Mrs. Garcia is 66 years old and had a stroke a few months ago. Before the stroke, she was an active volunteer in the community. Since her stroke, she can't drive anymore and needs assistance with grocery shopping. She wants to be less dependent on her children, who are finding it difficult to meet all of her needs. Mrs. Garcia would hire someone to help, but money is tight. Investigating government supported services such as Medicare to meet her needs is a good idea because she is on a limited income.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program whose rules are the same across the country. Medicare provides health coverage to people over the age of 65, people of any age with end stage renal disease, or people under age 65 with certain disabilities lasting for two years or more.

Medicare home care benefits are limited to reasonable and necessary intermittent skilled nursing care ordered by a physician and provided by a Certified Home Health Care Agency (CHHA). The care plan is normally of short duration. Medicare Home Care services are usually provided after a hospitalization.

In Brome County there are 3 CHHAs: Gentiva, Lourdes at Home, and Twin Tier Home Health.

Still want to know more? If you still have questions about what is the difference between Medicare Part A & Part B, and what Medicare Part D is all about, there is an evening education program that you will want to attend. Whether you are a senior yourself, or you are caring for an older person, plan on attending the next Caregiver Discussion Group presentation, Medicare 101. Cathy Tulloch, from Action for Older Persons will discuss eligibility and what expenses are covered and what expenses are not.

The program will be Wednesday, May 14, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Broome County Public Library, 185 Court Street, Binghamton. Advance registration is requested. Please call Andrea at 607.778.2411 to register. This program is being coordinated by the Broome County Office for Aging.