Victory in the Senate!

Published by the Massachusetts Senior Action Council www.MassSeniorAction.org Winter 2018 VICTORY IN THE SENATE! SENIOR VOICES HEARD IN SENATE HEALTHCARE BILL On November 9th, the Mas- sachusetts Senate voted to pass a comprehensive health care cost containment bill. Throughout the process Mass Senior Action members stayed on the frontlines, visiting the statehouse every day to advocate with legislators and make their voices heard. Members shared their experiences of trying to afford the high costs of Medicare and meet other basic needs. They urged Senators to use this opportunity to help bridge the gap to affordable healthcare for seniors. Our efforts paid off! Medicare Savings Programs How did we get here? By con- lower the cost of Medicare by tinuing to push for affordable paying for the Medicare part B health care! premium ($134/mo) and most of the Medicare Part D expens- It was the work of MSAC es (premium, deductible, and members over several years, co-payments) learning about the healthcare wealth to show legislators President’s Message...... 3 system, breaking silence about the breadth of this issue, and Western Mass HC Forum....5 our own experiences with knocking at every senator’s healthcare and affordability, door when it came time. Biennual Convention...... 6 talking to our neighbors and Local Elections...... 8 community members - at When the Senate intro- MBTA update...... 9 home and at senior centers, duced the Health Care Cost Federal Tax Bill...... 10 doing countless outreach Containment bill, we quickly MSAC Partners in Labor....11 presentations and workshops reached out to legislators to Senior Care Options...... 12 to spread awareness of the let them know that seniors Springfield Senior Center...13 Senior Healthcare Cliff, col- need to be included in this Local Spotlight...... 14 lecting over 1,500 postcards comprehensive health care Member Spotlight...... 15 from all over the Common- bill. Continued on page 4 2 Contact Information: Chapter Meeting Information: Main Office/Eastern MA BOSTON CHAPTER 108 Myrtle St. Suite 112 When: 2nd Thursday of the month at 12:30pm Quincy, MA 02171 Location: Charles St. AME Church 617-284-1234 551 Warren St., Dorchester www.MassSeniorAction.org CAMBRIDGE/ SOMERVILLE CHAPTER 3rd Friday of the month at 12:30 pm Executive Director: Carolyn Villers When: Location: Cambridge Senior Center [email protected] 806 Mass Ave., Cambridge Social Media: NORTH SHORE CHAPTER [Twitter] @SeniorActionMA When: 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30am [facebook] www.facebook.com/MassSeniorAction Location: 10 Church St., Lynn [flickr] www.flickr.com/MassSeniorAction METRO NORTH CHAPTER CONTRIBUTORS: When: 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm Edna Pruce - MSAC President Location: Malden Senior Community Center Carolyn Villers - MSAC Executive Director 7 Washington St. Malden Pam Edwards - MSAC Organizing Director Anna Tse - MSAC Staff GREATER SPRINGFIELD CHAPTER Lily Luo - MSAC Staff When: 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm Tracey Carpenter - MSAC Staff Location: Springfield Hobby Club Miriam Priven - MSAC Staff 309 Chestnut St. Springfield Brandon Gibbs- MSAC Staff BRISTOL COUNTY CHAPTER STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE When: 4th Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm Barbara Mann, President Location: St. George Church Hall Linda Moore, 1st Vice President 12 Highland Ave., Westport Edna Pruce, 2nd Vice President Rosa Bentley, Treasurer NORTH SEACOAST AFFILIATE When: 3rd Friday of the month at 10:00 am John Ratliff, Secretary Location: Newburyport Senior Center Karen Lynch, Membership Coordinator 331 High St., Newburyport, MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Enclosed are membership dues for: $10 1-year individual $15 1-year couple $50 individual lifetime $75 couple lifetime

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Make checks payable to: MSAC Mail to: Mass Senior Action, 108 Myrtle St., Suite 112, Quincy, MA 02171 3 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT by Edna Pruce Once again I would like to say “Blue Shirts” going to each I am humbled and honored office, urging them to support to serve as your President. Senior Action’s Medicare As a Boston chapter member, Savings Program by putting my first goal was to visit each it in the Senate Health Care chapter before the year’s Cost Containment bill. In the end. I’ve had the pleasure end, Senator L’italien agreed of sharing a little bit about to sponsor an amendment to myself and learning more the main bill. about Springfield, Metro dedication, and commitment North, Cambridge, North Out in Western of our entire team of MSAC Shore, and Bristol over the Massachusetts, our Springfield members and staff. The Senate past few months. chapter engaged their staffers told us that it made a local representatives in the big difference to see that over Since our Biennial healthcare campaign by 1,000 constituents signed our Convention, Senior Action hosting a Health Care Forum postcards! has really hit the ground which was well attended running! In October, we met by legislators and aides. In Our work is not done with Senate leadership to total there were more than because we have to get it discuss our Medicare Savings seven offices