S eniors and the C ensus
January ushered in not only a new year but also a new decade. That means that this month, every American will be invited to take part in the national census, which will determine how much federal money will go toward your community and how many congress members will represent your state in the U.S. House of Representatives. In censuses past, seniors have often been the most responsive demographic, and there’s no indication that will change in 2020. However, you should be aware of a few pieces of information before you fill out the form. You don’t have to fill out the census form online. 2020 will be the first year that U.S. residents are given the option to fill out the census online. Between March 12–20, most households will receive a postcard in the mail inviting them to take the census online. If you don’t want to take it online, however, don’t worry; you don’t have to. If you don’t fill it out online, then you’ll still receive the paper form in the mail.
Many seniors get double counted by mistake. Seniors are more likely to be mistakenly double counted than undercounted. If you receive the census form at your vacation home, don’t fill it out. Only fill out the form sent to your primary residence. However, if you’re missed in the census, don’t worry. Chances are that your community will still get the federal funding it needs. The census can improve the lives of all seniors. The number of people in the U.S. aged 65 and older is projected to reach 55 million this year — around 16% of the total U.S. population. Participating will make sure that your communities receive funding for parks, safer roads, mass transit, and hospitals. Your participation in the census ensures you’ll have access to the amenities you need for the next decade.
Are You Paying Too Much for Your Medicine?
You May Qualify for Assistance — There Is Help Available!
Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income also may be able to get Extra Help with the costs — monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription copayments — related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $5,000 per year. Many people qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it. To find out if you qualify, the Social Security Administration will need to know the value of your savings, investments, real estate (other than your home), and your income. They will also need information about you and your spouse, e.g. if you are married and living together. To qualify for Extra Help, your assets must be limited to $14,610 for an individual or $29,160 for a married couple living together.
NOTE: The asset and income amounts are for 2019 and may change in 2020. If your assets and income are slightly higher, you should still apply for Extra Help. To qualify for Extra Help, your annual income must be limited to $18,735 for an individual or $25,365 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you may still be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher but still qualify for Extra Help include if you or your spouse: • Support other family members who live with you.
• Have earnings from work. • Live in Alaska or Hawaii.
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