FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
AARP District Coordinator Lucy Gotz (left) helps Daine Chihak of Austin with her taxes last year in the basement of Accentra Credit Union. AARP volunteers are working through April 15 to offer tax help to seniors and low- to moderate-income residents. Herald file photo
AARP offering tax help at Accentra By Jordan Gerard
jordan.gerard@austindailyherald.com
Accentra Credit Union will once again host the AARP Foundation TaxAide program at Accentra starting Feb. 1 in the basement conference room. Appointments can be made now for the prog r a m , wh i c h u s u a l l y runs into the beginning
o f Ap r i l , D i re c t o r o f Marketing Anna Olson said. It also depends on how many appointments they get. AARP has IRS-certified volunteers to help low- to moderate-income and elderly tax payers w i t h f o r m s, p r e p a r a tions and questions. AARP membership is not required.
“They provide a great benefit to the community at no cost,” Paul Knorr, CEO of Accentra, said. “They are a good partner and meet needs in the community.” Knorr said about 1,500 tax retur ns in that prog ram come from Austin. AARP has hosted the program itself since 1968.
Important Documents to Bring to the Tax-Aide Site
The checklist below includes items you need to bring when you visit an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide appointment: •Last year’s tax return(s) •Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all your dependents •Photo I.D. required for all taxpayers. •Checkbook if you want to direct deposit any refund(s).
Income
•W-2 from each employer •Unemployment compensation statements •SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year, or Form RRB-1099, Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits •1099 forms reporting interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), proceeds from sales (1099-B), as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
doctor and hospital bills and medical insurance premiums), prescription medicines, costs of assisted living services, and bills for home improvements such as ramps and railings for people with disabilities •Summary of contributions to charity Payments •Receipts or canceled All forms and canceled checks for all quarterly or checks indicating federal other paid tax and state income tax •Property Tax bills and proof paid (including quarterly of payment estimated tax payments) Health Insurance Deductions •Form 1095A if you Most taxpayers have a purchased through choice of taking either a Marketplace (Exchange) standard deduction or •Any exemption itemizing their deductions. correspondence from the If you have a substantial Marketplace (if applicable) amount of deductions, you may want to itemize. You will Credits •Dependent care provider need to bring the following information (name, employer information: ID, or Social Security •1098 form showing any number) home mortgage interest •1099 forms related to •1098-T and 1098-E forms continuing education (Tuition and Student Loan and related receipts and Interest payments) canceled checks •A list of medical/dental —Source: AARP expenses (including
•1099-R form if you received a pension, annuity, or IRA distribution •1099-Misc forms •Information about other forms of Income •State or local income tax refund
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JANUARY 29, 2016
Senior Living
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Are we all turning a blind eye to blue light? Brandpoint Content
It’s everywhere — inside as well as outside your home. As digital device usage increases, you’re exposed to more and more of it without realizing how it may affect your vision in the future. We’re talking about blue light. In its natural form, your body uses blue light from the sun to regulate your natural sleep and wake cycles. This natural light also helps boost alertness, heighten reaction times and elevate moods. However, we use our eyes much differently than prior generations because we now use a number of artificial sources of blue light including digital screens, electronic devices and LED lighting. The evolution in digital screen technology has advanced dramatically over the years, and many of today’s electronic devices use LED back-light technology to help enhance screen brightness and clarity. These LEDs emit very strong blue light waves. Because of the widespread use and increasing popularity of these devices, we are now exposed to more sources of blue light for longer periods of time. Studies suggest 60 percent of people spend more than six hours a day in front of a digital device. The flickering of this artificial blue light creates a glare that can reduce visual contrast, affecting sharpness and clarity. That in turn could contribute to eyestrain, headaches, physical and mental fatigue due to increasing amounts of time sitting in front of a computer screen or other electronic device. Studies show this high-energy, blue-violet light has been found to cause significant damage to retinal cells, and is a risk
factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration, a deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Our eyes’ natural filters do not provide sufficient protection against blue light rays from the sun, let alone the blue light emanating from these devices, or from blue light emitted from fluorescent-light tubes. Mother Nature arms us with “internal sunglasses” made up of macular pigment. This pigment, which is comprised of zeaxanthin and lutein at a ratio of 2:1, is found in the center of the macula (fovea). This pigment absorbs harmful blue light that can affect eye health. These “sunglasses” protect the rods and cones needed for central as well as peripheral vision. However, if this macular pigment isn’t at optimal density, it will allow more blue light to damage these rods and cones, negatively affecting not just what you see, but how you see. Zeaxanthin and lutein aren’t produced by the body, they must be ingested in order to ensure optimal macular pigment density. Zeaxanthin can be found in foods like corn, wolf berries and peppers. Lutein is found in foods like spinach and kale. Since the average American diet is scarce in zeaxanthin, supplementing this antioxidant is key. Vitamins for macular health, like those made by EyePromise, can be of big benefit. Vision becomes even more precious as we age, since the loss of independence a very real threat to aging Americans. Reduce your risk of harmful effects of blue light to your vision by increasing the density of your “internal sunglasses.”
