Older and Wiser Column

Medicare Coverage of Services

Acupuncture

Effective January 21, 2020, Medicare will cover acupuncture services for people with chronic lower back pain lasting 12 weeks or longer and not related to other conditions. Medicare may cover up to 12 visits in 90 days; an additional eight sessions will be covered for beneficiaries demonstrating an improvement, with a maximum of 20 acupuncture treatments annually.

Medicare does not cover acupuncture for any other conditions.

Physical Therapy

Medicare no longer has a dollar cap on physical, speech or occupational therapy services. However, for services received in excess of $2,080 in 2020, the provider will have to use a KX modifier when billing to indicate medical necessity. For services in excess of $3,000, Medicare may do a manual review to assess medical necessity.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Office for the Aging @ 845-807-0241.

Pets and Seniors

Cornell Cooperative Extension/Sullivan County

Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 3:30 - 5:00 pm, FREE - St. John's Street School Community Hub, 22 St. John's St., Monticello.

Research confirms that there are positive outcomes for older adults who regularly interact with pets!

This seminar will include:

• Pet ownership consideration

• Senior and caregiver options for animal interaction

Panel discussion:

• Dr. Joseph D'Abbraccio, DVM from Catskill Veterinary Services

• Deborah Worden from ATI , Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program

• Maureen Velton, Pet Therapist

Research confirms that there are positive outcomes for older adults who regularly interact with pets!

The class is FREE! Registration is required in advance. sullivancce.org ? sullivan@cornell.edu ? 845-292-6180

All attendees should arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration. Contact the CCESC office to request any special

accommodations to attend this class, and to provide dietary restrictions.

This co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging's Caregiver Program.

Cornell Cooperative Extension in Sullivan County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Contact CCE if you have any special needs.

For more information on programs and services available from the Sullivan County Office for the Aging call 845-807-0241.

Upcoming AARP Driver Safety Classes at the following locations: Narrowsburg Firehouse, Narrowsburg, NY, Tuesday & Thursday, March 17 & 19, 2020 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM, two (2) sessions. To Register and for information call Keith at 252-3264. The Fee is $20.00 for AARP members and $25.00 for Non Members. A course is instructed by David “Scotty” Greenberger, a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer and is sponsored by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging & RSVP.

Upcoming AARP Driver Safety Classes at the following locations: Lumberland Senior Center, 1054 Proctor Road, Glen Spey, NY, Thursday, April 23, 2020 from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. To Register and for information call Sheila Hocker at

856-1707. The Fee is $20.00 for AARP members and $25.00 for Non Members. A course is instructed by David “Scotty” Greenberger, a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer and is sponsored by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging & RSVP.

Upcoming Community Driver Safety Programs, Inc., Defensive Driving Class - Callicoon Town Hall, 19 Legion Street, Jeffersonville, NY on Saturday, April 25, 2020, from 10 am to 4:30 pm (this allows for lunch). Call to register or for information (845) 807-6005. Cost: Under 50 years old $25.00, Over 50 years old $30.00. Pre-Registration required. Web Page: communitydriversafetyprograms.com. Course is instructed by a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer and is sponsored by Community Driver Safety Programs, Inc., Callicoon Town Hall, and the Sullivan County Office for the Aging & RSVP.

Transportation Schedule for week of March 9 through March 13, 2020

For senior shopping bus transportation call 807-0241.

Monday: Town of Bethel, Smallwood, Cochecton, Bethel Senior Housing, and White Lake. (This bus always shops in Monticello) Neversink Bus-Neversink, Grahamsville, and Foxcroft Village. (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello)

Tuesday: Fallsburg Bus- Woodridge, Mountaindale & South Fallsburg (This bus always shops in Monticello) Rockland Bus- Livingston Manor & Roscoe (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello)

Wednesday: Liberty Bus - Liberty (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello) Mamakating Bus - Summitville, Wurtsboro, Bloomingburg. (This bus always shops in Monticello) Thursday: Narrowsburg, Eldred, Barryville, Glen Spey, etc.* (This bus always shops in Monticello) *(and some surrounding areas, not all areas are included). Thompson Bus - All of Monticello and Mongaup Valley. (This bus always shops in Monticello)

Friday: Delaware Bus -Fremont, Callicoon, Hankins, Jeffersonville, etc.* (This bus always shops in Monticello) * (and some surrounding areas, not all areas are included). Liberty Village and Fallsburg Bus - Liberty Village Apts., Hurleyville, Loch Sheldrake, & Kiamesha Lake. (This bus always shops in Monticello)

Suggested Donation of $3.00 per round trip - Bus Donation. Seniors must call 24 hours in advance. Contact Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241. Medical Transportation, including wheelchair - For appointments please let the office know two weeks in advance. Suggested Donation of $10.00 per round trip for medical transportation. To make appointments call the Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241.

Senior Nutrition Sites Menu for week of March 9 through March 13, 2020

Monday, March 9, 2020

Pepper Steak, Egg Noodles, Carrots, Whole Wheat Bread, Chocolate Pudding

K: Beef Goulash

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Barbecue Chicken, Sweet Potato, Corn, Whole Wheat Bread, Applesauce

K: Chicken

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Shepherd's Pie, Gravy, French Cut Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Pears

K: Pot Roast

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Pork Chops and Gravy, Baked Potato, Oriental Blend Vegetables, Whole Wheat Bread, Vanilla Pudding

K: Chicken

Friday, March 13, 2020

Baked Ziti, Tossed Salad, California Blend, Italian Bread, Sherbet

K: Spaghetti

Decaf Tea, Coffee, 2% and Skim Milk served at all meals.

Menu items - Subject to change