Senior Life

News & information for the seniors in our community

Material in this section is published as is from various external sources.


State moves to cap long-term care insurance premium rate

HB 2333 reforms will protect seniors from skyrocketing annual rates

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[February 22, 2013]  CHICAGO -- Illinois Department of Insurance Director Andrew Boron announced on Wednesday an effort by the department to protect long-term care policyholders. The Department of Insurance, with help from state Rep. Robyn Gabel, 18th District, Evanston, has proposed House Bill 2333, which calls for a 15 percent annual cap on the premium rate for a policyholder's long-term care insurance.   (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Social Security: Electronic payments become mandatory March 1

By Judith Bartels, Social Security district manager in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD -- Beginning March 1, with few exceptions, all federal benefits, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits, are to be paid electronically. That's according to a rule from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Seniors warned about a scam to get cash

Dept. on Aging offers clues that someone may be victim of financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., is warning seniors about an attempt to scam seniors and steal their money. The department is acting to alert Illinois seniors, based on a report by Springfield police that two elderly females fell victim to the scam.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Start the new year right with 'This Golden Age' at the Atlanta Community House

ATLANTA -- Let's get moving! The Atlanta Public Library's popular "This Golden Age" series for folks over 50 continues on Tuesday with a visit from Illinois Wesleyan choreographer Jean Kerr. This event is the perfect antidote for the post-holiday blahs and a great way to start the new year right -- for both mind and body.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Social Security announces new online services available with a 'my Social Security' account

SPRINGFIELD -- Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security, announced Monday that the agency is expanding the services available with a "my Social Security" account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online. (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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Financial wellness can be yours in 2013

By Judith Bartels, Social Security district manager in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD -- January is Financial Wellness Month -- a great time to think about your own financial future. It also happens to be at this time that many people make resolutions for the New Year. Why not combine the two and make your own financial wellness a resolution for 2013?  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


3 dangerous driving distractions that may surprise you

 (BPT) -- By now, almost everyone knows the dangers of texting or talking on a cellphone while driving. But phones aren't the only distractions drivers should be aware of. Experts say that anything that draws your attention away from the road can be a potential cause of an accident. That includes actions and situations as innocuous as snacking behind the wheel or postponing a bathroom break.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


A 'raise' for people who get Social Security

SPRINGFIELD -- As we ring in a new year, we can expect to see a number of changes. Social Security is no exception. In 2013, people who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments will see their benefits increase.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Attention caregivers: Federal benefit checks are going all-electronic

(BPT) -- More than 65 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. In addition to providing emotional and physical support, caregivers are often entrusted to help their loved ones carry out financial decisions.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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