WVSLA opposes racism and seeks to serve WV seniors of color

In response to recent statements published on social media by the senior services provider in Clay County, WV, the Board of Directors and staff of West Virginia Senior Legal Aid wishes to reiterate our commitment to serving senior West Virginians of color and reaffirm that we do not condone racism in any form. Using the law to promote equality is an essential part of our mission and any examples and/or perceptions of discrimination on the basis of race in our state deserve our focused attention.

Given that the Older Americans Act, by law, targets its services to those in the greatest economic or social need, with particular attention to low-income minorities, rural residents and those with limited English proficiency, it is imperative that ALL providers within the network offer and provide services without actual or the perception of, discrimination. We do not and will not support any action in the senior services network that is inspired by racism or that sends the message that seniors of color are not welcome and deserving of all the services our network has to offer. Our message is that West Virginia Senior Legal Aid seeks to reach out to and serve with excellence the legal needs of our state’s seniors of color. Our doors are especially open to seniors whose rights have been violated, and we promise to zealously advocate for the individual rights of every senior West Virginian of color who seeks our services. You are important to us.

We welcome your input about how we can do a better job reaching out to and serving seniors of color in our state. We seek to partner with anti-racist groups around the state to enhance our capacity and learn how to deliver the best possible services to minority seniors.

As we enter a new year, the Board of Directors and staff of West Virginia Senior Legal Aid wish to assure ALL West Virginia Seniors that we are here to serve you, regardless of your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic, educational or disability status AND we uphold your right to receive services from other senior service providers without prejudice.

Price of US national parks lifetime Senior Pass may go up dramatically, get yours now

If you are at least 62 years old you can get a Senior Pass (formerly the Golden Age Pass) "A $10.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services," according to the US Geological Survey where you can purchase the pass.

But Congress has passed H.R. 4680: National Park Service Centennial Act (track it here www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr4680) and the senate passed a companion bill on December 10 which changes the price of the lifetime pass to track with the America the Beautiful Pass which is currently $80. The legislation is likely to be signed quickly by the President and the price increase may take effect immediately.

You can purchase the Senior Pass online (for $20 which includes the $10 pass price and a $10 online processing fee), by mail (also $20), or in person ($10) at locations listed here (scroll way down for locations in WV) https://store.usgs.gov/pass/PassIssuanceList.pdf. For more information and links to purchase go to this USGS page https://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html.

Medicare A&B Premiums, Deductibles, Copays 2017

The premium for Medicare Part B is calculated by outpatient utilization figures from the year before. Because beneficiaries used the services more than anticipated in 2015 the Part B premium for 2017 will increase will increase for most beneficiaries to $134.00.

Medicare A & B Premiums, Deductibles, Copays 2017

Part A (hospital)	Beneficiary pays:
Hospital Deductible	$1,316/benefit period
Hospital Copay	$329/day for days 61-90
	$658/day for days 91-150
Skilled Nursing Facil Copay	$164.50/day for days 21-100
Part A Premium	$413/month for those with fewer than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment
	$227/month for those with 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment
Part B (doctor, outpatient services, etc.)	Beneficiary pays:
Annual Deductible	$187.50
Part B Premium for those with incomes below $85,000 or $170,000 married couple	$109/month – for those beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare prior to 2016, whose premium is taken out of their monthly Social Security benefit
Most covered Part B services	20%

Social Security amounts for 2017

Social Security beneficiaries will receive a COLA (cost of living adjustment) of .3% for 2017.

Social Security beneficiaries who are still working while receiving benefits will be subject to the following Retirement Earnings Test Exempt Amounts for 2017: If you are under your full retirement age the maximum you can earn without getting your benefits reduced up to $16,920/yr ($1,410/mo). For every $2 you earn above that limit your benefits will be reduced by $1. During the year that you reach full retirement age $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit of $44,880/yr ($3,740/mo). After you reach full retirement age there is no limit on earnings, you can receive your full benefits and still work.

Social Security Disability beneficiaries will be subject to the following thresholds in 2017: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for Non-Blind beneficiaries will be $1,170/mo, and for Blind beneficiaries will be $1,950/mo. The maximum you can earn during a Trial Work Period in 2017 will be $ 840/mo.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefit amount will go from $733/mo in 2016 to $733/mo in 2017. One lottery ticket, good luck.

Today is World AIDS Day

Older West Virginians are not immune to HIV infection. One exposure can become a transmission. The World Health Organization recommends every sexually active adult get tested annually. Learn more about aging and HIV from the CDC www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/age/olderamericans/