By Lois Williams

Senior Partners Care - what is it and do I qualify for it? How many times do we hear this question? I know it is asked of me frequently at meetings and in phone calls I receive. A recent caller was an MnSF-North Star Region member. She makes about half our meetings and is also a member of the Itasca County Committee on Aging. I have spoken at regional Minnesota Senior Federation meetings and local senior clubs throughout the North Star Region  promoting the Minnesota Senior Federation and its programs, especially Senior Partners Care.

Senior Partners Care is, in my opinion, the best program the Minnesota Senior Federation has to offer; yet so many members are not aware of it. Members need to be attentive at meetings to be better informed. These better informed members can then promote programs such as Senior Partners Care to others.

Senior Partners Care is a joint project of the Minnesota Senior Federation and the Minnesota Hospital Association. These two organizations have been working together since 1974 to provide eligible Medicare recipients with affordable health care from participating providers.

Senior Partners Care is not an insurance policy, HMO, PPO or Medicare supplement. The program does not pay medical bills. However, it can help you get the care you need. Call your regional office (see page 7), the Federation’s Health Plan Information Center (651/783-5045 or 866/783-5045) or go to www.mnseniors.org for more information on Senior Partners Care.

For months we’ve been receiving information and updates on MnSF strategy planning to meet the changing needs of our organization. While times have changed over the years, there have been few changes within the Federation since its founding. The strategy committee has worked hard planning for the future.

At regional conventions, state staff presented updates to members on how the Senior Federation will look. Misinterpretation has fueled rumors. Nothing is final or written in stone. Attend your regional meetings. Officers will keep members informed leading up to the state convention Oct. 10, in Little Falls, at which time proposed changes will be voted on.

I understand that many members are not able to attend the state convention. However, your officers and fellow members from your region will be there and will vote on the future structure of the Minnesota Senior Federation. Please attend your meetings to have your comments and ideas heard. Your input is very important because the Minnesota Senior Federation is your grass roots organization.

The Department of Labor has a Senior Community Services Employment Program that allows financially eligible people 55 and older to train 20 hours for a week and they are eligible to receive the minimum wage at local nonprofits. Seniors can acquire and update skills to help them obtain unsubsidized employment. More information can be found at www.doleta.gov/seniors.