Vermont Seniors, What’s On Your Mind?

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

These are tough times, and I know that there are a lot of concerns and questions on the minds of Vermont seniors.

Whether it’s the high cost of health care and prescription drugs, Social Security benefits and retirement security, Medicare and the Veterans Administration, assisted living and the availability of nursing home beds, seniors in Vermont and America are today facing many challenges.

I was delighted that last summer, for the first time since the onset of COVID, I was once again able to sponsor senior town meetings/lunches around the state. I enjoy these town meetings very much. It’s great to see old friends, enjoy some delicious food, listen to great music and discuss the important issues facing us. These kinds of discussions help me to be a better senator and I am deeply appreciative to every Vermonter who participates. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do these town meetings again this summer.

In the meantime, a lot has happened in the last year – in Vermont, in our country, and throughout the world. I would like to take this opportunity, therefore, to check back with older Vermonters and see what’s on your mind. What are the main issues that concern you? What would you like to see the federal government doing?

I hope you will take a moment to fill out the survey HERE to share your thoughts and join the discussion. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Resources for Vermont Seniors

Vermont Resources

• Vermont Senior Helpline: This is operated and staffed by the Area Agencies on Aging. The Helpline can assist you with finding caregiver support, nursing facilities, legal services, community meal programs, and more. You can reach them by calling 1-800-642-5119.
  
  
• Area Agencies on Aging: Five Area Agencies on Aging cover the entire state of Vermont and have information on how to connect to Medicare, information and referrals on healthy aging, caregiver support, public benefits programs, nutrition programs, COVID information, and more. Find the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town at https://www.vermont4a.org/.
  
  
• Vermont 211: Vermont 211 provides free access to essential information on any number of issues as well as referrals. Call 2-1-1 or visit https://vermont211.org to learn more.
  
  
• Vermont Food Help: Vermont Food Help provides information on food and nutrition resources in Vermont. Visit their website or call to learn about food programs, eligibility, or the application process. For more information, visit https://vermontfoodhelp.com/.

National Resources

• Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA can help you access your social security benefits including those related to retirement, disability, and Medicare. You can reach them by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting https://www.ssa.gov.
  
  
• Medicare: Visit the Medicare website to learn about your insurance options, costs, and how to get the whole process started. You can reach them by calling 1-800-633 4227 or by visiting https://www.medicare.gov/.
  
  
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If you are a senior veteran, the VA offers specific services that can help you. Visit the website or call to learn about health care, disability, and pensions. You can reach them by calling 1-800-698-2411 or by visiting https://www.va.gov.