represented, through the House. But this Bill. Members came from including the co-chairs of the was a major victory! I am across the state to support healthcare committee Senator truly inspired by the work our Executive Director Welch and Representative of our organization, the Carolyn and me as we Kocot! members, and the staff. With testified before the Senate this first victory we have Committee on the Health Finally, on November 9, the shown how empowering Care Cost Containment and Senate debated and passed collective persistent action Reform. The sight of a sea the Health Care Cost can be through the leadership of blue shirts in that hearing Containment Bill with our of our members. Looking room, standing up with signs amendment added onto it, forward, we are going to supporting our Medicare at the last minute. That day, continue visiting the State Savings Program, while we were a presence in the House, knocking on the doors Carolyn and I were speaking Senate Chambers from 11 of our neighbors, and making really left an impression on AM to 4:30 PM awaiting the sure that our bill gets passed all the senators and staffers discussion of our amendment on the House side so that in that room. We followed up but it was not presented to together we can bridge the that momentum by visiting all the floor until 11:52 PM, just of the Senators offices from eight minutes before the Donate at: midnight deadline. It passed the Basement to the 5th floor. www.MassSeniorAction.org It was so inspiring to see the thanks to the hard work,

MISSION: As a democratic, grassroots, senior-run organization, Mass Senior Action is committed to empowering seniors and others to act collectively to promote the rights and well-being of all people, but particularly vulnerable seniors. 4 Senate continued from page 1 heard to ensure full victory. Dental Therapists: This provision introduces a dental therapist position in Mas- sachusetts for lower level procedures like cavity filling or teeth pulling. Many other states which have adopted this plan have seen great improvements to dental ac- MSAC President Edna Pruce MSAC members at Dental cess, affordability, and preven- and Executive Director Caro- Therapists hearing support- tive dental care for residents. lyn Villers testify at special ing more accessible and af- Therapists have been able to Health Care Cost Contain- forable dental care for all ment Committee bring much needed services change while also spelling out Because we had already been into the community. a simple and easy way to opt- fighting for increased access Increased Access to Hear- out. For more information see to the Medicare Savings Pro- our article on page 12. gram, we were able to get it ing Aids: This amendment included as an amendment increases access to hearing Medicare for All/Single sponsored by Senator L’Italian aids and improves consumer Payer Study: The Senate to the bill. experience by allowing their voted to study how the costs own doctors, who have inti- of a single-payer health care We also backed measures mate knowledge of their med- model would compare to the in the bill that would create ical history, to sell them their state’s current health care the role of Dental Therapists, aids. Prior to this amendment, spending. If the annual cost making dental care more ac- doctors were not allowed to estimate was lower than the cessible for Massachusetts sell hearing aids to patients current market-based health- residents, and advocated to in Massachusetts. Most often, care system, the Health Policy include more consumer pro- patients then have to go to Commission would then need tections as part of the new for-profit companies to get to submit “a proposed single passive enrollment initiative their costly but vitally neces- payer health care implementa- for Senior Care Options. The sary hearing aids. power of Senior Action was felt across the building and as Passive Enrollment in a result the bill includes: Senior Care Options Pro- gram: This measure would Expanding Medicare Sav- automatically enroll consum- ings Programs (MSAC’s ers who are on Medicare and Bridge The Gap Bill): This MassHealth into Senior Care amendment requires the Ex- Option (SCO) programs. ecutive Office of Elder Affairs SCOs offer additional ser- and the Executive Office of vices such as dental, eyecare, Health and Human Services and transportation. To make to develop a plan to increase sure every individual has the access to Medicare Savings ability to choose their own Programs by raising or elimi- care, Mass Senior Action nating the asset test and rais- worked hard to make sure Boston chapter members ing the level of income eligibil- that there were extra protec- Johnnie and Mary visit Sena- ity.The Senate amendment is tions to make sure seniors tor Dorcena Forry’s to get her a great first step but we know could continue to see their support for MSAC’s Medicare the voices of seniors must be own doctors when they first Savings Program amendment 5 SENIOR FORUM HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC DISPARITIES This October, MSAC’s Spring- of pocket costs of field-Western Mass chapter Medicare and lever- held a Senior Healthcare Fo- age more federal rum in which state legislators resources. Seniors heard from elders who are shared their per- “Living Below the Line.” Doz- sonal