October 2020
A World Where Aging Is Honored
Beth Stern Leaving Central Vermont Council on Aging
After 30 Years of Service
Farewell but not goodbye!

Normally I find it easy to write my section for CVCOA’s
 e-newsletter, but not this time--because this will be my last CVCOA newsletter submission. After almost 31 years at CVCOA, the last 15 as Executive Director, I have submitted my resignation effective Oct 30. I am not yet ready to give up full-time work, so starting November 2, I will be an Outreach Representative for Senator Bernie Sanders. I am very excited for this new opportunity but also quite sad to be leaving CVCOA and my adopted community of Barre. The CVCOA Board of Directors is leading a search for the next leader of CVCOA, and in the meantime, senior management staff Davoren Carr and Jeanne Kern will serve as interim co-executive directors.

It has truly been an honor to work in the field of aging, at Central Vermont Council on Aging, with incredible and talented staff (past and present), and with so many dedicated and committed community, state and federal partners. As someone who is now old enough to be eligible for CVCOA services, I am so grateful that this agency exists. I know where to turn if I have questions and I know that I will receive complete and unbiased information. I know that whoever I talk with will be knowledgeable and more importantly, compassionate. The next leader of CVCOA will be a lucky person indeed.

I hope to stay in touch with many of you in my new role. I wish you happiness, peace, joy and health. -Beth Stern

Beth in her CVCOA Office, Halloween 2012
Beth receives Vermont Association for Area Agencies on Aging Award at
V4A Conference 2018
Beth with staff exploring new office headquarters in Barre, 2011
We will miss you, Beth!
Volunteer Appreciation Awards 2016
All Staff Meeting 2018
Beth with Sandy Markwood, President, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Beth with Senator Leahy, Washington D.C., 2018
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Medicare Part D Open Enrollment at
Central Vermont Council on Aging

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15, 2020, and ends on December 7, 2020. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can compare coverage options and choose health and drug plans for 2021. Medicare health and drug plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year, so people with Medicare should look at their coverage choices and decide on the options that best meet their health needs.

What is CVCOA Doing About Open Enrollment During the Pandemic?

CVCOA can assist clients in comparing their prescription drug plan options for 2021. This year, we will be offering individual appointments by phone or online with Zoom.  Call (802)479-0531 for appointment. We are also offering Zoom workshops on how to compare prescription drug plans. See Schedule

Want to Explore on Your Own?

To assist people who want to explore their prescription plan options on their own, or to prepare for your open enrollment Zoom or phone appointment, CVCOA has added a how-to video, “Choosing a Prescription Drug Plan” to our website. This video gives step by step instructions in plain language on how to use the Medicare “Planfinder” to compare prescription drug plans. Many people with a computer will find that they can follow the instructions in the video instead of needing an appointment during Open Enrollment. Watch Video

Medicare Educational Workshops

While CVCOA is only offering appointments by phone or Zoom during the COVID pandemic, we are still fully here to help you with Medicare. Here are some of the changes we have made during the COVID pandemic: 

--Our regular “Medicare and You” classes for those turning 65 are still available via Zoom. These classes are easy to attend from the convenience of your home and are being offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Classes are participitory, so you can be sure to get all of your questions answered. Call (802)479-0531 or email medicareworkshops@cvcoa.org (See Schedule)

--Our new "Medicare Open Enrollment: Choosing Your Prescription
Drug Plan" is available on Zoom. Learn how to compare and choose the Medicare prescription drug plan for 2021 that is right for you. (See Schedule) *Next class is November 4!!!*

--We added educational videos from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to our webpage.

--We added Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare to our webpage.
How Can You Help Older Vermonters?
CVCOA continues to accept donations to support older Central Vermonters who need our help during this pandemic crisis. To donate online, go to www.cvcoa.org/donate or click on the red button above. Online, you may use the drop-down list to designate your donation for Meals on Wheels, the CVCOAFlexFund to assist older Vermonters in need due to the impact of this pandemic, or make an unrestricted donation. You may mail your donation to CVCOA,
59 N. Main St., Suite 200 Barre VT 05641 or call
Mary Hayden at (802)476-2739 to make your donation by phone.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
 Central Vermont Council on Aging toll free (877) 379-2600 or CVCOA Helpline (800) 642-5119