Medicare Reminder: It's time to get your flu shot

Stay safe this flu season — get your flu shot.

It's time for your flu shot. The CDC warns this upcoming flu season could be severe, so it's more important than ever to protect yourself against the flu. The best way to protect yourself and keep you from spreading the flu to others is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends getting your flu shot by the end of October to stay protected throughout flu season. And, you can get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Learn More Remember, Medicare covers the flu shot, so you pay nothing out-of-pocket. Sincerely, The Medicare Team You can update your preferences or use our 1-click unsubscribe to stop receiving messages from the Medicare Team. This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

As part of the continuing series to prepare for the Finance Committee budget hearings (which begin next week) and the Town Council budget hearings (in May), check out the link to the details on the history of the fixed costs year over year from FY 2004 to FY 2022.

• Appendix C3 - Historic Data: Fixed Cost

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_c_historic_data_fy22.xlsx_-_fixed_costs.pdf

The chart depicts the fixed costs of the budget year by year from FY 2004 to FY 2022.  

What are the fixed costs?

• Liability Insurance
• Employee Benefits:
• Pensions
• Health/Life Insurance/non school
• Retired Teacher Health Ins
• Non GIC - School Retirees
• Workers Compensation
• Unemployment Compensation
• OPEB
• Medicare

What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

Prior posts

Town of Franklin - budget growth and split between municipal and schools - FY 2012 to FY 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/town-of-franklin-budget-growth-and.html

School budget, executive summary by School Superintendent Sara Ahern

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-public-schools-fy-2022-annual.html

Executive summary by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-public-schools-fy-2022-annual.html

Link to Town of Franklin budget proposal for FY 2022
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/fy-2022-town-of-franklin-budget-proposal.html

 

Social Security Admin: New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement

New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement 04/01/2021 03:00 PM EDT Your Social Security Statement, available on my Social Security, tells you how much you or your family can expect to receive in disability, survivor, and retirement benefits. We've added new fact sheets to accompany the online Statement. These new fact sheets provide clarity and useful information, based on your age group and earnings situation. They […]

Visit the SSA Blog https://blog.ssa.gov/new-fact-sheets-added-to-your-online-statement/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Medicare: What you should know about the COVID-19 vaccines

Continue protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.

What you should know about the COVID-19 vaccines As vaccines become more widely available, it's important to keep taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Limit gatherings with others. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask in public. Once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you, here's what you should know: You will need 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for it to be effective. When you receive your first dose, make sure to schedule your second dose. Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there will be no cost to you. State governments are handling the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Look for updates from your state and local officials as more doses of the vaccine become available for additional priority groups. Visit CDC.gov for additional trustworthy information on the COVID-19 vaccines. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

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Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud

FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) tweeted

"The #FBI, @OIGatHHS, and @CMSGov, are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to #COVID19 vaccines. Learn more about potential indicators of fraudulent activity, and tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud" 

 

Read the full article:  https://t.co/R9jJVINVWM 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/nrWAHlFjiI
 

Download a flyer with the tip summary https://oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus/vaccine-scams2020.pdf

https://oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus/vaccine-scams2020.pdf

Franklin Senior Center: Medicare Update with SHINE - Oct 19 - 2:00 PM

During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15th-December 7th), you will have a chance to change your plans for next year. 

SHINE's certified Medicare counselors can help you understand your plan changes, as well as other options you may have. 

For the link to join, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov.

Franklin Senior Center: Medicare Update with SHINE - Oct 19 - 2:00 PM

Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year

The best way to protect against the flu is to get the flu shot.

Why it's important to get your flu shot this year Now more than ever, we all need to do our part to prevent the spread of illnesses. The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu and keep you from spreading it to others is to get vaccinated. Once per flu season, flu shots are covered for people with Medicare, when you get it from your doctor, pharmacy, or other health care provider that accepts Medicare or your Medicare plan. All places offering flu shots should be following CDC guidance to ensure you have a safe place to get vaccinated. This includes that patients wear a face covering and maintain social distance in areas like waiting rooms. Visit CDC.gov for more information on how to safely get a flu shot during the pandemic. Sincerely, The Medicare Team For additional info = https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/flu-shots This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

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Bill seeks to get meals to medically vulnerable seniors

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A bill that would establish a Medicare pilot program to address the link between diet, chronic illness and senior health has been introduced by a bipartisan group including U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern.