healthcare ens of seniors came together experiences and to give a first hand account of voiced the diffi- their challenges making ends culties that come meet, especially with the ris- with not qualify- ing cost of healthcare. At the ing for assistance forum, MSAC members spoke with Medicare costs, making to affordable healthcare for on the proposed legislation to a strong case for increas- seniors and ease the bur- “Bridge the Gap” to afford- ing access to that assistance den that weighs heavily upon able senior healthcare, which through MSPs. those who can afford it least. is currently pending in the MSAC members are leading Massachusetts Legislature. States legislators Ashe, Gon- zalez, Kocot, Tosado, Vega, Velis, the discussion with legislators Mass Senior Action Council Williams, Puppolo, and Welch, on how the Commonwealth hosted this Senior Healthcare as well as Senator Lesser’s should most effectively ad- Forum to show support for Chief of Staff attended the dress elder economic dispari- this “Bridge the Gap” legisla- forum to listen to the seniors ties through measures that tion to draw attention to the voice their support and need would support economic fact that Massachusetts needs for the “’Bridge the Gap” security for seniors. to address elder economic health care bills (S.640 & H. Last month, the Senate voted disparity - currently in the 615). to pass a comprehensive Commonwealth, 6 in 10 se- health care cost contain- niors living alone do not have Mattie Lacewell, MSAC Great- er Springfield Chapter Vice ment bill. This bill included the income to meet their an amendment that would basic needs. President and forum mod- erator, established a reflec- expand Medicare Savings This issue was strongly em- tive tone as she shared her Programs (an extension of phasized through forum at- thoughts on a meeting with MSAC’s Bridge the Gap Bill). It tendee Johnetta Baymen’s Representative Kocot, House also includes dozens of provi- statement to 22News. Her Chair of the Healthcare Fi- sions aimed at lowering health assertion conveyed the grow- nance Committee. She said it care spending in Massachu- ing reality of elder economic was an opportunity to discuss setts while increasing access insecurity: “the challenges our concerns and our plans to high quality health care. would be, should I eat, should to address them. While he The Senate amendment is a I buy my medication, or raised many questions dur- great first step, but we know should I have a roof over my ing the meeting, “why haven’t that the voices of seniors head? Because these are the we done this yet?” was one must be heard to ensure full major issues.” question that stuck with many victory! of the participants. It was Seniors and advocates dis- The House is currently work- the question that resonated ing on its healthcare measures cussed the importance of throughout the forum as we investing in Medicare Sav- which are expected to be heard the support of legisla- released in the 2018 session. ing Programs (MSPs), a plan tors who pledged to work that will help with the out with us to bridge the gap 6 2017 Biennial Convention MASS SENIORS TAKE CHARGE! Over 100 Mass Senior Action members convened in Quincy on October 11th for a day of learning, gaining skills, and building senior power! Members attended workshops on topics ranging from the history of social security to best practices for recruiting and connecting with members. One workshop took a deeper look at the details of economic insecurity among seniors in order for us to ground ourselves in the truth that our New MSAC state officers taking their oath at struggles as elders are not ours alone -- in the convention fact, we know that 6 in 10 seniors living alone Action, and we know they will support the in Massachusetts do not have the income to membership to be able to fight even harder meet their basic needs. This makes it obvious in the next few years! To find out more about -- Massachusetts seniors are being failed by your new officers, read on for their bios: a system meant to support us. Armed with Edna Pruce - President this truth -- and with new skills from the I am a proud member of Mass Senior Action convention’s lobby training workshop -- Mass and I am a veteran community activist. While Senior Action members are ready to get out in Basic training in the Air Force Nurse Corps and fight for affordable health care and transit in Montgomery, Alabama I witnessed the bus for all Massachusetts seniors! boycotts as result of Rosa Parks’ action and We will be bringing some of these workshops remember listening to Dr. Martin Luther King -- and others -- out to our chapters in the Jr. speaking to the people and urging them coming months! See back page for more to continue on until justice was won. This details! experience left a profound impression on me At our convention, members also elected and my commitment to social justice. new member-leaders to our State Board of I have been so moved by the passion and officials. We are thrilled about the energy commitment of the members of Mass Senior and vision they are bringing to Mass Senior action in their pursuit of social justice. I now know what organized seniors are capable of, and I am inspired by the dedication and commitment of my elder peers to bring about empowerment and change for all elder Americans.

