Partnering with the Tompkins County United Way site “Get Connected”, Lifelong is launching a new volunteer program. Free of the restrictions, reporting, and shrinking funding associated with our previous program (RSVP), our new program will help link seniors with volunteer opportunities throughout the county.
As former RSVP volunteers, you will be on our Volunteers Connected list and will receive our “News & Notes” email newsletter and the Lifelong email blast. If you don’t want to be included, please let us know.
For more information contact : Joyce Billing at jbilling@tclifelong.org
FREE TAX PREP
CANCELLED FOR 2020
FEDERAL AND NYS TAX FILING DEADLINES EXTENDED TO JULY 15
IRS Federal and New York State
~All Seniors age 60+
(with spouses of any age)
AND ALSO
~Individuals with disabilities
~Individuals with incomes below $34,000
~Families incomes below $56,000
Returns prepared by IRS trained and certified volunteers
Some complex returns may not qualify.
To schedule an appointment, call the following numbers, Monday thru Friday between 9 – 3:00
For an appointment at Lifelong call 262 – 0874 or for an appointment in Trumansburg, call 262-2605.
Lifelong tax preparation is on Thursdays, 8:30 – 3:30, Fridays and Saturdays 9 – 1:00, from January 30 – April 11.
Trumansburg tax preparation is on Wednesdays, 9 – 1:30 between February 5 and April 15.
What should you bring?
- Photo I.D.
- Social Security Cards for yourself, your spouse and all dependents
- Copy of 2018 Tax Return
- W-2s for 2019 for all wages & salaries for everyone in the household
- Documentation of Health insurance if available
- 2019 Income/Interest Statements received showing other income from unemployment insurance, social security, pensions, disability income, state tax refund, gambling winnings, and contract work, reported to the IRS
- 2019 Income/Interest Statements received for any savings accounts or brokerage, stock or mutual fund statements.
- If you itemize on your return, bring statements for medical, mortgage interest, real estate property tax, charitable contribution
- Checkbook if you owe taxes or want refund check directly deposited in your bank account.
Medicare Counseling
Are you struggling with questions like these? . . . How do I go about enrolling in Medicare? When do I have to enroll in a Prescription Drug Program? What will a Medigap Policy do for me? Am I eligible for EPIC, the NY state prescription drug program? Is extra help available to pay for prescription drug costs?
How does Medicaid work with Medicare?
We can help you through the mazes of health insurance, prescription drug programs and Medicare (including Part D) with HIICAP counseling and workshops.
HIICAP is the Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program and, while we currently aren’t providing in-person counseling, our certified HIICAP Counselors are offering counseling either by phone or Zoom. Please call Lifelong at 273-1511, ext. 224 and leave a message for Liza Burger. Messages will be forwarded to her regularly, though not daily, so we thank you for your patience.
Fall open enrollment for Medicare this year will be from October 15 – December 7.
While we won’t have walk-in clinics this year, the “HIICAP Hotline” will be open September 1, through early December for you to set up an appointment for Medicare-related counseling. We have limited in-person appointments, and appointments via phone or zoom. Be your own advocate and call: 607-279-6617 or email lburger@tclifelong.org to make your appointment today.
Open Enrollment is an excellent time to take a look at your current coverage to be sure that you are getting the best coverage at the best cost, and to explore any new Part D (Rx Drug) or Medicare Advantage plan offerings. Any changes you make in your coverage during this time frame (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) will be effective January 1, 2021.
HIICAP services are rendered free of charge. For even more information, see the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov. Trained volunteers from the Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) also navigate seniors through Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, prescription medication and claim issues.
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Lifelong’s HIICAP Program is funded by the Tompkins County Office of the Aging