016 AgeOptions Newsletter

March 2016

MMW and AgeOptions Get National Recognition for MMW

Advocacy that Enabled Medicare Advantage Members to Avoid Losing Access to Their Doctors

Listeners to dozens of public radio stations around the country in March heard about a little-known Medicare Advantage special enrollment alternative and how Erin Weir, AgeOptions manager of Health Care Access, advocated for a group of Medicare beneficiaries to be allowed to use it to change plans when their doctors withdrew from the plan they had signed up for.

Older Adult Population Increasing

In Suburban Cook County -

Along With Poverty Rate

The older adult population in suburban Cook County - and the number of seniors in poverty - are growing, according to the recently released American Community Survey, an ongoing statistical survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Resources to meet the needs of this growing segment of our communities have not kept pace, especially in light of the current state budget impasse.

Budget Impasse Is Leading Topic

At 2016 Legislative Breakfasts

Illinois' continued budget impasse and its effects on services for older adults was the major topic at the suburban Cook County annual Legislative Breakfasts hosted by AgeOptions and community-based partner agencies.

House Speaker Michael Madigan (with microphone) at Legislative Breakfast

House Passes Older Americans Act Reauthorization

The Older Americans Act (OAA) received unanimous support when the U.S. House of Representatives on March 21 passed an amended version of bipartisan legislation that cleared the Senate in July, putting reauthorization on a path toward becoming law. Read more

Join the April 5 Springfield Rally and Tell Legislators How Budget Impasse Harms Older Adults

A diverse group of organizations and individuals will rally in the State Capitol April 5 to urge legislators to pass a state budget and end the impasse that has increasingly put the lives of older adults at risk since the start of the state fiscal year on July 1.

Partner Profile:

Hanover Township Department of Senior Services

Hanover Township's strong commitment to its older adults is evidenced in the community's Department of Senior Services and the Senior Center dedicated in 2005.

Johns Hopkins Replicates

Caring Together, Living Better in Baltimore

When The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation offered caregiver grants to make Maryland "The Best Place to Grow Old," it encouraged organizations there to apply for funding to replicate some of the best practices of the national caregiver program, which included 14 caregiver projects - one of which was AgeOptions' Caring Together, Living Better (CTLB).

Carol Goldbaum Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to Carol Goldbaum, Ph.D., LCSW, on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Take a Look at Take Charge Of Your Health

Take Charge of Your Health, AgeOptions' successful chronic disease self-management program, has a new video and a new web page.

Nominate Your Outstanding Volunteers!

AgeOptions will recognize 30 volunteers nominated by organizations throughout the Chicagoland area at our 41st Annual Luncheon and Volunteer Recognition June 16. We encourage agencies and communities to nominate volunteers who contribute their time and talents to improving the quality of life for older adults.

SAVE THE DATE: AgeOptions will host our 12th annual "Celebrating Aging" networking event on September 22, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Opportunities to support our mission and programs through sponsorship and advertising are now available!