Kathleen Paul - 1st Vice President I joined Mass Senior Action over 10 years ago but my activism started long before my MSAC membership. I have always fought for the underdog. In my school years growing up Members across the state come together in Cambridge and as a Mother of 5 children, I for a day of elections, workshops, and wanted to find justice in every situation. I was celebration! 7 raising children in Boston and fighting with with the elderly, and low-income and poor other parents to ensure all children received a people. I decided that I wanted to be part of decent education. When the busing of children this organization which helps people in need. started, I witnessed angry people shouting During my second year of membership I nasty names to small children who were only decided to become a lifetime member; I have trying to go to school. I rode those buses been attending State Board meetings for more and escorted the children to their school and than a year now. tried to block them from the hate. It was not popular and it was not easy but those kids John Ratliff: Secretary needed someone to stand with them and I have been an activist much of my life in I was glad to be there to give a hug or just the anti-war, civil rights, labor, and LGBTQ block some of the ugliness they were being movements. When I retired to Massachusetts exposed to. I love Mass Senior Action Council 5 years ago, I was looking for an effective because we look out for the underdog. I group of seasoned activists standing up for am proud to wear my blue shirt and stand the rights of seniors and for justice for all. A beside my brothers and sisters for quality friend introduced me to Mass Senior Action transportation, affordable housing, and access Council, and I knew I had found my sisters and to health care. brothers in struggle. I have been active in the Cambridge chapter where I served a term as Linda Moore - 2nd Vice President membership coordinator. I have been active I joined Mass Senior Action 10 years ago with the Statewide Healthcare Campaign after attending a meeting about how tenants steering committee which I represented can organize together and how MSAC was on the state Board. In 2015 I was elected “fighting the good fight.” I decided to get Secretary and have served in that position on involved in the Boston Chapter Board as the state board and executive committee. I am President because I wanted to keep MSAC also active with with Mass. Peace Action, Mass. moving in that direction. I also love being on Alliance of Retired Americans, the Cambridge the State Board, where I’ve served as vice Peace Commission and Mayor’s advisory president for the past two years because I get committee to do things that I would never get the chance to do otherwise--helping people out in the Karen Lynch-Membership Coordinator unique way MSAC does. More than anything I I am a retired nurse and was introduced to am excited to continue working with you all MSAC by Howard McGowan, an old friend to make MSAC stronger for all seniors and for who has now passed. He told me it was so our community. right for me. And I must say, I think he was right. I am so glad to be a part of such a great Rosa Bentley -Treasurer organization fighting for the rights of senior I was born and raised in Alabama and came citizens. Presently, I am the president of the to Boston in 1964 after graduating from metro north chapter, based in Malden. Last year, I was nominated, and fortunately, got high school. I’ve lived in Lynn since 1996. I the position of membership coordinator for retired in 2010 after working for the State the state board. It has been a very busy year, of Massachusetts for over 30 years. After I and I feel there is still so much to do. I know retired I started going to the senior center that recruitment and new members are so in Lynn, and that’s where I first heard about important to the strength and continuation of MSAC. I decided to join as a member after MSAC. We all need each other to go ahead going to a transportation hearing at the State with our goals and to preserve seniors rights. House. Attending events like those really opened my eyes to the great work being done 8 MASS SENIOR ACTION ACTIVE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS Leading up to the November In Lynn, members held a 7th elections, Mass Senior forum between the two Action organized and candidates running for participated in many candidate Mayor, Senator McGee and forums across the state. In Mayor Kennedy. Senator cities like Lynn, Boston, and McGee ended up winning Malden, Mass Senior Action the mayoral race, unseating members were out in their Mayor Kennedy. Members communities informing people asked the candidates about of the issues so they could the city budget deficit and The Boston Chapter hosted enter the voting booths fully the great need for affordable candidates for District 7 City informed on where each housing and improved services Council seat candidate stood on the issues like a larger senior center that matter to seniors. to support the large, diverse earlier this year, and Steve senior community. Mayor Elect Winslow coming on as a new On October 12, The Boston McGee stated his plan is to Councilor At Large replacing chapter held a forum between work with community groups Councilor D’Arcangelo. Both the two finalists of the District like MSAC to address the the City Council and the 7 City Council race, Rufus budget concerns and improve School Committee will have Faulk and Kim Janey. Members the senior center. bootcamp graduates serving asked them questions, the community and increased focusing on community safety, In Malden, Mass Senior Action voter