JCLC February 2023 Newsletter
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Sweetheart Scams
by: Laura Kriegermeier, Elder Rights Coordinator, Heritage Area Agency on Aging
Love is around the corner for some as Valentine’s Day approaches. For some older adults, finding a love connection can be more difficult in later life. Whether someone has access to internet or phone, there are people out there that are trying to pull on your heartstrings just to grab a couple bucks, or more!
The “Romance Scam” and “Sweetheart Scam” have become large concerns as the internet has become more accessible. But according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, these scams can be done by a perpetrator online or in-person. They use tactics to make someone believe that they are in love with them and will typically spend a long time filling an emotional need for that person. The older adults that tend to be targeted are vulnerable, isolated or may have recently lost a loved one/spouse. Online sweetheart scammers are usually not in the same country as the victim, making it hard for authorities to get justice or recoup losses for victims.
Some things to watch out for if you or a loved one are making an emotional connection with someone new:
- People who love and care about you will not try to trick and manipulate you to give them money.
- It is never a good idea to give out your bank, credit card, or personal information to anyone over the internet or telephone.
- If your love interest asking for money via mobile apps, wire transfer, gift cards, or other virtual means, they are most likely only interested in financial gains from the relationship.
- It’s always a good idea to ask family members or friends to help you look into someone you’re interested in dating via web search, online court search, or other means.
- Don’t be embarrassed to talk to someone if you feel you are being taken advantage of. 1-in-5 older adults are financially exploited at some point in their lifetime.
- Contact your local police if you need to report any form of abuse or exploitation by a love interest.
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for advocacy, education, or emotional support related to these scams at 800-332-5934.
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Falls Prevention Classes
By Kathleen Lee, Injury Prevention Coordinator, UIHC Trauma Program
Older adults and adults with a health issue are invited to join us for fall prevention classes. We offer two types of virtual via Zoom fall prevention classes, Stepping On and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention.
Stepping On is a seven-week, two hours per week, interdisciplinary workshop that covers fall prevention topics such as home safety, vision care, medications, safe footwear, community safety, and exercise. The exercises are aimed at increasing strength and balance. Stepping On has been shown to decrease falls by 31% in older adults.
The next Stepping On class runs March 23–May 4 from 9-11 a.m. To register, please click here.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is an eight-week class series that meets one hour twice per week for a total of 16 class sessions. Modified tai chi programs reduce falls in older adults up to 49%. Upcoming classes include:
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Iowa Rent Reimbursement
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will manage the Rent Reimbursement program.
Income Limits
- To be eligible for Rent Reimbursement for claim year 2021, your total annual household income must be less than $24,354.
- To be eligible for Rent Reimbursement for claim year 2022, your total annual household income must be less than $25,328
Printable 2022 Rent Reimbursement Form
Printable 2021 Rent Reimbursement Form
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Free Tax Aide at the Iowa City Senior Center in Spring 2023
Free tax preparation services are being offered by appointment at the Iowa City Senior Center through mid-April 2023. Low to moderate income taxpayers, especially those age 60+, can receive this free service, provided by trained volunteers through a partnership with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. Visit www.icgov.org/senior to make an appointment online, or call 319-356-5220 to sign up by phone.
For health and safety, we are providing tax appointments with minimal contact. Here's what to expect:
- Clients will schedule an intake appointment to drop off and inventory their tax-related materials and sign some forms in room 103.
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A counselor will prepare the tax return while the client waits in the 1st floor lobby; the counselor will consult the client with any questions.
- The counselor will review the completed return with the client before e-filing; clients should expect the process to take approximately 60-90 minutes.
- Wearing a face mask is encouraged while visiting the Senior Center.
To have taxes prepared, clients must bring:
- Copies of federal and state tax returns for the most recent year filed
- Photo ID and Social Security card for each taxpayer included on the return
- Bank routing/account number for direct deposit/debit
- W-2 forms, 1099 forms, other statements of income
- If you receive Social Security benefits, you must bring your SSA-1099 form to your appointment. If you don’t have one, contact Social Security to request a replacement.
- If applicable, additional documentation detailing itemized deductions and credits/adjustments
- 1095-A forms if you purchased insurance through the Marketplace (Exchange)
For more details on important documents, visit https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-01-2011/important-tax-documents.html
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Johnson County SEATS Same Day Ride Service
Join SEATS supervisor, Dawn Alam and Kelly Schneider, Johnson County Social Services Mobility Coordinator, for a Question and Answer session to learn more about Same Day On-Demand Transportation Service on Thursday, February 23rd 1-2pm via Zoom. Click here to register.
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Unlocking Brain Fitness: Keys to Dementia Prevention | | | |
League of Women Voters 2023 Legislative Forum
The second legislative forum is coming up on February 25th at The Center Assembly Room (28 S Linn St, Iowa City). All legislators have been invited.
The forum will open with legislators sharing important information about what they are working on in Des Moines. The LWVJC will then ask a question to get things started. The floor will then be opened up to anyone in attendance to ask a question. Questions are limited to one minute in length.
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The Alzheimers Association is hosting a Winter Education Series in partnership with LeadingAge Iowa, AARP, Dementia Friends and the Unlocking Brain Fitness: Keys to Dementia Prevention program
ALL PROGRAMS ARE VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM AT 12 PM CST
- Feb. 15 – Effective Communication Strategies
- Feb. 22 – Dementia Conversations
- Mar. 1 – Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
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Medicaid’s Continuous Coverage Requirement is Ending this Spring
From March of 2020 until April 1, 2023, Iowa Medicaid was required to maintain continuous health care coverage for members. This means if a member’s situation changed, such as an income change, that would normally disqualify them from the program, Iowa Medicaid was required to maintain coverage for the person during the public health emergency (PHE).
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 was signed and ends the Medicaid program’s continuous coverage requirement as of April 1, 2023. This means that beginning April 1, Iowa Medicaid will no longer be required to maintain member’s health coverage if they are found to be ineligible after an evaluation of their eligibility status.
In addition to the continuous coverage unwind, Iowa Medicaid is actively onboarding a new Managed Care Organization and scheduling mailings for members who may want to choose a different MCO. It is critical that Iowa Medicaid members have up to date contact information, watch for mail from Iowa Medicaid, and respond to requests for information. If members do not respond to renewal letters or requests for information, they could lose their Medicaid coverage.
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