Located

in

PENNSYLVANIA

12 E. Locust Street
Oxford, PA 19363
610-932-5244
contact@oxfordseniors.org

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9am-3pm

Closed for major holidays
and inclement weather

 

 

INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 




August 2026

click here for September

Now that we’re in the “good ole’ summertime” it’s time to kick back and relax.  Get a good book and sit by a fan, prop up your feet and “chill out”!  Seriously, be careful; drink cool beverages, avoid alcohol & caffeine, wear lightweight clothing, avoid strenuous activity, and come to the center where it’s air-conditioned!!!

            One area you don’t want to relax in is protecting your identity.  I’ve recently obtained a list of ways to minimize your risk of Identity Theft:

  1. Never give your whole S. S. #.  Last 4 digits or other I. D. will do.
  2. When buying new checks, use only your first initial and last name.  PO Box is best for address.  Your bank knows how you endorse a check, a thief won’t! Close all inactive accounts.
  3. Keep your hand over the ATM keypad.  Memorize your pin #, don’t write it anywhere.  Be sure the ATM “looks” like a real ATM.
  4. Cut up old or expired credit cards. Close inactive accounts.
  5. Invest in a shredder.  Shred any trash with account and/or S.S. numbers on it.

            Another area not to relax in is Investment Fraud.  Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:

  1. Before you invest, talk to someone you trust – family member, banker, accountant.
  2. Junk Mail? Delete or tear it up.  Go to www.optoutprescreen.comor call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT to start the process to OPT OUT permanently.  To complete your request, you’ll need to sign and return the Permanent Opt-Out Election form you’ll get after you’ve started the process.
  3. Before making investments, check with $AIF.  Visit https://dfpi.ca.gov or call 866-ASK-CORP.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  4. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry, a free government service, so you won’t receive telemarketing calls. www.donotcall.gov.  You can verify there also if you registered before.
  5. If you have already fallen for a scam, change your phone number so you won’t be on a “sucker’s list” that is sold to other crooks.

            Seniors are targeted because many are lonely or bored.  That’s why it is so important to keep occupied.  Come to the Senior Center regularly and be around other people.  Idle minds can think of a lot of foolishness.  Stay busy.
            Those of you who have a Medicare Part D Plan remember that the “open enrollment period” to reevaluate & change your plan is from October 15, 2026, to December 7, 2026.  Don’t procrastinate!!  Wait until after Dec. 7th & you’ll be stuck with your old plan all of 2027 which may go up in price and/or change formulary to not cover what you take now.
            If you or someone you know is turning 65 or going on Medicare soon, be sure to attend the Medicare 101 Seminar offered here on August 10th at 12:45pm or September 14th at 7:00pm.  I will have answers to questions regarding how to sign up, what to look for in insurance and what is good information or junk mail that will be flooding your mailbox.    Have a friend or relative come with you as you attend these informative classes. 
          Be sure to return & sign the white info sheet that was included in last month’s newsletter, and please answer all of the questions.  The Department of Aging requires us to obtain this information, and our future funding could be determined by the number of people we serve and can substantiate by having this info.  You need to be counted so please help us assist you.  Thanks for your cooperation.  We want to be able to serve you the best we can. 
            The deadline for filing PA RENT & TAX REBATE Forms has been extended to December 31st.   Call and make an appointment if you need help.  Form booklets are available here.

Stay cool and have a great August!

Sally


September 2026

Are we having fun yet?  With 2/3rds of 2026 over and the last rose of summer in front of us, I hope that you’ve been having fun - enjoying life!!

           PACE/PACENET with Medicare Part D is now called PACE Plus Medicare.  This means cardholders may enjoy the best benefits both programs have to offer.  If you have a Medicare Part D prescription plan, and Pace, show both cards when you go to the pharmacy.  Should your card be turned down, immediately have the pharmacist contact the PACE program. You should remain there until it is resolved.   Pennsylvania continues to offer one of the most generous prescription plans for seniors in the country.  The PACEplus program is here to stay.  


TAX REBATE TABLE

$0 and $8,550

-

$1,000 rebate

$8,551 to $16,040

-

$770 rebate

$16,041 to $19,240

-

$460 rebate

$19,241 to $48,110

-

$380 rebate

Another plan for Seniors is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Applications based on your 2025 income have been extended to 12/31/26.   Rent Rebate and Tax Rebate household income limits are now $48,110, as shown on the table.  The applications already filed for rebates for property taxes and rent paid during 2025 are now in process for distribution.

