September 3, 2024 |
Photo – Wyoming Senior Citizens Inc logo – Courtesy Wyoming Senior Citizens Inc
On September 18th, representatives from Wyoming Senior Citizens Incorporated will be in Rawlins to help older residents navigate the complexities of Medicare and assist caregivers.
Wyoming Senior Health Insurance Program, or SHIP, Assistant Program Director Tisha Tuttle and Carbon County Care Coordinator Heidi Clark will be at the Carbon County Public Library Main Branch in Rawlins for a health fair. Tuttle explained how SHIP helps senior citizens with their government health insurance questions.
Tuttle said her organization’s services are offered free of charge. The assistant program director said SHIP has teamed up with various state and federal agencies to help senior citizens get the most out of their government health insurance.
Tuttle said only 21% of people eligible for Wyoming Medicare assistance are taking advantage of the program.
So far in 2024, Tuttle said the Wyoming Senior Health Insurance Program has helped 1,895 people with their health insurance questions. The assistant program manager said she expects that number to dramatically increase during the Medicare open enrollment period beginning in October.
Carbon County Care Coordinator Heidi Clark will also be on hand to talk about the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Program Manager Amanda Glanz said her organization provides help to caregivers of senior citizens who are unable to care for themselves. Glanz said the Caregiver Support Program offers assistance with a variety of everyday tasks.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program also provides education for caregivers.
Currently, Glanz said only two Carbon County residents use her organization’s services. She said older Wyoming residents tend to be reluctant to ask for help.
However, Glanz said the program isn’t meant to take away anyone’s independence. Instead, Glanz said the program simply makes it easier for senior citizens to age with dignity.
Both the Wyoming Senior Health Insurance and National Family Caregiver Support Programs are free to use.
Visit the Carbon County Library, located at 215 West Buffalo Street, on Wednesday, September 18th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, to speak to a Wyoming Senior Citizens Incorporated representative.
