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The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay their heating bills. LIHEAP is a grant. You do not have to repay it.
To receive help
• Apply between Nov. 1, 2019, and Apr. 6, 2020.
• You don’t have to be on public assistance.
• You don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill.
• You can either rent or own your home.
How does LIHEAP work?
LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants. Families may apply for:
a.) Cash Grants - Cash grants help families pay their heating bills. The one-time payment is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on your bill. (In some cases, the check may be mailed to you directly.) Cash grants range from $200-$1000 and are based on household size, income, and fuel type.
It’s Time for Medicare Annual Open Enrollment
The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AOEP) runs from October 15th through December 7th. You have the opportunity to change or enroll for a Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. The changes take effect on January 1st.
You can make the following changes during the Medicare AOEP:
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage.
- Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
- Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan.
APPRISE counselors will be available to answer your Medicare-related questions at the following events. One hour appointments are available at different times and locations by calling 267-880-5700. Please call the location to schedule a 20-minute appointment. Bring a list of your medications with you. A list of Bucks County locations and times follows.
September is National Senior Center Month
This year’s theme is, "Senior Centers: The Key to Aging Well!"
This September, the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) is demonstrating how senior centers are an integral part of aging well. Senior centers help individuals improve or maintain their health and provide communities with proper support for older adults. Innovative programs hosted at senior centers can change the perception of aging and create important community resources for aging expertise.
In Bucks County, there are 13 senior centers that offer a broad array of activities such as classes offering instruction in computers, dance, Zumba, quilting, painting, knitting, yoga, aerobics, Tai Chi, ceramics, chess and more. They may host a blood drive, offer trip excursions to places like Hershey, the New Jersey shore, Lancaster, and
more. They may offer games like pinochle, bridge, canasta, bingo, mahjongg, and more. They hold workshops and even offer help with tax preparation. Check out their websites or give them a call to learn what your local Senior Center can offer you. We hope you will visit one near you! A list of Bucks County Senior Centers follows.
Proper Disposal of Unused Medications Is Essential
Medications are an essential part of healthy living and healing. However, in the wrong hands, medications can be dangerous and even lethal, even in small doses. Flushing down the toilet or sink may seem the simple way to go, but there are better, safer ways. We know meds should be stored in a safe place to keep them out of the wrong hands; unused meds should immediately be disposed of for the same reason.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommendations for disposing of old, unused, unwanted, and expired medications; you can read about them here. On Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, several locations will be collecting unwanted medications. Click here to read their informative flyer and find a location near you. For your convenience, home pickup service is also available.
Medications may include things you might not have considered, such as prescription and over-the-counter solid medications, i.e. tablets and capsules; liquid medications, inhalers, creams, ointments, nasal sprays; and pet medications. A list of Bucks County dropoff locations follows.
Read more: Proper Disposal of Unused Medications Is Essential