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Senior Living
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
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It’s peak flu season: Help protect you and your family by getting vaccinated Brand Point Content
Many dread winter — the darkness, frigid weather and snowstorms. For everyone, especially elderly individuals and ch i l d re n , w i n t e r a l s o carries one major health concern — seasonal influenza (the flu). The flu is a contagious, highly communicable infection that predominantly attacks the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and can sometimes lead to complications and death. In fact, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications in the U.S. each year. Certain populations including children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic health conditions are at greater risk of complications from the flu. “As flu seasons can be unpredictable and severe, protecting you and your family from infection is critical,” says Kim Tran, MS, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager, South Miami Pharmacy. “The Centers
is possible to be exposed to influenza during this time and still become infected with the flu. That’s why it is important to get your flu vaccine soon after the vaccine becomes available, by October if possible. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating it is not too late to get vaccinated. I n a d d i t i o n t o a fl u vaccine, you should take eve r yd ay p re c a u t i o n s a g ainst the spread of germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you have flu-like symptoms, try to stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone to minimize exposing others to the virus. You could avoid the aches, soreness and faThe Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone over age 6 months be vaccinated for the flu. tigue that come with the flu by simply getting vacfor Disease Control and increased emphasis has aged 65 years and older.” inactivated and are not cinated. For additional rePrevention (CDC) recom- been placed on designThe majority of flu vac- infectious, or with no flu sources regarding what is mends that everyone 6 ing vaccines for different cines are made in one of vaccine virus at all. Since best suited for you, please months and older get vac- age groups, ranging from two ways: with flu vaccine it can take up to two weeks v i s i t w w w. wh at s yo u rcinated. More recently, young children to those viruses that have been to obtain full immunity, it fluplan.com.
Efforts to slow rate of medical-assistance spending yield big savings in Minnesota By Ricardo Lopez Minneapolis Star Tribune
Minnesota state leaders trying desperately to tamp down expenses have found an unlikely area where they saved more than $1 billion -- health care for low-income residents. State officials are starting to see results after taking aggressive steps in recent years to ease the sting on the state budget as residents age and use up more tax dollars. Part of it has been luck, as healthier-than-expected residents joined Medicaid, the state’s medical assistance program, as well as MinnesotaCare, an insurance program for lower-income residents. Other efforts have been more deliberate. Last year, Minnesota launched a competitive bidding process statewide that trimmed payments to some managed-care providers and is expected to save the state $234 million over the current two-year budget period, according to the Department of Human Services. State officials were surprised that new enrollees in the state’s Medicaid program “were actually healthier” than what they projected, said state budget director Margaret Kelly. “There were similar things going on in our MinnesotaCare,” said Kelly, noting that new enrollees also were healthier than expected and the share of federal contributions has grown. Minnesota spent $4.6 billion on Medicaid and MinnesotaCare in 2014, about $1.2 billion less than what had originally been projected, according to Senate fiscal research and the Minnesota Management and Budget agency. Two-thirds of that Medicaid spending, $3.1 billion,
paid for nursing homes and other services for seniors and those with disabilities. By comparison, spending on other Medicaid participants such as single adults and families with children was $1.5 billion. MinnesotaCare accounted for $254 million of that overall spending. Legislators and human services officials in the coming years will grapple with how to best manage the growing cost of caring for the state’s aging population. Older residents are more likely to require more expensive medical treatments for chronic conditions or other ailments. “That’s the portion of our budget that’s the largest ... from a state dollar perspective and the part that continues to grow,” said Chuck Johnson, deputy commissioner for the Department of Human Services. To that end, Minnesota is working toward encouraging the use of more homebased services, which are cheaper compared to services and treatments in hospital settings. The rate of spending on MinnesotaCare and Medicaid recipients such as adults and families with children is expected to be relatively modest, growing about 6 percent between fiscal years 2012 and 2019, according to Senate research. By comparison, the rate of spending on long-term care, seniors and those with disabilities is expected to grow 52 percent over the same period.
