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 COMING IN 2019
IRS Federal and New York State
From January to April 15 (Exact dates TBA at the end of 2018)
Tax Clinics Weekly at Lifelong
Appointments will be scheduled by phone.
This service is available to:
~All Seniors age 60+
(with spouses of any age)
AND ALSO
~Individuals with disabilities
~Individuals with incomes below $32,000
~Families incomes below $53,000
Returns prepared by IRS trained and certified volunteers
Some complex returns may not qualify.
What should you bring?
- Photo I.D.
- Social Security Cards for yourself, your spouse and all dependents
- Copy of 2017 Tax Return
- W-2s for 2018 for all wages & salaries for everyone in the household
- Documentation of Health insurance if available
- 2017 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
- 2017 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
We can help you through the mazes of health insurance, prescription drug programs and Medicare (including Part D) with our HIICAP program , counseling and workshops.
HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION COUNSELING AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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?
HIICAP health counselors at Lifelong (273-1511) and the Tompkins County Office for the Aging (274-5482) can help you find answers to these and similar health insurance questions. Why not arrange to speak with one of these counselors? Counseling sessions are private and available by appointment on Wednesdays each month. Other appointment times may be made by special arrangement. Phone consultations and home visits are also available. During the open enrollment period (now till December 5) limited scheduled appointments are still available on the following dates only: 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/6. After that, regular Wednesday appointment slots will be open again.
Bring the following with you to the HIICAP appointment:
- Complete list of your prescriptions including dosages and frequency;
- Your Medicare card; and
- Any other health insurance information, including information about your current Part D plan, if you have one.
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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2018 Medicare Open Enrollment Clinics
Annual Election Period at Lifelong, 119 W. Court Street, Ithaca
This is your opportunity to ask questions about Medicare, Extra Help, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicare Savings Program, EPIC, and other health insurance topics. These clinics are run on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be prepared to wait – the volunteer counselors will spend the time needed to answer all the questions you may have.
- Tuesday, October 16, 2:00 – 4:00
- Wednesday, October 24 10:00 – 12:00
- Thursday, November 1 1:00 – 3:00
- Wednesday, November 7 12:00 – 2:00
- Tuesday, November 13 2:00 – 4:00
- Thursday, November 29 1:00 – 3:00
- Wednesday, December 5 10:00 – 12:00
(LIMITED scheduled appointments available on the following dates: 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/6. You must call ahead to book an appointment.)
Please bring the following with you:
- List of of your prescriptions, dosages/frequency
- Your Medicare card
- Any other health insurance cards or information, including how you currently pay for your prescription drugs
- Documentation of monthly or annual income
Please call Lifelong for more information: 273-1511.
Lifelong’s HIICAP Program is funded by the Tompkins County Office of the Aging