Senior Advocate: Senior centers offer help with taxes
Feb
12
Written by:
2/12/2009 11:46 AM
By Betty Berry
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Q: In the past I have had my taxes done at my local senior center. Will they be doing them again this year?
A: Yes, preparation of income tax returns is being provided again this year. Services started Feb. 1 and will run through April 15 and are for those 60 and over and for those under 60 whose income is $45,000 or less.
As in the past, taxpayers whose returns include Schedule E (rental income) or Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business ) are not eligible.
Participants should be prepared to present a picture ID, their Social Security card and a copy of their 2007 federal and state income tax returns. They should have with them all 2008 documents (W-2s and 1099s) showing income from wages, Social Security, interest, dividends, investments, self-employment and pensions.
Some senior centers are requiring appointments while others are running on a first come, first served basis.
To check the days and hours, call your local senior center for its schedule.
Q: I heard the city of Thousand Oaks will be holding several community meetings during February. What is the purpose of these meetings, and do they have anything to do with the survey that was taken last year?
A: I took your question to the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging, and it provided me with the following information:
The older adult population is expected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years, and the city of Thousand Oaks is planning for this expansion. The survey you mentioned along with these meetings will ensure the city has the data necessary to provide a healthy, adult-friendly community. To help accommodate the public to attend, there will be two meetings held on different days of the week and at different times.
The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Civic Arts Plaza in the Fred Kavli Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
The second meeting is planned for Monday, Feb. 23, at the Goebel Senior Adult Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and lunch will be included.
Mayor Tom Glancy said, “These workshops will provide another important layer of information for the Council on Aging to include in their Senior Master Plan aside from their survey.”
This is a unique effort and a great opportunity to be involved. Family and professional caregivers are also encouraged to attend.
Seating will be limited so reservations are a must. For reservations or additional information, call 449-2743 or e- mail Councilonaging@toaks.org.
Q: I have been told there is something called Medicare Patients’ Rights. Do you know if it exists and what it says?
A: There is a document called Medicare Patients’ Rights that details guaranteed rights to which all Medicare beneficiaries are entitled.
These rights protect you when you seek healthcare, assure you access to needed healthcare services and protect you against unethical practices. You are guaranteed these rights whether you are covered by the original fee-for-service Medicare plan or a Medicare HMO. Your rights include protection from discrimination in marketing and enrollment practices. You are entitled to information about what is covered and how much you will be required to pay. You are also entitled to information about how your health plan reimburses its doctors.
You have the right to information about all treatment options available to you. Women have the option of choosing a women’s healthcare specialist. Should you have a complex or serious medical condition, you have the right to receive a treatment plan that includes direct access to a specialist.
In an emergency, you have the right to receive immediate care.
If you are unhappy about a decision that is made on a claim for payment for services received, you have the right to appeal. If for any reason you believe that any of your rights have been violated, you should contact the Health Insurance Counseling Advocacy Program at 800-434-0222.
— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.