Agency on Aging receives $3,000 grant
The Maine Community Foundation has provided grant funding of $3,000 to support the prescription drug assistance work of the Aroostook Agency on Aging.
“Our busiest time is the Medicare open enrollment for Medicare prescription drug insurance plans,” said Steve Farnham, executive director of the Agency on Aging.
This is the period of Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 when those with Medicare can select from 29 prescription drug plan options and make changes in coverage.
Farnham said the agency typically sees nearly 3,600 people during these eight weeks.
“Selecting the right drug plan can make a huge difference in the pocketbook and it isn’t unusual for us to save people $1,000-$1,500 a year by getting them into the appropriate drug plan.”
Agency staffing has been reduced due to federal funding cuts but the agency relies heavily on volunteers they train to assist people with Medicare decisions. The Maine Community Foundation grant will support the volunteer work enabling Medicare drug plan counseling and enrollment sessions to be offered throughout the County starting Oct. 15.