The Massachusetts Democrat said the bill would ensure that nutritious meals reach medically vulnerable seniors in their homes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing data to help build a more resilient health care system.

“There is no doubt that what we eat plays a huge role in our overall health, yet our federal policies are decades behind the science on this,” McGovern said in a press release. “We prioritize treatment instead of prevention.”

Other lawmakers backing the measure including Republican U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski of Indiana and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200523/bill-seeks-to-get-meals-to-medically-vulnerable-seniors


For the resources available locally, check out the Coronavirus portal on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/community-resources-and-support

check out the Coronavirus portal on the Town of Franklin page

Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

From the Social Security Administration (SSA):

"With the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), being informed about your Medicare coverage is more important than ever.

Medicare recently expanded its coverage of telehealth services. Telehealth enables beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. It also helps frontline clinicians stay safe themselves while treating people.

If your doctor orders a COVID-19 test for you, Medicare covers all of the costs. You should not have any co-pay, no matter what Medicare plan you’re enrolled in. There’s no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time, but when one becomes available, Medicare will cover it."

Continue reading the article online
https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-and-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

Visit the SSA COVID-19 page https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

"Staffing is the biggest expense for nursing homes" ... "There were years in which my staff got no raises"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Christopher House of Worcester is in relatively good shape for a nursing home. Residents — some who have lived there for years — receive attentive care and take part in activities such as the ice cream social several were enjoying on Wednesday. The 24-year-old building is in comfortable condition.

“Nobody wants to go to a nursing home, but sometimes people really thrive here,” said Sandra Mahoney, administrator of the nonprofit Christopher House.

Mahoney said it’s a constant frustration finding money to adequately pay direct care staff to maintain high quality care and to invest in the physical plant.

That’s because Medicaid, the state-administered program that pays for long-term care for people with low income, effectively limits nursing homes’ revenue through payment based on costs that are several years old. About two-thirds of nursing home residents, nearly 30,000 frail elders statewide, rely on Medicaid to pay for their care."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200309/residential-care-at-crossroads

Sandra Mahoney, MHA, FACHCA Administrator with resident (Christopher House photo

MassBudget: Statement on Federal Public Charge Ruling

From Marie-Frances Rivera, MassBudget President

August 13, 2019 Statement on Federal Public Charge Ruling  Statement by Marie-Frances Rivera, President of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget), in response to the Department of Homeland Security's release of the finalized rule on public charge:  "President Trump's Department of Homeland Security yesterday released a rule that makes deeply troubling changes in our nation's immigration policies. The rule will make it very difficult for people who are not wealthy to receive a visa to immigrate to the U.S., become permanent residents (get a "green card"), or gain citizenship.  https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2019-17142.pdf This rule makes family income and the current and possible future use of benefits such as MassHealth (Medicaid), food stamps, or certain forms of subsidized housing grounds for being denied legal access to enter or stay in the U.S. This will push people into an impossible choice: forgoing critical supports for their families or risking the chance to remain in the U.S.  This ruling puts the health and wellbeing of our communities in jeopardy. Many immigrants who are legally in the United States may fear accessing medical care and other basic supports that they need and are eligible for under federal law.  People not directly subject to the rule may also fear that they should drop or avoid receiving those benefits. Our research indicates that such a rule change could cause as many as a half a million Massachusetts residents - including 160,000 children - to withdraw from needed benefits for fear of having an impact on a family member's immigration status. Public benefits are tightly woven into the fabric and economy of our state. If we want our communities to thrive, everyone must be able to live without fear and get the care and support they need to remain healthy and productive. To deem a person unworthy to stay in this country due to their economic status puts a price tag on who is allowed to participate and thrive in our society - it obstructs racial and economic equity in our Commonwealth. MassBudget is proud to stand with our recently emigrated neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members who enrich our communities in countless ways. This rule, along with other harsh executive orders and actions by the Trump Administration, is part of a continued effort to provide opportunity for some, but not for all. It should be reversed as swiftly as possible." Interested in learning more about public charge? Read our report on the "chilling effect" of this rule and its impact on Massachusetts here  http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=A-Chilly-Reception-Proposed-Immigration-Rule.html The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

FTC: New Medicare cards coming soon

New Medicare cards coming soon by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education New Medicare cards are coming soon. Here's what you need to know about your new card. Plus, how to avoid related scams. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC: New Medicare cards coming soon