Page 52 - October 2020 Issue_Neat

Senior Spot in the facts as each affiliate sees them) they are producing
a numbing amount of conflicting information about the
mechanics of our upcoming election process. Timely submitted
mail-in ballots, in-person early voting, or voting in-person on

Senior Moments Election Day? This is the year to make a voting plan and make
our votes count!
by Mary Moran 410-479-2535 First and foremost, know that it is against the law in the state
of Maryland for one registered voter to vote more than one

time for the same office. It is also against the law to vote twice

Happy Harvest Time! With fall comes Medicare Open for the same local ballot question, or to vote in more than one

Enrollment starting October 15 and running through election district. Those who break this law are committing

December 7. As indicated in last month’s column, all SHIP election fraud and are subject to fines and imprisonment (ncsl.

assistance with examining Medicare’s 2021 prescription drug org). It is definitely a crime to try to vote both by mail and in
options will be done remotely this year. Please contact Mary person so do not attempt to vote twice! You will be caught and
Moran, SHIP Coordinator, at the above phone number for more prosecuted.
information and to request a copy of the Part D Questionnaire.

That being said, a recent change in state law requires the State
Please leave your name, address, and phone number if asked
Board of Elections and each local Board of Elections to refer

to leave a message! This form provides all the necessary data to
to absentee ballots as “Mail-in Ballot’s” and absentee voting as
evaluate your Part D plan coverage starting January 1. When
“Mail-in Voting”. Please note that the change in terminology
you call, have your Medicare number and income info handy
from absentee to mail-in ballot does not change the process of
to check on eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs!

absentee / mail-in voting. This year one criteria has changed.
We all know that the media has the attention span of a gnat Having to provide a legitimate excuse to vote absentee has

when it comes to senior issues. They give a nod to Medicare been waived! As we all know by now, Maryland has mailed
Open Enrollment and off er minimal ad hoc information to our applications for mail-in ballots to each registered voter.
the public. Cable or local, the majority of TV networks focus Marylanders still do not automatically get an actual voting
on pocketing the checks written by drug plan advertisers and
Advantage infomercials who pay to broadcast their product
across the country to targeted audiences. Therefore, it’s on

Senior Homecare by Angels
your local SHIPs to inform seniors that all the marvelous new
services being touted as “Medicare” via TV, radio, and print Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Grooming
Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders

are not additional services being offered by Original Medicare,
Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping

which is what most folks have here on the Shore. The deluge of
Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship
advertisements touting Medicare expanded coverage applies
Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families
specifically to Advantage plans, which is Medicare coverage

subcontracted out by the Federal Government to individual
Medical Health Care systems. The University of Maryland The Most Recognized and Respected Name in Senior Home Care

system supplies the only Advantage Plan available on the
Mid-Shore. This plan limits their coverage to those who America’s Choice in Homecare
participate in the QMB program. QMB participants must have
incomes lower than $1,061 for an individual or $1,430 for a
couple with limits on assets. Advantage also restricts medical
coverage to in-network providers so the coverage has provider
and geographical limitations. If you do qualify for QMB and
want to sign up for Advantage, be sure to give Mary Moran a
call for additional information and assistance.
On a different note: Prepare to eat this elephant one bite at a We’re here for YOU!

time, folks! Obviously, this is not your average election year. Available 24 hours a day,
Let’s step back from the noise and take a look at voting details 7 days a week
for Caroline.
Regardless of party affiliation, we all know that politicians and 2

talking heads have been hard at it stirring the pot this election Locations

year! Candidates benefit from table pounding exposure as the
G
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221 Glenwood Ave, Easton • 443-746-0494
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media wrings the last drop out of issues to promote news cycles.
106B Williamsport Circle, Salisbury • 443-210-2007
As all those politicians, pundits, and journalists gleefully spin
their speculations, projections, and opinions (while stirring visitingangels.com/mideasternshore
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