participation. After all, gentrification, and the lack of members participated in three the only way a democracy attention the District receives forums held by MATV, the works is when the people from both the city and state local public access television participate in the process. officials. Kim Janey ended up station with candidates from winning that seat, replacing all the contested City Council All across the Commonwealth, Councilor Tito Jackson. Both Wards and for the three At- Mass Senior Action members candidates committed to a Large seats. Metro North turned out to vote and close relationship with MSAC members asked each candidate volunteered at the polls in and the members plan to hold about top issues that had their local elections. Mass newly elected Janey to her showed in the results of the Senior Action firmly believes promise. Citizen’s Survey that the that participation matters chapter had taken of Malden in elections, where a few residents: Affordable Housing, dozen votes can make a big Aging Supports, and Language difference. For 37 years, MSAC Access. Last Fall, MSAC members have encouraged hosted a series of “candidate their fellow citizens to bootcamps.” These community exercise their right to vote workshops set a goal to and stay informed about the enlighten citizens on the basics local issues that impact them of running for local office. the most. Your vote allows The workshops resulted in us to lead the charge on the several contested races by first important issues like more time candidates. The election affordable housing, healthcare, Metro North President Karen Lynch asks City Council results saw newcomer David and transportation! People candidates in Malden about Camell replacing Councilor power at the polls! affordable housing Kinnon who vacated his seat 9 RIDE DISPATCH LOSES CONTRACT MSAC MEMBERS ADVOCATE FOR QUALITY SERVICE Anyone who uses the RIDE will be quick to tell you that the transition to a new centralized call center has been a rough ride. Custom- ers have experienced long delays, missed trips, and fre- quent confusion. Beginning in February of 2017, the MBTA began shifting reservations and dispatch from transportation providers to a new central call center. The 38.5 million dollar contract with Members at the October MBTA board meeting supporting Global Contract Services was pilot study for 24 hour bus service which will enable service supposed to make the RIDE industry workers to get home safely more cost effective while im- Board (FMCB) through their proving services. This has not with financial penalties if it personal testimony and call been the experience of many fails to meet these standard. for action. who have used the new call To incentivize GCS employees to keep working during center. Naomi Gray, a Bos- The FMCB committed to the transition, employees will ton chapter member recalled closely monitor the situation have the opportunity to work a day when her ride home while MBTA staff and man- for the next contractor if job from church didn’t show up, agement worked to help the performance standards are evidently picking up a differ- contractor improve service. met. Additionally, the T has ent passenger in her place.“I Now, months later, overall assigned its own staff to sta- called and they said they had performance has improved bilize dispatching. The FMCB picked me up,” Gray said. “I but there continue to be has also mandated the new said, ‘No, they didn’t pick me incidents of complete failure contract to address promised up. I’m still here.’ ” and GCS has not been able to pickup and delivery times achieve the benchmarks ex- In June, shortly after the sec- before the new company is pected through their contract. ond transportation company, allowed to take control over By June of 2017, GCS was GLSS, transitioned into the the system. Nevertheless, fined over $100,000 for failing new call center MSAC mem- Commonwealth taxpayers to meet contract standards. bers sounded the alarm, “This are footing the bill for outside service is unacceptable, unre- In December, the MBTA an- consultants to assess how liable, and putting people at nounced it would end its badly contractors wrecked risk,” said north shore mem- Global Contract Services things. The muti-million, multi ber Kathy Paul, “We don’t (GCS) contract with more year project was projected to take it - we take charge.” than two years early. The save the T 40 million dollars Dozens of MSAC members MBTA is looking to secure a by 2020. Instead The T is cur- joined by activists within the new vendor by March 2018 rently 13 Million dollars over disability community helped with dispatches starting in budget for the RIDE in this bring this crisis to the atten- June. In the interim, GCS will year alone. tion of the public and the continue operating with strict MSAC has embraced the Fiscal Management Control performance measures along Continued on page 11 10 CONGRESS PASSES TAX CUT FOR WEALTHY DONORS SENIORS HURT BY NEW TAX CODES The week before Christmas, to spike. The tax bill also has tries even invest tax dollars both the House and the Sen- a clause that allows drilling in into college and other post ate passed the Tax and Jobs the arctic reserves. It is pro- high school training because Act which President Trump is jected that tax bill will have those governments under- expected to sign in early Janu- severe consequences and stand an educated population ary. The first tax overhaul in destroy funding for affordable is key to a successful democ- over 30 years snaked through housing. For Massachusetts racy. closed-door meetings, then residents, the senate’s tax oozed through both cham- plan may lower home values Without taxes