Director's Message

Directors Message

February 2004

 

Governor McGreevey has been holding meetings with seniors and senior service providers to discuss specific State initiatives and concerns. These were some of the issues that have been raised:

 

Do Not Call List. Many of you registered for the Federal Do Not Call List. Be sure to register for the New Jersey program as well, as the restrictions are borader.

 

Predatory Lending Bill. Effective in November 2003, this bill enables victims of predatory lending to get their homes back.

 

Universal Service Fund and Communications Lifeline Telephone Program. The Universal Service Fund provides funding so that qualified residents should not pay more than 6% of their income for heating and cooling. The Lifeline program reduces the monthly basic Verizon phone service by up to $13 per month. Residents who participate in programs such as PAAD and Foodstamps are eligible, as are individuals with income under $13,470 and couples under $18,180. For more information, call NJ Citizen Action (732)246-4772 or Verizon.

 

Prescription Programs. Proposals under consideration by Medicare would not be as good as benefits under NJ State programs PAAD and Senior Gold. However, the current proposal excludes states with better programs from federal assistance. Contact your Representative to encourage Congress to include pre-existing programs in the Medicare program.

 

Home Health Care. The State is lobbying for federal waivers to expand home health care under Medicare and seeking tax credits for family caregivers. Medicare waivers have been increased by 50% for assisted living. The waiver programs are available to those who meet income guidelines.

 

Patriot Media is also offering a discount to subscribers who qualify for PAAD. Applications are available at Spruce Circle.

 

For information about any of these programs, call our social service staff at 252-2362.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“But happiness? I don’t know. Isn’t life really a series of problem-solving events? It’s how much you’re engaged by the fun of solving your problems, and continuing to be curious.   That’s as much as you can expect.”

 

Diane Keaton, quoted in Newsweek 12.08.03