MinnesotaCare’s future
Last year, the GOP-controlled Minnesota House voted to eliminate MinnesotaCare, arguing that the roughly 100,000 people cov-
ered under the program could be moved onto the state health insurance exchange. Fierce opposition by state Democrats and others resulted in a legislative budget compromise that spared the program, for now. A 29-member task force is studying its future and is expected to develop recommendations on its fate. Though it is unclear how legislators will act on the program, the task force also will have to consider how to act on a special tax that makes up the bulk of its funding. The tax is set to expire in 2019. State Rep. Matt Dean, chair man of the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee, argues that Minnesota would be better served in the long run by ending MinnesotaCare. Those low-income workers, primarily concentrated in rural parts of the state, could shop on MNsure, the state’s health insurance exchange, and find more choices, he said. That action would also create “a broader, more robust pool of people who are purchasing insurance in Minnesota,” said Dean, R-Dellwood, potentially driving down premiums. State Sen. Tony Lourey, chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Finance Committee, countered that it makes little sense to eliminate MinnesotaCare, particularly since the growth rate of spending there is low compared with spending on seniors and those with disabilities.
Despite talk, polls show most are satisfied with health plans By Jordan Rau Kaiser Health News
Bashing insurance companies may be a popular pastime, but a poll released Thursday found most people were satisfied with their choices of doctors and even thought the cost of their health coverage was reasonable. T he Kaiser Family Foundation poll revealed that 71 percent of insured adults younger than 65 considered the health care services they receive to be either “excellent” or “good” values. (KHN is an editorially independent program of the foundation.) A majority — 61 percent — said their insurance plan was either excellent or good, given its cost. While many insurance plans are limiting the networks of doctors and hospitals to restrain prices, the survey found that a majority of people didn’t mind. Fifty-four percent of insured adults younger than 65 said they were “very satisfied” with their selection of doctors. Another 34 percent said they were “somewhat satisfied.” Only 12 percent said they had to change
doctors because they were not covered by their insurance plan. People lacking insurance — frequently because they found it too expensive — were less pleased with the value of their health care services. Forty-eight percent considered those services to be “only a fair” or “poor” value: nearly double the percentage of those with coverage who thought their care wasn’t worth the money. The poll found health care was not a top priority for voters in the upcoming presidential election. Only 6 percent of registered voters considered the cost of health care and insurance to be the most important factor in their presidential choice, fewer than those who were focused on the economy and jobs, terrorism or gun control. Twenty-eight percent did say health care costs would be “extremely important” in determining who they would vote for. About the same number expressed similar concern about gun control, the situation in Iraq and Syria, and dissatisfaction with government. Just 4 percent ranked
the 2010 health care law as their highest concern — fewer than those who were focused on the economy and jobs, terrorism, dissatisfaction with government or gun control. Republican candidates have been promising to repeal the law if elected president. The poll tested voter interest in a major proposal by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the Democratic presidential primary to create a national health care program similar to Medicare that would insure everyone. The poll reported that 54 percent of voters said this was a very important factor in their presidential decision. A foundation survey from last month found 81 percent of Democrats favored the approach, sometimes called “Medicare for all” or single-payer, while 63 percent of Republicans opposed it. Independents were roughly split. That survey did not include the costs of the program in the questioning, however. The expense was the primary reason Sanders’ home state of Vermont abandoned its own version of a single-payer plan last year.
