Seniors urged to review benefits

    Elder citizens are urged to attend a workshop being held Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. at the Northern Maine Community College, Edmunds Conference Center, in Presque Isle. The workshop is aimed at determining  if residents are eligible for valuable benefits. Those with Medicare may be eligible for assistance regarding paying for Medicare Part B premiums, help with prescription drug costs and more.    “There is help available for those that live alone and have a gross monthly income of $1,650 or less. Couples with a gross monthly income of $2,211 or less also should be looking at these benefits,” said Steve Farnham of the Aroostook Agency on Aging.
    Staff from the agency on aging will be at the workshop to provide information and to assist anyone wishing to apply for what are called Medicare Buy-in Benefits. Information and help will also be available to apply for Maine Property Tax and Rent Refunds. Farnham points out that many older people are eligible for a refund on property taxes or rent paid in 2006, have not yet applied.
    For more information or to receive a free benefit checklist, those interested may contact the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 1-800-439-1789.