Member Spotlight – McPherson County Council on Aging
Whether it’s inquiries about housekeeping services, home health, Medicare, or general public transportation, chances are the McPherson County Council on Aging (MCCA) will have the answers. In fact, they have a plethora of information for McPherson County residents aged 60 and older, as attendees at the December 21st Chamber, hosted by MCCA, learned.
MCCA has many resources for lower income seniors. They can provide assistance or information about food stamps, housing, homestead refunds, Medicaid, Limited Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), commodities, and more. MCCA director Terry Bolte even does some limited income tax service for people 60 and over who meet a certain income limitation. In addition, they work with the food bank and MKC volunteers every other month to unload a semi-truck of commodities at the food bank. Those commodities are then split between the food bank and MCCA, who distributes it to seven senior centers in the county for those over 60 in need.
MCCA senior advisor Jill Berckefeldt does senior health insurance counseling (among many other things). She told the group that with Medicare open enrollment having just ended, she was able to help several people save thousands of dollars a year just by changing their drug plan. She cautioned that just because one’s doctors and medicines haven’t changed doesn’t mean their plan hasn’t changed significantly so it’s important for seniors to re-evaluate their drug plan every year.
Those over 60 may be eligible for assistance with completing insurance or Medicare forms or help in finding someone to assist in their home or with health problems. MCCA can also assist in finding someone to help when you just don’t know where to turn. They can help make the connections and obtain needed services or provide answers to your questions with the goal of helping you remain independent in your home as long as possible.
You may have noticed the general transportation buses around town – those are operated by MCCA, and are open to everyone, not just senior citizens. They run in Lindsborg, McPherson, and Moundridge. One-way rides are just $1. Call MCCA at 620-241-4383 to learn more about these or any MCCA services or follow their Facebook page. And be sure to check out the Chamber’s Facebook page to see photos from the MCCA Chamber Connection.