all of these bers in just 47 days with zero due to reductions in popular items are in jeopardy. In local democrats supporting, zero deductions like the state and communities people are upset public comment and lots of local tax (SALT) deduction about crime and the lack of a last minute additions. and home mortgage interest community supports to ad- deduction. SALT and home dress the opioid crisis, this The tax bill would increase mortgage deductions grant plan cuts both tools to battle the national debt by at least Massachusetts taxpayers the the drug epidemic and federal $1 trillion, even after account- ability to benefit from the funds for first responders. As ing for potential economic state’s high cost of living when the cost of healthcare con- growth. It would also drive filing their taxes. tinues to rise, these tax cuts up the yearly deficit through will gut both the Medicare tax cuts that primarily ben- and Medicaid budgets. The tax efit the wealthiest Americans Senator Warren, “Let’s plan sounds like some people and large corporations. This is call this out for what it will have a little more money likely to lead to drastic cuts is-it’s government for in their pocket but will that to Medicaid, Medicare, Social sale” be enough to pay for the ser- Security and other programs vices we lose? on which older adults rely. Understanding taxes can be Both Massachusetts Sena- From the Senate floor, Mas- difficult but it really is simple tors Elizabeth Warren and sachusetts Senator Elizabeth math. When we hear “tax Ed Markey have come out Warren called out her Repub- cuts” many Americans think strong against this plan along lican colleagues for prioritiz- this will benefit them and with the MA Congressional ing the interests of wealthy paying taxes is an unnecessary delegation. You can contact donors over the American burden. Mass Senior Action your friends and relatives who people. “Let’s call this out for understand taxes are needed live outside of Massachusetts what it is — it’s government and when allocated to the and ask them to contact their for sale. That’s how you end community correctly, taxes elected officials in their state up with a $1.5 trillion tax can do a lot of good. Taxes to protest the giveaway to bil- giveaway to corporations at pay for home care which al- lionaires disguised as a tax cut. a time of record corporate lows seniors and the disabled Also, we can all call President profit” says Warren. to stay in their home rather Trump and tell him no one voted to cut Social Security, Tucked into this tax overhaul than being forced into much more expensive institutional Medicare, and Medicaid. Peo- are many sneaky and harm- ple power can defeat this as- ful provisions such as the care like nursing homes. Taxes support public education and sault to democracy. It is time abolishment of the individual for all of us to get active. insurance mandate, which will ensures every child has access cause healthcare premiums to education and some coun- 11 HARD AT WORK: MSAC SUPPORTS OUR PARTNERS IN LABOR MSAC alley and long time about their strategy of tak- partner, Mass Nurses Associa- ing this vote directly to the tion have been working on a people rather than pushing ballot initiative for safe pa- through a long process in the tient limits, otherwise known State House, which means as safe staffing. Representa- they need many signatures to tives joined our Cambridge get this issue on the ballot! Chapter this past October to MSAC members volunteered speak on this campaign, where to help collect signatures in a nurse spoke about her ex- their communities and gave perience of being overworked an official endorsement as the and is not only overworked Cambridge chapter, in addi- but is encouraged not to give tion to the endorsement that Bristol chapter members the kind of care that is best Mass Senior Action as a whole Joan and Leo supporting fair for each individual patient in has made to longtime partner overtime pay order to see the number of MNA. -- as parents, grandparents, patients she is expected to retired workers - union and see. MSAC members brought Meanwhile, Raise Up Mass is not - of every sector both up their own stories of be- working on a dual strategy private and public, from health ing in the nursing field as well of pushing for a ballot initia- to transit to teaching -- MSAC as being a patient relying on tive as well as advocating for stands with working people nurses, and felt no hesitation legislation to win $15 mini- of all ages who are fighting in resonating with the need mum wage in Massachusetts for labor rights, job security, a for safe patient limits. Mass as well as Paid Family & Medi- fair wage, a union, and time to Nurses Association also spoke cal Leave. MSAC members be with and take care of their don’t need any convincing families. Continued from page 9 lic meeting, MSAC member ahead for the MBTA and its Rosa Bentley cautioned Board riders and MSAC is commit- idea of the central call cen- members, “When private ted to ensure that community ter because of the potential companies come in trying to voices are heard throughout improvements and cost sav- offer the lowest bid they of- the process. The decision to ings, but as we have seen ten look to make their profits end the contract with GCS it is critical that Ride users off the backs of the workers proves participation matters and seniors have a voice in which ultimately rests on the and that when we speak out the process. The MBTA deci- backs of the customers in the together, we can make our sion to remove GCS and the level of service provided. As community better for every- FMCB’s continuous comments you continue to face hard