Aroostook Agency on Aging plans annual meeting

    PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook Agency on Aging will hold its 2010 annual meeting on Monday, Oct. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Shriner’s Building, U.S. Route 1 (Houlton Road), Presque Isle. The meeting is open to the public.    
    The agency provides services to just over 5,000 older people, the disabled and their caregivers. The Aroostook agency is a non-profit corporation with a board of directors consisting mostly of older people and has served the County for 37 years.
    There will be a presentation by elder law Attorney Martha Grant on MaineCare coverage and long-term care. This is an opportunity to learn about how nursing home care can be paid for, the treatment of assets and what you are allowed to keep, treatment of income and the allowances for a spouse remaining at home. Medicaid estate recovery will be discussed. Recent changes in federal law that affects long-term care insurance and use of insurance to protect an estate will also be discussed.
    There will also be a presentation on Medicare changes coming in 2011 as a result of the new health care reform law. Medicare prescription drug plans will be changing in January and those with Medicare should be reviewing their coverage and possibly making changes before the end of 2010.
    Immediately following lunch, for those interested in staying, a viewing of the Maine Gubernatorial Forum on Aging Issues will be held. The five candidates for governor appearing on the November ballot participated in this forum and this is an opportunity to learn what they intend to do to address the needs of Maine’s rapidly aging population.
    For those wanting to attend, please call and reserve your seat. If you want to stay for lunch, you must call 764-3396 or toll free 800-439-1789 no later than Monday, Oct. 18, to confirm you are coming. For those age 60 and older there is no cost for lunch but a donation of $3 will be appreciated. People under age 60 must pay $4.50 for lunch.