Competitive bidding savings
Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, said updated projections in November showed MinnesotaCare costs the state less, partly the result of competitive bidding.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
Senior Living
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
One Year Left: How can Obama secure his health care legacy? Family Foundation found that about one in five U.S. President Obama and residents under age 65 his administration have faced obstacles to paying spent countless time and their medical bills in 2015. resources ensuring the “From a consumer perimplementation of the spective, monthly premiAffordable Care Act — all ums and deductibles are while defending it from at- skyrocketing, largely betacks on almost every side. cause insurers have been As his second term comes forced to enroll customers to an end, experts say the who are sicker than avpresident will have to con- erage,” Potarazu writes, tinue to secure the law if adding, “Insurers also he wants it to be received only a his legacy. fraction of the “Obamacare is money they exstill in its infancy, pected from the but the president risk corridors wants it to be for the government him what Social set up to help Security was for them cover their Franklin D. Rooshortfalls” and sevelt and what “the cost of medObama Medicare was for ication is rising Lyndon B. Johnd r a m a t i c a l l y, son: a part of the Amer- affecting the ability of ican fabric, a thriving consumers to pay for their system that will be his leg- prescription drugs.” acy,” Sreedhar Potarazu Flat-lining enrollment — an ophthalmologist, is another area of concern. founder of a health care While the Congressiodelivery software compa- nal Budget Office had prony and author of a book on jected enrollment growth health care costs — writes of about eight million in for CNN. To achieve that, 2016,numbers released in “Obama must refocus on October 2015 by the Obama the program that bears administration projected his name in order to en- growth of just 1.3 million sure that his successor, this year. whether Republican or In addition, a Gallup Democrat, doesn’t alter report earlier this month it dramatically or simply showed that the U.S. undismantle it,” Potarazu insured rate in the fourth writes. quarter of 2015 was 11.9%, As the ACA’s third open up slightly from 11.6% enrollment period winds in Q3 2015. The numbers down, Potarazu notes that may seem like a relativethe law “is standing on ly small jump, but they very wobbly legs,” adding mark the first time the unthat it “could collapse if insured rate has gone up the President fails to ad- since the ACA went into dress its shortcomings.” effect. (Still, Gallup noted So where should Obama that the uninsured rate in focus? Q4 2015 was 5.2 percentage Most experts agree that points lower than in Q4 cost controls should be a 2013, when key provisions key focus for the president of the law went into effect.) as this year progresses. Potarazu calls the “levelUnder the Obama ad- ing-off ” of the uninsured ministration, “health care rate “a cause for concern, cost growth has slowed because those who remain dramatically, resulting in uninsured may be harder lower spending on Medi- to reach or generally less care and Medicaid,” ac- inclined to buy into the cording to the Campaign program.” The participato Fix the Debt, a nonpar- tion of such individuals tisan group. However, the is important for the congroup notes that certain tinued success of the law legislation — such as because they are needed the permanent “doc fix” “to defray the costs of inpassed earlier this year suring older, sicker Amerand the postponement un- icans in the system,” he til 2020 of the ACA’s Cadil- notes. lac Tax — “threaten this While this “pillar” slowdown.” of the ACA is “not as As Potarazu points out: shaky” as health care “It’s called the Affordable costs or insurance coverCare Act for a reason.” age, Potarazu writes that During his last year in “there is still considerable office, many experts say room for improvement” in Obama should double care quality. For instance, down on efforts to control “The health care industry health care costs — which is still struggling to adopt has proven to be a difficult technology that will protask. vide greater transparency A poll released earlier and data sharing, which this month by the New are needed to keep costs York Times and the Kaiser down,” he notes. By Michelle Rosenfeld Distributed by Associated Press
Knowledge is power when it comes to heart health.