 

Getting or knowing someone who is ready to collect Social Security? We have limited sessions planned for in-person classes here at the center.  Medicare 101 is planned for Monday, September 14th at 7:00pm.  Medicare Update is scheduled for Monday, October 12th at 12:45pm.  If you are not comfortable with the in-person classes you can still  watch the Medicare 101 classes being offered on the Chester County Library website (https://www.ccls.org/) then click on Events Calendar, you can search for “Medicare” or search by library.  They will have information and resources available to help you transition to the world of Social Security.  Many of the programs available are governed by dates and you don’t want to fall into lapses of time that cost you penalties and/or no coverage.  Ignorance may be bliss, but is also expensive!!  A Medicare Update class for those already on Medicare will also be held.  Check that website for more information on the Update Classes. Learn all the new things for 2027.

 Open enrollment for Medicare Part D plans begins Oct. 15th.  You need to check out  your options. The plan you have now may be changing fees, formularies and/or deductibles.  December 8th will be too late to change.    Don’t wait or take the chance that your plan will be “OK” next year!  As some of you found out the hard way, prices & coverage do change from year to year.  Doesn't cost anything to check it out!

 As you can see, time marches on.  Things change, programs change, people change,  but the Center is here for you to help you enjoy your senior years!  Call me if you have any questions.  I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  Have a great September.  Take time to smell the leaves burning, take a walk, & enjoy the beautiful weather.   Be safe!

Sally


 

MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES
TOOLKIT

Welcome to your Toolkit for Medicare Beneficiaries. Inside this toolkit you will find a variety of information regarding Medicare including a brief history of Medicare, information about programs that help with Medicare costs, a Preventive Benefit checklist to discuss with your doctor, some fun puzzles to complete, and a listing of the local PA MEDI office phone numbers in each county.

Click here for the Toolkit for Medicare Beneficiaries


 

Chester County Food Bank
Chester County Senior Food Box Program (CCSFBP)

Is a Chester County Food Bank program that helps seniors gain access to nutritious foods so they can better improve their health.

If you or someone you know is at least 60 yrs. old and has low income (below 150%), please register for the CCSFBP box that is available to qualifying seniors each month.

Each box may contain packaged fruit, non-perishable proteins, vegetables, carbyhydraes & dairy!!

Proof of age is required at sign up. There is no charge for this food. If you qualify then CCSFBP Box can be picked up the 1st Monday of every month between 1:00-3:00pm.

 

 

FREE FOOD FOR SENIORS

Commodity Supplemental Food Program
PA SENIOR FOOD BOX PROGRAM

What do you need to know to be eligible?

  • If you are 60 years of age or older.
  • If your total household income is below 150%.
    • Household 1 person: Monthly income $1,957
    • Household 2 people: Monthly income $2,644

What will you receive in the food box

  • FRUITS & JUICES: 1 juice & 3 fruits or 1 juice, 2 fruits, 1 raisin
  • VEGETABLES: 6-8 vegetables & dehydrated potatoes
  • CHEESE: 2-pound block
  • MILK: 2 UHT milk –32 oz each
  • MEAT, POULTRY & FISH: 1 beef or 1 chili & 1 poultry or fish
  • PLANT-BASED PROTEIN: 3 peanut butter, canned beans, dry beans, or lentils
  • CEREALS: 2 dry, farina, rolled oats or grits
  • PASTA & RICE: 2 pasta or white/brown rice

For more information and qualifications for both programs

contact

Sally Arter

(610) 932-5244
12 East Locust Street
Oxford, PA 19363

 

 


 

WHAT IS INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE?

From time to time we all know we need information but have no idea how to find answers.

   

REFER WEB

The Chester County Department of Human Services is pleased to introduce Refer Web, an Information and Referral web-based application. Simply visit their website at www.chesco.org/human. Once on the site, locate the Refer Web icon, click on it and start searching.

 

WHO IS SALLY ARTER?

Sally is the Center's very own Information & Assistance Specialist. Her responsibilities included helping you find the answers to your questions.

 

 

 
   

The Oxford Senior Center is a member agency of the

United Way

   

 

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