de- one. With your voice we can applauding the community cisions about how to ensure ensure public transit remains input is a clear example of our public dollars are being a public good. senior power in action.This used for the public good we decision also highlights that ask that you also remember If you have had a problem private companies with their that workers are part of the with your RIDE EXPERIENCE, promises of costs savings and public too. Our public dollars Contact the MBTA complaint efficiencies are not a quick should be supporting quality line 617-222-5123 and also solution to the challenges that jobs that can be a foundation tell your local MSAC orga- face the T. for families to grow”. nizer. During a recent MBTA pub- There are still many changes 12 SENATE VOTES TO EXPAND SERVICES FOR SENIORS PASSIVE ENROLLMENT AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU If you are “dual-eligible,” SCO’s offer all of the same What does a SCO cover? enrolled in MassHealth and benefits as MassHealth and SCO plans pay for all the ser- Medicare, the way you choose Medicare at no cost but are vices covered under Medicare your healthcare may be also able to provide additional changing. Since 2003, individu- benefits to beneficiaries. The and MassHealth. als who are dual-eligible have benefits are slightly different What are SCO Benefits? had the option to navigate the for each individual and across •Doctor appointments healthcare system on their the plans but some benefits •Rides for appointments own or to enroll into a Se- include free prescriptions and •$0 Prescription and over- nior Care Option Plan (SCO) over the counter medication, the-counter drugs which provides coordinated free transportation to medical care. (See list below). appointments, comprehensive •Vision services dental, eye, and hearing care in •Dental care, including den- These plans contract with a addition to supports based on tures Senior Service Organization your needs like gym member- •24/7 phone access to a team to provide coordinated care ships or an air conditioner. who can answer your health in your community with zero Over the years there have care questions or give you co-payments. The six SCO been several attempts to im- the information you may need plans available are: plement “passive enrollment” Who is eligible? Boston Medical Center into SCO plans for individual Individuals over the age of 65 HealthNet Plan who are dual-eligible. Passive and on MassHealth and Medi- enrollment means that se- 1-855-833-8124 (TTY: 1-866- niors would be automatically care. 765-0055) be enrolled into one of the Richard “Smitty” Smith shared SeniorsGetMore.org 6 plans unless they actively why he is happy with his SCO Commonwealth Care Al- say they don’t want to. In the provider, “SCO is the best liance past Mass Senior Action has thing that has happened to me strongly opposed such efforts since I retired. I have a nurse 1-866-610-2273 (TRS: 711) on call, they were there each commonwealthcaresco.org because there was a range of experiences with each SCO step of my knee replacement, NaviCare (HMO) and for some it would require and most recently took care 1-877-255-7108 (TRS: 711) a change of doctor. of my bypass. I do not have to www.navicare.org worry about co-pays or even This proposal for passive Senior Whole Health transportation to the doctor. enrollment into SCO’s has SCO is a god-send.” 1-888-566-3526 (TRS: 711) been proposed by the Gov- SeniorWholeHealth.com ernor, the Senate and appears MSAC’s leadership decided Tufts Health Plan Senior to have support in the House. not to oppose passive enroll- Care Options In the recent debate over the ment as long as there were strong protections for seniors. 1-855-880-0056 (TTY: 1-855- Massachusetts Senate Health Care Cost containment bill, Two key protections were 670-5940) Mass Senior Action decided to to ensure seniors who did www.thpmp.org/sco reevaluate its position based not want to enroll in a SCO UnitedHealthCare on the positive experiences would have an easy way to 1-855-517-3462 (TRS: 711) and feedback from members opt out and secondly that UHCCommunityPlan.com who have been enrolled in once enrolled individuals SCO’s. North Shore member could Continued on page 13 13 SENIOR CENTER CLOSING, OUTRAGES COMMUNITY

SPRINGFIELD –In October and it will operate until the MSAC Western MA Leaders members took to the steps new Raymond Jordan Senior are meeting with the Mayor of Springfield City Hall to Center goes online. to raise the concerns of the protest being left in limbo seniors who are without ser- by the Mayor’s plan to close The Mayor did send a life line vice and pushing for the city several senior centers in but only for 6 weeks. The Ma- to listen to those who are advance of the new, centrally son Wright center was closed affected before putting a plan located center opening. The the week before thanksgiv- into place. closing left seniors without ing and the new center is still the low-cost lunch provided not open. Seniors are left in Springfield Chapter President by Greater Springfield Senior the dark as to when it will be Vivian Moulden, “We will not Services, the brown bag food functional and do not know give up until the Springfield program, and the daily social the city’s transportation plan senior voice is respected. We and healthy living support to provide seniors access. are not children, you can’t provided by these centers. “No one would do this to an show us a shiny object like After the protest, Springfield elementary school this way,” the potential new center and Mayor Domenic Sarno issued said Lynn Hallowell, one of expect us to fall into place. a statement in which he said the seniors