5 common heart health myths debunked Brandpoint Content
As the number one cause of death in both men and women, knowledge is power when it comes to preventing heart conditions. Whether it runs in your family or not, this is one health issue you shouldn’t ignore. “Unfortunately, everyone has an old wives’ tale associated with heart disease and cardiovascular health, says Dr. Andy Manganaro, chief medical officer at Life Line Screening. “For example, many women don’t know they are more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer.” Dr. Manganaro helps separate some myths from reality to keep you in the know: 1. Heart disease is the same in men and women. Although men and women share many of the same risk factors for heart disease, there are differences in the way the disease treats each gender’s body, according to Harvard Health Publications. Women tend to develop heart disease an average of 10 years later than men, and have a greater chance of dying from the disease. Women have smaller hearts and coronary vessels, which often makes heart surgery difficult. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women, so women especially should talk with their doctors about developing a heart health plan. 2. If it runs in your family, there’s nothing you can do about it. Even if heart conditions run in your family, these
diseases are still 80 percent preventable. Healthy behavior changes like losing weight, increasing exercise, eating a healthier diet and keeping your cholesterol in check will help you make tremendous strides towards heart health. The power of prevention is undeniable, especially with preventative screenings that identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke early on. Life Line Screening offers affordable, preventative cardiovascular screenings conveniently in your community. 3. Heart disease doesn’t affect fit and active people. No matter how many
marathons you run or yoga classes you take, you may still be at risk for a heart condition. There are plenty of other factors that can put you at risk, like high cholesterol, poor eating habits, elevated blood pressure, and smoking. 4. Heart disease always exhibits the same symptoms. While you might be under the impression that a heart attack always involves extreme chest pain, 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms, according to the American Heart Association (AMA). Women are more likely to experience back or jaw pain,
dizziness and lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting. 5. Once you have heart disease, it’s too late. It’s never too late to treat or prevent heart disease. Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in both controlling risk factors and caring for heart disease. Simple behavior changes like those mentioned above plus consultation with you doctor can help keep your heart, and entire circulatory system, humming along. Don’t let these common myths cost you your life. Manage your heart health and learn how to take preventative measures at lifelinescreening.com.
DEEP SOUTH TEXAS SPRING MYSTERY TOUR - ALL NEW 7 DAY TOUR! MYRTLE BEACH & CHARLESTON, SC NEW ORLEANS & LAFAYETTE, LA HOLLAND, MI TULIP FESTIVAL BRANSON, MO
MARCH 5 - 18, 2016 APRIL 11 - 17, 2016 APRIL 23 - MAY 1, 2016 MAY 6 - 16, 2016 MAY 13 - 15, 2016 MAY 19 - 22, 2016
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MAY 20 - 22, 2016 JUNE 10 - 12, 2016 JUNE 10 - 13, 2016
$2149 $999 $1349 $1699 $459 $599
THE FAMOUS ILLUSIONIST-RICK THOMAS, THE BEST OF THE 50’S, THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER SHOW
SPRINT CUP AND NATIONWIDE RACES
$419 $459 $569
TRAINS IN THE COLORADO ROCKIES NW CIRCLE & YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK CALGARY STAMPEDE & CANADIAN ROCKIES
JUNE 22 - JULY 1, 2016 $1519 JULY 7 - 22, 2016 $2349 JULY 9 - 17, 2016 $1559 GRANDPARENTS, GRANDKIDS & FAMILIES TO KANSAS CITY JULY 14 - 17, 2016 ADULTS $449 KIDS $299 ALASKA - LAND & CRUISE - COMPLETE PKG W / AIR JULY 27 - AUG. 7, 2016 STARTING AT $5199 CHICAGO, IL GANGSTER TOUR AUGUST 12 - 14, 2016 $469 CODY, WY & YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK AUGUST 14 - 20, 2016 $1029 SUMMERTIME ON THE MISSISSIPPI AUGUST 17 - 19, 2016 $479 NEW YORK CITY AUGUST 27 - SEPT. 3, 2016 $1519 FALL MYSTERY TOUR - ALL NEW 4 DAY TOUR! SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2016 $599 MACKINAC ISLAND, MI SEPTEMBER 9 - 11, 2016 $459 WATERTOWN, NY & 1000 ISLANDS - BRAND NEW TOUR! SEPTEMBER 13 - 19, 2016 $1049 NEW ENGLAND FALL COLOR TOUR SEPT 24 - OCT. 5, 2016 $1749 BALLOON FIESTA IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM OCTOBER 4 - 11, 2016 $1299 WASHINGTON DC & GETTYSBURG OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2016 $1119 AUTUMN IN THE SMOKY MTS OCTOBER 18 - 23, 2016 $899 CHRISTMAS BRANSON, MO NOVEMBER 3-6, 2016 $599 DANIEL O’DONNELL, THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, THE TEXAS TENORS, DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER SHOW
CHRISTMAS BRANSON, MO
NOVEMBER 10-13, 2016
$599
CHRISTMAS BRANSON, MO
NOVEMBER 17-20, 2016
$599
DANIEL O’DONNELL, PRESLEYS COUNTRY JUBILEE, A TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS, BILLY DEAN DANIEL O’DONNELL, THE OSMOND BROTHERS & LENNON SISTERS, LEGENDS IN CONCERT, A TRIBUTE TO ALABAMA