Escambia County Agency on Aging

Medicare and insulin costs don't have to be confusing.
If you use insulin, it's important to understand how your Medicare coverage works and what protections are available. Medicare-covered insulin costs are capped, and free help is available if you have questions about your coverage options.
Contact AL SHIP for unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-800-243-5463.

🌺 CAREGIVERS NEED CARE, TOO

Caregiving can bring love and purpose—but also exhaustion, isolation, financial stress, grief, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

Here in Hawaiʻi, we value ʻohana and kōkua. But caring for someone else doesn't mean you have to carry everything alone.

Sometimes, the person who says “I’m okay” may be the one who needs someone to ask:

💛 “How are YOU doing?”

If a caregiver says, “I can’t do this anymore,” “Everyone would be better without me,” or expresses hopelessness, please take it seriously.

You don't need all the answers. Listen without judgment. Stay connected. Help them find support.

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7.

🚨 If there is immediate danger, call 911.

🌺 A LITTLE KŌKUA CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Check on a caregiver today. Send a text. Make a call. Stop by. Ask, “How are you really doing?”

Sometimes one sincere conversation can remind someone they are not alone.

❤️ Caregivers deserve care, too.

📚 HELPFUL RESOURCES

Caregiver Action Network
https://www.caregiveraction.org/caregivers-and-depression/
Caregiver Mental Health & Su***de Prevention Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kMS0c0m5HU&t=428s
Activated Insights
https://activatedinsights.com/articles/suicide-prevention-in-healthcare-and-home-care-work-part-3/
DBSA
https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/newsletters/suicide-prevention-for-parents-and-caregivers/
Family Caregiver Alliance
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-depression-silent-health-crisis/
VA Caregiver Support
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Su***de_Prevention_Toolkit.asp

🌺 THE CAREGIVER FOUNDATION
📞 808-625-3782
📧 [email protected]
🌐 thecaregiverfoundation.org

Disclaimer: The Caregiver Foundation provides this information for educational purposes only. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before acting on health-related information presented.

***dePrevention

The 2027 Medicare & You handbook is now available online!

Here are a few highlighted Medicare updates for 2027:

✅ Telehealth flexibilities extended through 2027
✅ New Medicare.gov login options for added security
✅Medicare-connected health apps that can help personalize your health experience
✅ Expanded access to certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for eligible beneficiaries
✅ Enhanced fraud prevention efforts
✅ New investments to improve access to care in rural communities

Download the handbook at www.medicare.gov/medicare-and-you

Are you turning 65 soon? Or getting Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment?

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options now can help you avoid costly surprises later.

✅ Compare costs
✅ Understand provider access
✅ Review prescription coverage
✅ Know your out-of-pocket limits

Take a look at this quick comparison chart and ask yourself: "Which Medicare option fits my healthcare needs best?"

🔍 Looking for more answers? Visit Medicare.gov or shiphelp.org/Medicare-FAQ for trusted information to help you make a confident, informed decision.

Today's the Day! We are now AgeSouth!

Watch out for sneaky text messages; you might sign up for a new Medicare plan. Offers for senior cards, flex cards, or other bonuses like food, gas, utilities, or rent are sent through text messages to get your information to switch you to a Medicare Advantage plan. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If your plan does get switched when you didn't want it to, contact the AL SMP 1-800-243-5463.

Medicare Open Enrollment is closer than you think!
The Fall Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is less than two months away, and the best way to avoid feeling rushed is to start preparing NOW.

Before OEP begins:
✔️ Review your current Medicare coverage
✔️ Make a list of your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies
✔️ Watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September
✔️ Schedule a pre-OEP appointment with your local SHIP if you'd like personalized assistance

Many beneficiaries don't realize that plan costs, drug coverage, and benefits can change from year to year. Taking a few minutes to prepare now can make it much easier to compare plans when Medicare Plan Finder updates for the new plan year.

📣 Help a friend or family member avoid the last-minute rush. SHARE this post and save this enrollment periods infographic for later!

Caring for someone with Lewy body dementia can be hard to explain to people who haven’t lived it.

The changing symptoms. The uncertainty. The good moments mixed with difficult ones.

Sometimes, simply being understood can make a difference. 💜

Our free online support groups connect you with people who understand the LBD journey.

💜 Looking for support from others who understand the LBD journey?
👉To join an LBDRC online support group, email [email protected] for details and the Zoom link.

📞 516-218-2026 | 833-LBD-LINE , 365 days- 8am to 8pm EST
🌐 Visit lbdrc.org to learn more.

The Fall Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is less than a month away, and the best way to avoid feeling rushed is to start preparing now.

Before OEP begins:
✔️ Review your current Medicare coverage
✔️ Make a list of your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies
✔️ Watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September
✔️ Schedule a pre-OEP appointment with your local SHIP if you'd like personalized assistance

Many beneficiaries don't realize that plan costs, drug coverage, and benefits can change from year to year. Taking a few minutes to prepare now can make it much easier to compare plans when Medicare Plan Finder updates for the new plan year.

📣 Help a friend or family member avoid the last-minute rush. SHARE this post and save this enrollment period infographic for later!