Let's Talk About Aging

Podcast Host Kitty Glomski discusses Medicare fraud and how you can Detect - Prevent - Report it to the MMAP network.

Jenna Lindholm talks about PERS devices (Personal Emergency Response Systems), how they work, and how to acquire one as a safety device for older adults and persons with dementia.

Lorelei King describes her involvement in the legislative process, the Michigan Senior Advocacy Council, and advocating for funding, resources and services for older adults residing in Region 9's rural service area.   

MMAP, now known as the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program, is available throughout Michigan and provides free, unbiased information about Medicare options.   In this episode, MMAP Executive Director Jennifer Page talks about the many promotions to be conducted in 2024.   Anyone seeking Medicare assistance can call the 800-803-7174 to receive a call back from a MMAP counselor.

New Director Kristen Weber and Brooke Mainville discuss brain health and the services available through the Alzheimer's Association.

Alpena County VA Benefits Officer, Bill Stypick, discusses what veterans need to know when starting Medicare and answers the question, "Do I need Medicare Part A Hospital and Part B Medical?" 

Kelly Robinette discusses the history of chocolate, benefits of chocolate and fun facts of America's favorite treat!

Master trainers Kelly Robinette and Brooke Mainville discuss the benefits of the evidence-based program A Matter of Balance that will be offered in January.

MMAP Counselor Shelly Olree discusses situations where she's helped clients in Montmorency County with scams and fraud.   Shelly works through the five clinics with Thunder Bay Health Centers.

MMAP SMP Director Rati Sijiye trys out the podcasting experience and interviews podcast host Kitty Glomski for an episode of Let's Talk About Aging specially produced for the Statewide Conference.

Kevin Lozo from the Traverse City office of the Michigan Disabilities Network describes options counseling to assist persons with disabilities navigate systems and find adaptive technology.   This free service is available in all 83 counties of Michigan.

Annie Hepburn, Director of the Alpena Senior Citizens Council, discusses the Region 9 Kinship Program that provides monies - up to $600/year (in two $300 grants) per/child to assist grandparents (or other relatives) raising a grandchild.   The program and application process can be accessed by contacting the local senior center aka Council or Commission on Aging.   The Kinship Program provides fun...

Ombudsman Maija Aikens discusses the differences between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Homes, the differences in who they serve, licensing/size of home, the services provided, and provides tips on how to select a home for a family member.

MMAP Executive Director Jennifer Page discusses the upcoming statewide campaign to recruit volunteers to take training and counsel Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries in local communities.   She describes the support network that includes local, regional, state and Medicare.   She encourages beneficiaries to seek out their local MMAP counselor for a free, unbiased insurance/benefits review - this is p...

Bill Stypick, Alpena County Veterans Service Officer describes the military's efforts to reinstate benefits denied for decades to veterans that were discharged due to pregnancy, Covid shot refusal, LBGTQ under Don't Ask, Don't Tell and other reasons.  Legal assistance through the Veterans Consortium is also available on a pro bono basis but may not be needed under the recent outreac...

Rick Houchin, project director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program discusses the volunteer opportunities available for older adults throughout 11 counties with both the RSVP and Shine Bright programs.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans - what they are, how to shop and are they for everyone.   Pat MacKinnon from MMAP, Inc. discusses what beneficiaries need to know about them and encourages everyone to know what the coverages are before committing to one.

Area Agency on Aging diet-technician Kelly Robinette defines some of the symptoms of Diabetes, the testing for Diabetes, and is an instructor for ongoing sessions of the Personal Action Toward Health class with a focus on Diabetes management.

Nicole Wethington discusses New Year's resolutions (goals) and how to accomplish them in smaller steps and how to be successful! Brooke and Kitty provide the calendar of events extending into the new year.

Brooke interviews Nicole Wethington, MSU Extension, about the many programs upcoming for older adults.   A January highlight is a one -hour presentation about the differences between assisted living and nursing home care. Kitty and Brooke give the calendar of events happening through January.

MMAP Counselor Kitty Glomski interviews Veterans Service Officer Bill Stypick from Alpena County Veterans Affairs about what veterans need to know about choosing healthcare options from both the VA and Medicare. Brooke and Kitty provide the calendar of events.

Ann Wright describes her experience as a returning MMAP counselor to the Otsego County Commission on Aging.   She encourages other retirees to consider becoming a Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program counselor. Brooke Mainville and Kitty Glomski provide the calendar of events for October/November.

Kitty Glomski discusses the importance of evaluating your Medicare Part D or Advantage plan during Open Enrollment starting October 15 and extending through December 7.  She also discusses how the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program network of MMAP counselors can help and are available through local Councils/Commissions on Aging. Connie McQuarrie discusses the Senior Community Service Employment...

The Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) warns Medicare beneficiaries to be careful about advertising and phone calls from agents/brokers trying to sell you a plan.   They also offer counseling assistance and report scams. Diet Technician Kelly Robinette reviews many ways to make nutritious and fun meals using planned-overs.

Kitty Glomski interviews four Region 9 Counselors recognized for their outstanding Medicare Medicaid counseling in their communities:   Karen Meyers (Presque Isle County), Kathy MacArthur (Alpena County),  Sandy Woods (Crawford County), and Shelly Olree (Montmorency County). Brooke Mainville and Kitty Glomski talk about the September Calendar of Events