who spoke to We are voters, homeowners, he apologized for any confu- reporters. “You don’t set up and contributors and most of sion, and announced that a program and have it provide all we won’t be discarded.” a temporary space for the for people in need and then senior center has been found take it out from under them.” Continued from page 12 SCO service you can choose or until they sign a care plan to go back to your original or opt out. maintain all of their current basic care. providers even if they were As the debate moves on to out of network for the first The final Senate bill sup- the House it is important 90 days while they made a ported Mass Senior Action’s to make sure your voices decision whether to remain in position including language are heard. If you are on the SCO or to go back to us- that seniors could opt out by MassHealth and Medicare ing Medicare and Masshealth phone, mail, and in-person. let us know what you think. on their own. Simply, you can The legislation also ensured If you you are enrolled in a try a SCO and keep your individuals would have the SCO share your experiences. Doctor for at least 90 days. If right to keep all their current you do not like the services for the first 90 days 14 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

MSAC Bristol President George Smith was Boston chapter members making history at their honored at Coastline’s 40th anniversary for holiday party with reindeer skit all of his hard work and dedication to senior issues. Here he is pictured with State Sena- tor Mark Montigny, Coastline CEO Paula Shiner, and City Councilor Linda Morad

The Cambridge Somerville chapter listens as newly elected President Edna Pruce in- North Shore chapter members protest the troduces herself and outlines her vision for closing of the local housing court in Lynn the next year of senior action! 15

North Shore chapter Josephine and her husband, 5 member Josephine has spent children including an adopted her entire life working to son moved to the United make her community better. States in the mid seventies. Josephine grew up in Trinidad. Josephine’s daughter has As a young person, Josephine a mental illness, and this would go house to house in diagnosis led Josephine to join her neighborhood to collect efforts to support disabled toys and clothes for the local children and adults. Josephine children at Christmas time. shared, “these people try so Josephine said, “My heart has hard to be able to do basic always gone out to children tasks we all take for granted. and seniors.” I know how difficult it can sometimes be to understand Josephine’s parents died when my daughter’s illness and I Josephine attended as many she was a young child which want to be there for other MSAC workshops as she left her being raised by her parents and children going could to understand the older brother. “It was very through the same trials we MSAC basics and gather tools hard growing up without my do.” to build the senior voice. The Mom and Dad. I think that chapter knows Josephine is why I am always willing to The busy life of working is the “go to” person for listen when I meet people and raising children did not collecting post cards and going through a rough time. hinder Josephine’s desire to selling raffle tickets. I know what it is like to feel help people and improve alone and just wish someone the community. Josephine Josephine summed up why was there to listen.” started her volunteerism MSAC is important, “At with the St. Vincent DePaul MSAC we work on so many dedicating time to help those issues that affect so many who are in need of shelter seniors. When we win, so or a little help to get through many lives are changed for until the next paycheck. the better. A lot more should Her St. Vincent friend, Rose join in the fight. I know when I Ellen McGarvey, introduced have had challenges in my life; her to Mass Senior Action it gives me a good feeling to Council 8 years ago. Josephine help others. At MSAC we not remembered, “I went to one only help ourselves but we MSAC meeting and thought help the entire community.” this group provides so much information for seniors. I was very impressed.” 16 Upcoming Dates for Workshops UPCOMING WORKSHOPS New Officers Training - experiences into a story Wednesday, January 31st. that will impact listeners, and Missed our Biennial how to tell that story with Convention? Went to the What does a membership confidence. Convention but couldn’t make coordinator do, anyway? one of the workshops that Or a president, for that Lobby Training - Thursday, caught your eye? Never heard matter? This will be a day March 29th. of our workshops before this of workshops for members moment? who have just joined their Learn from experienced local board or who have just lobbyists how to speak to Have no fear! More shifted into a new role on your legislators about the workshops are on their way -- their board. issues that are important to some old favorites, and some you. This workshop is open to new! Public Speaking - Tuesday, all! February 20th. All workshops will be Open to all -- get tips on held at the MSAC office at how to speak in front of 108 Myrtle St. in Quincy. others, how to frame your Transportation available.

Barbara “Cookie” Cooke, beloved organizer at Mass Se- nior Action is now battling cancer. She put so much into

Boston, MA helping Mass Senior Action-now it’s time to help her! Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Permit No. 55361 If you are able to give, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made out and sent to:

Barbara Cooke 48 White St Taunton, MA 02780

Senior Action Leader 108 Myrtle 112 , Suite Street Quincy 02171 , MA